Twice Baked Potato Casserole - The Recipe Critic (2024)

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Introducing the BEST twice baked potato casserole you will ever make! Loaded with tender baked potatoes, bacon, and cheese then baked together in a delicious creamy casserole.

I always have potatoes on hand because they are perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some of our favorite recipes are potato-based and I know you’ll love them too! Make this hashbrown casserole for breakfast, this soup for lunch, or this steak bites and potatoes for dinner.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole - The Recipe Critic (1)

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Skip the time it takes to load up each individual potato just to bake them twice! This easy twice baked potato casserole is the answer to giving you more time in the kitchen. Throw all of your ingredients into a bowl and mix until creamy. Place it into a casserole dish and you have a simplified version that everyone will love.

Let’s talk casseroles. There is just something so comforting and delicious about a warm homemade casserole. They’re also easy because it’s baked and served in one big dish. Easy for transporting and convenient for clean up. Try this incredible breakfast casserole, this popular chicken casserole, or my favorite poppyseed casserole. You will LOVE them all!

Ingredients Needed

This is all you need to make an irresistible twice baked potato casserole! The best part about this recipe is that you can prep the potatoes ahead of time! Then assembling the potatoes only takes minutes. You can find measurements for each ingredient in the recipe card below.

  • Russet Potatoes: Perfect for mashing, but any kind of potatoes will work.
  • Oil: For rubbing on the potatoes before they bake.
  • Bacon: Cooked and crumbled.
  • Butter:Salt butter is best in this recipe. Potatoes need a lot of salt and seasonings.
  • Sour Cream: Makes the potatoes creamy and delicious.
  • Half and Half: You can also use milk.
  • Cheddar Cheese:Cheese is a must with twice baked potatoes. The cheesy layer on top is my favorite!
  • Onion Powder: Adds flavor to the potatoes
  • Kosher Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
  • Green Onions: Garnish with green onions on top!

Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

This cheesy hashbrown casserole is something that anyone can make! It’s so easy but turns out perfectly every time. Your friends and family won’t be able to resist the creamy, cheesy goodness.

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Prepare and Bake the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean then wipe them dry and rub them with olive oil. Prick the potatoes with a fork to help release steam as they bake. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, or until tender.
  3. Cook the Bacon: Cook and crumble the bacon. Reserve 1/4 cup for the top of the casserole.
  4. Adjust the Oven Temperature: Once the potatoes are done cooking, remove them from the oven then decrease the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  5. Peel the Potatoes: Remove the skins from the potatoes. Cut them into chunks and add them to a large mixing bowl.
  6. Add the Butter, Sour Cream, Half and Half, and Seasonings: Add the butter, sour cream, half and half, shredded cheese, onion powder, and salt and pepper.
  7. Mix Potatoes and Ingredients: Smash the potatoes with a potato masher or electric hand mixer until combined and creamy.
  8. Stir in the Cheese and Bacon: Fold in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese and 1/2 cup bacon crumbles.
  9. Add Potato Mixture to a Baking Dish: Add the potato mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13 baking dish.
  10. Top With Cheese and Bacon: Top the casserole with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and reserved bacon.
  11. Bake and Enjoy: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole - The Recipe Critic (2)

Twice Baked Potato Casserole Variations

The great thing about casseroles is that there are so many delicious ways to customize them. Here are some of my favorite add-ins and variations to make your twice baked potato casserole extra special!

  • Swap the Cheese:Colby Jack is a great substitute for cheddar. If you want a little heat, you can also swap out your cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
  • Add-Ins:Add jalapenos for a little heat. You can also add cookedshredded chicken for a hearty meal!
Twice Baked Potato Casserole - The Recipe Critic (3)

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This twice baked potato casserole makes the BEST leftovers! We like them better the next day anyway because the flavors get tastier. Follow my instructions below for storing and reheating leftovers.

  • In the Refrigerator: Stored in the refrigerator, your casserole will last for 4-5 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container for the best results!
  • To Reheat: Pop your casserole in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also warm up individual slices in the microwave with 15-30-second cooking intervals.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole - The Recipe Critic (4)

Serve With These Delicious Recipes

This twice baked potato casserole is the perfect side dish! From potlucks to Christmas dinner, it goes with any kind of meal. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and feeds a lot. Serve it with any of these recipes below and it’s sure to be a hit! I can’t wait for you to try them.

Dinner

Perfect Air Fryer Steak

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Tender and Juicy Air Fryer Chicken

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Dinner

Fall off the Bone Slow Cooker Ribs

6 hrs 20 mins

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Twice Baked Potato Casserole

5 from 1 vote

By: Alyssa Rivers

Introducing the BEST twice baked potato casserole you will ever make! Loaded with tender baked potatoes, bacon, and cheese then baked together in a delicious creamy casserole.

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 10 people

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Scrub the potatoes clean. Wipe them dry and rub them with olive oil. Prick the potatoes with a fork to help release steam as they bake. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, or until tender.

  • Cook and crumble the bacon. Reserve 1/4 cup for the top of the casserole.

  • Once the potatoes are done cooking, remove them from the oven then decrease the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Remove the skins from the potatoes. Cut them into chunks and add them to a large mixing bowl.

  • Add the butter, sour cream, half and half, onion powder, and salt and pepper.

