This Twice Baked Potato Casserole takes loaded baked potatoes and turns them into a easy cheesy side dish. A simple, crowd-pleasing recipe for weeknight dinners and holiday meals alike.
1/2cup(1 stick) buttersoftened to room temperature (not melted)
1/2teaspoongarlic powder
8slicesbaconcooked and crumbled
3green onionsthinly sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Scrub the potatoes clean, pierce each a few times with a fork, and bake on a sheet pan for about 45 minutes, or until fork tender. (Alternatively, microwave on high for 10 to 11 minutes.)
Once cool enough to handle but still warm, slice each potato in half and use a dish towel to hold them while you scoop the flesh into a stand mixer or large bowl.
Sprinkle the potatoes with salt and stir with a whisk attachment (or by hand) just to break up large pieces.
Add the milk, sour cream, softened butter, garlic powder, crumbled bacon (reserve 1 tablespoon for topping), green onions (reserve 1 tablespoon for topping), Parmesan, and 1¼ cups of the cheddar. Stir for about 30 seconds, just until combined. Do not overmix or the potatoes will turn gummy.
Spoon the mixture into a greased 8 or 9-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar and the reserved bacon and green onions.
Bake at 400°F for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
Serve immediately.
Notes
Make ahead. Assemble through step 5 the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Cook time will be 30 to 40 minutes from cold.
Russet potatoes work best. Their starchy flesh gives the fluffiest, creamiest result. Yukon Gold will work but the texture is denser.
Don't overmix. Stir just until combined. Overworking makes the potatoes gummy.
Shred your own cheese. Block cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded.
Crunchy topping. Top with 1/2 cup crushed potato chips, Ritz crackers, panko, or cornflakes just before baking. After baking, turn the broiler to high and broil for 2-3 minutes to crisp the topping. Watch carefully and don't let it burn.
Storage. Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat single portions in the microwave, or warm a larger portion covered in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
Freezer. Best frozen before baking. Cover tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake.