Description
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with crispy bacon flavor, this Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for family dinners, potlucks, holidays, and easy dinner ideas. Fluffy baked potatoes are blended with butter, sour cream, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and savory seasonings, then baked until hot and bubbly with a golden cheesy topping. Whether you need a hearty side dish, a cozy dinner recipe, or crowd-pleasing food ideas for gatherings, this easy recipe delivers rich flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
6 large russet potatoes
6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
4 tablespoons butter softened
1 cup sour cream
4 ounces cream cheese softened
1/2 cup whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly, then pierce each potato several times with a fork.
3. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45 to 60 minutes until fork tender.
4. While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon until crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble it once cooled.
5. Allow the potatoes to cool slightly, then cut them open and scoop the flesh into a large mixing bowl.
6. Add butter, sour cream, cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika to the potatoes.
7. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy, being careful not to overmix.
8. Fold in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions.
9. Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
10. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
11. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes if desired for a golden crispy top.
13. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
14. Garnish with chopped chives and extra bacon before serving warm.
Notes
Baking the potatoes instead of boiling them gives the casserole a richer flavor and prevents excess moisture.
Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
Let the casserole rest for several minutes after baking so it holds together better when serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: loaded twice baked potato casserole, cheesy potato casserole, easy dinner ideas, comfort food recipe, potato side dish, baked potato casserole, family dinner recipe, holiday casserole, cheesy potatoes, easy casserole recipe