  • Smash the potatoes with a potato masher or electric hand mixer until combined and creamy.

  • Stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese and 1/2 cup bacon crumbles.

  • Add the potatoes mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13 baking dish.

  • Top the casserole with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and reserved bacon.

  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

  • Top with sliced green onions and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 564kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 14gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 786mgPotassium: 1084mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 928IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 247mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish

Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Alyssa Rivers and the food blogger behind The Recipe Critic. The blog launched in 2012 as a place to share my passion for cooking. I love trying new things and testing them out with my family. Each recipe is tried and true, family-tested and approved.

Read More About Me

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Twice Baked Potato Casserole - The Recipe Critic (2024)

FAQs

Why are my twice-baked potatoes falling apart? ›

Do not wrap the potatoes in foil before baking. It softens the shells and will make them fall apart. Baking them unwrapped makes the skins crispy and stronger, which will help keep the potatoes together when scooping out the flesh and filling them.

Why are my twice-baked potatoes gummy? ›

Tip: Don't over mix the potato filling. Over-mixing causes mashed potatoes to become gluey instead of light and fluffy. To Make Ahead: Prepare potatoes completely, without baking them the second time. Place them on a large sheet pan, lightly cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to one day, until ready to bake.

Why do baked potatoes taste better in restaurants? ›

Sans the foil, chefs typically coat the outside of the potatoes with some olive oil. As briefly mentioned, drizzling the well-seasoned outer shell with olive oil creates an even crispier outside that compliments the extra fluffy inside of the potato.

Do you cover twice-baked potatoes when reheating? ›

If you want to use a conventional oven to reheat them, place any leftover potatoes on a baking sheet and over with foil. Bake at 425 degrees Farenheit for about 15 minutes. My favorite way to reheat them, though, is in the air fryer.

Can you eat the skin of a twice baked potato? ›

Can You Eat the Skins? The skins of twice-baked potatoes can absolutely be eaten. They are salted and crispy and are absolutely excellent to eat. In addition, there is quite a bit of nutrient in the potato skins.

What to serve with a twice baked potato? ›

The best side dishes to serve with twice-baked potatoes are Mississippi pot roast, chicken drumsticks, roasted duck, braised beef, vegetarian chili, kalua pork, lamb chops, grilled salmon, roasted vegetables, shrimp scampi, steak, chicken Caesar salad, BBQ ribs, mushroom gravy, and green beans almondine.

How long can twice baked potatoes sit out? ›

You want to be able to eat your potato without worrying if you are going to get food poisoning or botulism. Here's how you can ensure that your baked potatoes are safe to eat. DON'T let your potato sit out in the open at room temperature for over four hours regardless of whether or not it is wrapped in aluminum foil.

Why are my twice baked potatoes runny? ›

The likely cause of runny potatoes is too much liquid.

What is the difference between baked potato and twice baked potato? ›

What Is the Difference Between a Baked Potato and a Twice-Baked Potato? Baked potatoes are whole potatoes (usually russet or Idaho) baked until the insides are tender and fluffy. Twice-baked potatoes take two trips into the oven. First the potatoes are baked until soft and tender on the inside.

What kind of potato is best for mashed potatoes? ›

The best potatoes for mashed potatoes are a starchy varieties like russet, Idaho or Yukon gold. Starchy potatoes are best for mashed potatoes because they have a fluffy, almost airy texture that breaks down easily.

Why do my baked potatoes always come out hard? ›

Potatoes need to cook all the way through, and the best way for that to happen is to make sure the hot air can get to the potato from all sides. If a potato bakes with one side touching a sheet pan, you'll get a hard spot and possibly uneven cooking. Place a thin wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet.

Should I poke holes in my baked potato before I bake it? ›

"Yes, it's good to prick them," Smith told Food52. "It pokes holes in the skin, which allows steam to escape. Otherwise, they could explode—it doesn't happen all the time, but it happens every once in a while.

Why do restaurants put salt on the outside of baked potatoes? ›

Why is it common to salt the exterior of a baked potato? A: Chefs started doing this years ago to allow the salt to absorb or draw out the moisture of the potato while baking, which results in a dry, fluffy potato. They used to do something similar with prime rib, sometimes baking it over rock salt.

Is it better to bake a potato at 350 or 400? ›

We recommend baking potatoes at 400 degrees F for about an hour. Smaller spuds might take a little less time, while larger baking potatoes over 1 pound might take a little more. For a fully baked Idaho Russet Burbank, the internal temperature should be right at 210 degrees F.

How does Gordon Ramsay make smashed potatoes? ›

Gordon Ramsay's Smashed Potatoes are made with baby potatoes, olive oil, herbs like rosemary or thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper this dish serves 8 and takes about 1 hour, including boiling and roasting for a crispy exterior.

Can I bake potatoes ahead of time and reheat? ›

Cool baked potatoes completely, place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and refrigerate them. The USDA says they can be safely refrigerated for 3 to 4 days. Like all foods that have been cooked and cooled, potatoes should be reheated to at least 165 degrees F.

Are twice cooked potatoes good for you? ›

Potatoes are a versatile and nutritious food that offer a variety of health benefits. Double cooking potatoes can improve the absorption of starch-based carbohydrates, encourage SCFA production, and promote gut health and weight loss.

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