Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice Baked Potato Casserole is everything you love about a twice-baked potato but in an easy-to-make dish perfect for sharing. Creamy mashed potatoes, melty cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh chives come together in one comforting casserole that’s sure to be a hit. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes for flavor and simplicity.

This casserole feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s rich, satisfying, and incredibly versatile. Hosting a big dinner? It pairs beautifully with roasted meats or turkey. Need something indulgent for a smaller meal? Add a simple salad or some grilled chicken, and you’re good to go.

What I love most about this dish is how it brings people together. It’s the kind of recipe that gets everyone at the table talking, smiling, and going back for seconds. Once you make it, I promise it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy potatoes, cheese, and bacon—what’s not to love?
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast, a potluck, or a regular Tuesday night, this casserole fits right in.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a breeze, even for beginner cooks.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it ahead of time and bake when you’re ready—perfect for busy days.
• Feeds a Crowd: This 9×13 casserole is big enough to serve a group, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
• Customizable: Swap out the cheese, add extra bacon, or sprinkle on some garlic powder to make it your own.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Yukon Gold Potatoes : These potatoes are naturally creamy and buttery, making them the perfect base for a rich, velvety casserole.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds a touch of richness and makes the potatoes extra smooth and indulgent.
• Sour Cream: Brings tangy creaminess that balances the richness of the cheese and bacon.
• Cream Cheese: Gives the casserole a luscious, velvety texture and an extra layer of flavor.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: Loosens the potatoes just enough to make them perfectly mashable without being runny.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The star topping that gets all melty and golden while adding sharp, cheesy goodness.
• Bacon: Crispy, smoky, and savory, bacon adds the perfect salty crunch to every bite.
• Fresh Chives: A fresh, bright finishing touch that adds color and a subtle oniony flavor.
• Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the potatoes and other ingredients.
• Ground Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and depth to round out the dish.

How to Make Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Get our FREE
e-cookbook

I want it!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

Follow along to learn how to make twice baked potato casserole.

• Step One: Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Step Two: Wash and peel potatoes. Cut them into large chunks.
• Step Three: Place potatoes in a large pot of boiling water and cook until fork tender, approximately 15 minutes.

• Step Four: Drain the potatoes, return to the pot, and add butter—Mash with a potato masher. Stir in heavy cream, sour cream,  cream cheese, bacon, salt, pepper, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese and mash until desired consistency.

• Step Five: Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Place the potato mixture in the baking dish. Top with remaining ½ cup cheese and remaining chopped bacon.
• Step Six: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted. Top with chives.

What to Serve with It

• Roasted Meats: Pair it with roast beef, pork tenderloin, or a holiday ham for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.
• Grilled Chicken: A simple grilled or baked chicken breast balances the richness of the casserole.
• Turkey: Perfect alongside a Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey with all the trimmings.
• Steamed or Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts add a fresh, healthy contrast.
• Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the dish’s richness.
• Sunday Meatloaf: I love meatloaf and mashed potatoes.
• Savory Pork Chops: This is the ultimate pork chop recipe.
• Oven Baked Chicken Wings: If you serve these as a main course, the potato dish pairs nicely.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap the Cheese: While cheddar is a classic, you can mix things up with Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for extra flavor.
• Lighten It Up: Use milk instead of heavy cream and swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt to make it a bit lighter without losing creaminess.
• Add Veggies: Stir in cooked broccoli, roasted garlic, or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
• Herb It Up: Try adding fresh parsley, thyme, or dill for a different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a little kick.
• Use Sweet Potatoes: For a fun twist, swap out Yukon Gold potatoes for sweet potatoes. It adds a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the bacon and cheese.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and add roasted veggies or caramelized onions for a vegetarian-friendly take.
• Crispy Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers on top for a crispy golden crust.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing for Later: To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. For best results, freeze before baking or leave off the cheese topping to add fresh later.

Reheating Instructions

• From the Fridge: Preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
• From the Freezer: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. If baking from frozen, add 10-15 extra minutes and keep it covered with foil until the last 10 minutes for a fresh, melted cheese topping.

Make Ahead Instructions

• Assemble Ahead: Prepare the casserole, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
• Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
• Bake When Ready: Preheat to 350°F, uncover, and bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through and bubbly.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Use Warm Ingredients: Let the butter, sour cream, and cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing. It helps them blend more smoothly into the potatoes.
• Cook Potatoes Evenly: Cut your potatoes into uniform chunks so they cook at the same rate and mash easily.
• Don’t Overmix: Mash the potatoes just until smooth. Overmixing can make them gummy.
• Save Some Bacon: Reserve a bit of the chopped bacon for the topping—it adds a delicious crispy finish.
• Taste Before Baking: Once everything is mixed, taste and adjust the seasoning before placing it in the baking dish. You may want a little more salt or pepper.
• Keep It Creamy: If the potato mixture feels too thick, stir in a splash of warm milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.

Potato Recipes

• Smothered Potatoes
• Irish Potatoes
• Potato Nachos

You might also like Baked Bean Casserole, Spaghetti Casserole, Pierogi Casserole, Classic Meatloaf, One-Pot Chicken and Stuffing, Tater Tot Casserole, and French Fry Casserole.

Follow me on Instagram @simplystacieblog, Facebook at Simply Stacie, TikTok @simplystacierecipes or Pinterest at @simplystacie and let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes.