Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

You've probably wondered if transforming a classic loaded baked potato into a creamy casserole could truly elevate comfort food. Imagine combining tender potato flesh with rich, melted cheeses, creating a dish that's both familiar and innovative. This twice-baked potato casserole promises to revolutionize your side dish game, offering a tantalizing preview of culinary magic that'll make you eager to uncover the full recipe's delicious potential.

Recipe Highlights

• Preheat oven to 375°F, bake russet potatoes for 1 hour, then cool and scoop out potato flesh for mixing with cream cheese and cheddar.
• Create a creamy potato mixture by combining baked potato flesh, softened cream cheese, half the cheddar cheese, and milk for desired consistency.
• Transfer potato mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, top with remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon for added flavor and texture.
• Bake until cheese is melted and golden, then let rest 5-10 minutes to allow cheese to set for easier serving and optimal texture.
• This versatile casserole can be prepared in advance, refrigerated, and is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and holiday gatherings as a crowd-pleasing side dish.

History

Though the exact origins of twice-baked potatoes remain somewhat mysterious, the dish likely evolved from traditional European potato preparations.

You'll find that potato dishes have long been a staple in many cultures, with farmers and home cooks creatively transforming simple ingredients into hearty meals. The concept of twice-baking likely emerged as a way to repurpose leftover baked potatoes, adding extra richness through cheese, cream, and other mix-ins.

French and German cuisines particularly influenced potato preparation techniques, introducing methods of mashing and re-stuffing potatoes. By the mid-20th century, you would've seen this dish gaining popularity in American home cooking, becoming a classic comfort food that transforms a humble potato into a decadent side dish.

Its versatility and simplicity contributed to its widespread appeal.

Recipe

Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a comforting and indulgent dish that transforms the classic loaded baked potato into a crowd-pleasing casserole. This recipe simplifies the traditional twice-baked potato preparation, making it easier to serve a large group while maintaining all the delicious flavors of the original.

The key to this dish is creating a creamy, cheesy potato base that's topped with crispy bacon and melted cheese. By baking the potatoes first, then mixing their flesh with cream cheese and milk, you'll create a rich and smooth foundation for this irresistible side dish.

Ingredients:

• 6 large russet potatoes
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 375°F and wash the potatoes thoroughly. Prick each potato several times with a fork and bake directly on the oven rack for 1 hour, or until they're completely tender when pierced with a knife. Allow the potatoes to cool for 10-15 minutes to make handling easier.

Cut the cooled potatoes in half and scoop out the potato flesh into a large mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer attached to the skin. Cook the bacon until crisp, then crumble it.

In the bowl with the potato flesh, combine the softened cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, top with the remaining cheese and crumbled bacon, and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

For best results, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle and the dish to set. If preparing ahead of time, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if the dish is cold. To adjust the consistency, add more milk if the potato mixture seems too thick, ensuring a creamy and smooth texture.

Cooking Steps

You'll start your twice baked potato casserole by preheating the oven and thoroughly scrubbing those russet potatoes, preparing them for their initial bake.

Next, you'll bake the potatoes until tender, then carefully scoop out their soft, fluffy interiors and mix them with creamy ingredients like cream cheese and milk.

Finally, you'll transfer the potato mixture to a baking dish, top it with crispy bacon and melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering casserole that's ready to be baked to golden, bubbly perfection.

Step 1. Preheat Oven and Scrub

First, grab your trusty potato scrubber and give those 6 russet potatoes a thorough wash under cool running water, removing any visible dirt or debris.

Scrub each potato carefully, paying special attention to any rough patches or embedded soil. Next, use a fork to prick small holes across the potato surface, which allows steam to escape during baking and prevents potential potato explosions in your oven.

Turn your oven dial to 375°F, allowing it to preheat while you're preparing the potatoes. Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the center for even heat distribution. The holes you've created will help the potatoes cook uniformly and prevent moisture buildup.

A clean, well-prepared potato is the foundation of an exceptional twice-baked potato casserole.

Step 2. Bake and Soften Potatoes

After scrubbing those russet potatoes clean, place them directly on the center oven rack, ensuring they're evenly spaced for consistent heat circulation.

Prick each potato several times with a fork, which allows steam to escape and prevents potential potato explosions during baking.

Slide the rack into a preheated 375°F oven, setting a timer for approximately 1 hour.

You'll know the potatoes are perfectly tender when a knife glides smoothly through the flesh without resistance.

Look for subtle signs like slightly wrinkled skin and a soft, yielding texture when gently squeezed with an oven mitt.

Let the potatoes rest and cool for about 10-15 minutes—this brief cooling period makes them easier to handle and helps prevent painful burns when scooping out the fluffy interior.

Step 3. Mix Potato Ingredients

Carefully transfer the baked potato flesh into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a soft, steaming mound of starchy goodness.

Break down the potato pulp using a sturdy potato masher or fork, ensuring a smooth, lump-free texture.

Next, add the softened cream cheese, stirring vigorously to incorporate it completely into the potato mixture.

Gradually blend in half the shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt slightly from the warm potatoes' residual heat.

Pour in the milk, using just enough to create a creamy, spreadable consistency that's neither too thick nor too runny.

• Mix ingredients thoroughly
• Aim for a uniform, silky texture
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed

Your potato base is now ready for the final baking stage, promising a rich, indulgent casserole.

Step 4. Transfer to Baking Dish

Because a perfectly prepared casserole demands careful handling, grab your greased 9×13 inch baking dish and prepare to transform your creamy potato mixture into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Gently spread the potato mixture evenly across the dish's surface, ensuring a smooth, consistent layer that'll provide optimal texture in every bite. Use a spatula to distribute the mixture, paying attention to the corners and edges.

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top, creating a generous, even coverage that'll melt into a golden, bubbling crust.

Carefully distribute the crumbled bacon across the cheese layer, allowing for a balanced distribution of crispy, savory bits. Press lightly to help the toppings adhere, setting the stage for a delectable finish.

Step 5. Top With Bacon

Bacon transforms this twice-baked potato casserole from good to extraordinary, adding a crispy, salty dimension that elevates the entire dish. You'll want to crumble those bacon slices evenly across the surface, ensuring each bite gets a perfect bacon crunch.

After cooking the bacon until it's perfectly crisp, let it cool slightly on paper towels to absorb excess grease. This step helps maintain the bacon's texture and prevents your casserole from becoming soggy.

Use your fingers or a fork to break the bacon into small, uniform pieces.

• Sprinkle bacon pieces uniformly
• Cover the entire potato surface
• Leave some pieces slightly larger for textural variety
• Aim for a consistent layer that provides crunch in every serving

The result? A mouthwatering casserole with irresistible bacon-enhanced flavor.

Final Thoughts

Although twice baked potato casserole might seem like a simple side dish, it's a versatile recipe that'll become a staple in your home cooking repertoire. You'll find this comfort food can adapt to countless variations, from adding green onions to experimenting with different cheese blends.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and crowd-pleasing potential. Consider making it for:

• Potluck gatherings
• Family dinners
• Holiday side dishes
• Comfort food nights

Pro tip: Always let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking, which helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.

The dish can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated, and baked when needed, making it a convenient option for busy home cooks. Your guests will appreciate the rich, creamy texture and classic flavor profile.