The Best Twice Baked Potatoes Casserole Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with my recipe for The Best Twice Baked Potatoes Casserole. This dish combines fluffy mashed potatoes with savory bacon, tangy sour cream, and creamy cheese, all baked to perfection! Topped with crispy breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or as a comforting weeknight dinner. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it's a crowd-pleasing favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Equipment
- 1 Cast iron pan or baking dish.
Ingredients
What You Will Need
- 2 tbsp of olive oil, more for lightly coating the potatoes.
- 2 tsp salt.
- ½ cup melted butter.
- 1 cup sour cream, for mixing into the filling and for topping.
- 1 tsp garlic powder.
- 1 tsp onion powder.
- 1 tsp chopped parsley.
- 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese.
- ½ cup heavy cream.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or bacon bits.
- 2 to 3 chopped green onions, for garnish.
Instructions
Properly Baking the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. I preheated my cast iron Dutch oven as well since I will be baking my potatoes inside of it.
- Wash potatoes thoroughly and prick them with a fork to let steam escape.
- Rub cooking oil over each potato and sprinkle them with salt to start the flavor-building process.
- Bake for 1 hour or until potatoes are softened.
Slicing the Potatoes In Half
- Slice the potatoes in half length-wise.
Scooping Out the Flesh
- Gently scoop out the flesh of the potato leaving a small layer on the skins to create hollow potato boats.
Brushing Butter On the Potato Boats
- Brush on melted butter on the insides of each potato boat.
Crisping Up the Potato Boats
- Place the potato boats back into the oven for a few minutes to crisp them up while you are making the filling.
- This took them approximately 15 minutes to get crispy in the oven.
Making the Mashed Potato Filling
- While your potato boats are crisping in the oven it is time to make the filling with the potato flesh.
- Blend in softened cream cheese, sour cream, or a splash of milk for creaminess.
- Stir in grated cheddar cheese, minced garlic, chives, or even caramelized onions for a rich depth of flavor.
Filling the Potato Boats
- With a spoon, start scooping the mashed potato filling into each crispy potato boat.
- Fill each potato boat full to the rims, being generous with each boat!
- Add a layer of breadcrumbs or bacon bits on top of the mashed potatoes.
Topping with Cheese Sauce
- Top with cheese sauce or shredded cheese of your choice.
Baking to Perfection
- Turn your oven down to a cozy 350 degrees. This gentle temperature allows all the flavors to blend beautifully without drying out your masterpiece.
- Bake your potatoes uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top forms a golden-brown crust, signaling it's ready.
- You now have twice baked potatoes casserole! I say casserole because each large potato boat is basically a single serving casserole dish.
Garnishing for Presentation
- Just before serving, sprinkle your casserole with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or green onions.
- For a bit of extra indulgence, a light drizzle of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits can elevate the dish from great to unforgettable. Enjoy!