October 19, 2023
Review RecipeTwice Baked Potato Casserole
Table of Contents
The twice baked potato casserole is a recipe made famous by the likes of Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond and Paula Deen. This tasty way to make a potato casserole is simple to make and saves time, but you still get all that creamy, cheesy flavor!
Twice Baked Potato Casserole Ingredients
This twice baked potato casserole is a rich and comforting dish featuring crispy russet potatoes, white onion, and a blend of dill and parsley for a burst of freshness.
The creaminess comes from sour cream and cheddar cheese, while bacon adds a savory crunch.
You’ll need:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of cracked black pepper
- ¼ cup of chopped fresh dill
- ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of real bacon, crumbled
- 1½ cups of sour cream, full fat
Substitutions And Additions
RUSSET POTATOES: You can substitute the Russet potatoes for any starchy variety to still get the same effect.
Another popular potato variety for this kind of recipe is Yukon Gold. Avoid red or new potatoes.
CHEDDAR CHEESE: If you don’t have cheddar cheese handy, you can use other cheeses that cook well, such as Mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
They might not have quite as much flavor as the cheddar, but they will work just as well in the recipe.
ONION: Swap the white onion with red onion for a slightly sweeter and more colorful alternative.
If you prefer a milder onion flavor, use green onions (scallions) or shallots.
You can also caramelize the onions before adding them to the casserole for a richer, sweeter taste.
SEASONINGS: Garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of cayenne pepper can add depth and a hint of heat.
Smoked paprika can infuse a smoky undertone, while a sprinkle of nutmeg can provide a warm, aromatic note.
How To Make This Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
STEP ONE: Wash and dry all potatoes. Use a fork to poke holes on all sides of potatoes.
STEP TWO: Place two potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for three minutes.
Flip potatoes over and cook for another three minutes or until tender. Repeat these steps with the other two potatoes.
Let the potatoes cool before moving on to the next step.
PRO TIP:
If you prefer to cook these in the oven, then you can. Cook them for around 40 minutes. For a make-ahead meal, you can prepare the potatoes, cook them, cool them, and keep them in the fridge for two to three days until you make the casserole.
STEP THREE: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
STEP FOUR: Cut each cooled potato into quarters.
STEP FIVE: Using the larger holed side of a grater, shred potatoes. Hold the potato in your hand with the potato skin against your hand.
The potato skin should just slide off as you shred potatoes. You don’t want the skin, so just toss these out.
STEP SIX: Scoop the potato mixture into the baking dish.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top of the casserole is lightly browned. Serve hot.
PRO TIP:
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your casserole as the suggested baking time approaches.
STEP SEVEN: In a large bowl, mix together all other ingredients with the shredded potatoes. Stir well.
How To Serve
Serve your twice baked potato casserole as a scrumptious side dish alongside grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables.
Create loaded potato bowls by topping individual servings of the casserole with sour cream, extra crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and fresh chives.
Pair this creamy casserole with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread.
If you want to try the dish that led to this one, try out classic twice baked potatoes.
Or, if you want to go further with the potato casserole idea, try scalloped potatoes instead.
MORE CASSEROLE RECIPES
Storage
Now that you’ve savored your twice baked potato casserole, let’s talk about how to store any leftovers or prepare ahead for convenience.
MAKE AHEAD: If you’re planning ahead, this casserole can be partially prepared in advance.
After the initial baking and scooping out the potato insides, you can refrigerate the scooped potatoes and the bacon-cheese mixture separately.
When you’re ready to finish the dish, simply reheat the mixture, stuff the potato skins, top with cheese, and bake as directed.
IN THE FRIDGE: Once the casserole has cooled, you can store the leftovers in an airtight container for three to four days.
IN THE FREEZER: Once the potatoes have cooled, you can freeze them.
Pop them in portions in a freezer bag, or you can freeze them on a plate covered with a freezer bag.
Store them for up to three months and defrost thoroughly before reheating. If the potatoes seem a little watery when reheating, add a little butter or sour cream.
REHEATING: When it’s time to reheat your twice baked potato casserole, there are a few options:
- OVEN: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
- MICROWAVE: If you’re short on time, the microwave works well. Place individual portions on a plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in 1-minute increments until heated to your liking, stirring or rearranging as needed.
Why We Love This Recipe
IRRESISTIBLE CREAMINESS: This casserole is the epitome of comfort food, with its creamy and velvety potato filling that’s indulgently rich and satisfying.
CHEESY GOODNESS: The generous amount of cheddar cheese takes this dish to the next level. It adds a savory, gooey, and irresistibly cheesy layer that perfectly complements the fluffy potatoes.
BACON BLISS: The real bacon crumbles provide a delightful smoky and savory crunch, adding a burst of flavor and a satisfying contrast to the creamy interior.
If you are looking for a tasty and simple potato recipe, this twice baked potato casserole is the recipe you need. Microwaving the potatoes cuts down the cooking time and means this is a quick meal to make any time you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon or using vegetarian bacon bits. To make it vegan, replace the sour cream, cheddar cheese, and bacon with dairy-free alternatives, and ensure the bacon bits are vegan-friendly.
Feel free to experiment with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or nutmeg. Start with small amounts and taste as you go to avoid over-seasoning.
Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three to four days.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Mashed Potato Casserole
- Potato Salad
- Campfire Pizza
- Air Fryer Baked Potato
- Bacon Cheddar Biscuits
- King Ranch Chicken
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 small white onion diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup real bacon
- 1½ cups sour cream full fat
Instructions
- Wash and dry all potatoes. Use a fork to poke holes on all sides of the potatoes.
- Place two potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 3 minutes. Flip potatoes over and cook for another 3 minutes or until tender. Repeat these steps with the other 2 potatoes. Let potatoes cool before moving onto the next step.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cut each cooled potato into quarters.
- Using the larger holed side of a grater, shred potatoes. Hold the potato in your hand with the potato skin against your hand. The potato skin should just slide off as you shred potatoes. You don’t want the skin in this recipe so just toss these out.
- In a large bowl, mix together all other ingredients with the shredded potatoes. Stir well.
- Scoop the potato mixture into the baking dish. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top of the casserole is lightly browned.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- If you prefer to cook these in the oven, then you can. Cook them for around 40 minutes. For a make-ahead meal, you can prepare the potatoes, cook them, cool them, and keep them in the fridge for 2 to 3 days until you make the casserole.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your casserole as the suggested baking time approaches.
Nutrition
Even More Recipes You’ll Love
Potato Recipes
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- Loaded Baked Potato Salad
- Kielbasa and Potato Bake
- Crispy Fried Potatoes
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Campfire Potatoes
Comments
Gayle says
Can you use the frozen already shredded potatoes you buy?
Layne Kangas says
I haven’t tried it that way yet, but I bet you could!
Gloria says
My family loves this for a flavorful side!