Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Fans of twice-baked potatoes will fall in love with this easy, cozy casserole. Parmesan, cheddar, and crispy bacon make creamy mashed potatoes even better, plus, whipping up a big casserole is way easier than making twice baked potatoes for a large crowd. Hello holiday cooking! A potato masher works well for this potato side dish, but if you want super smooth mashed potatoes, try a ricer. Beneath a blanket of melty cheese and crispy bacon, the fluffy potatoes are beyond dreamy, no matter how you mash 'em! This dish will satisfy all of your comfort food cravings.

What kind of potatoes do you use for twice baked potato casserole?

Starchy russet potatoes work great for this casserole, but you could also use Yukon gold potatoes if you'd like. Both will mash up perfectly. Speaking of substitutes, you can also use heavy cream or buttermilk instead of the sour cream. Use what you have on hand!

Can you leave out the bacon?

Certainly! If you don't love bacon, simply leave it out. If you'd like to use a different meat, you could use finely diced ham instead.

What do you eat with twice baked potato casserole?

It should definitely be on your must-make list for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it's also great with a juicy steak dinner or slow-cooked pot roast any night of the week. Basically any meal where mashed potatoes or a baked potato makes sense, you can swap in this potato recipe for a little something special.

Should you eat the skins of twice baked potatoes?

Yes! Not only are they delicious, they also house most of the nutrients from potatoes. In this casserole, you're in control of how many potato skins to add. The recipe directs to fold in three, chopped, but feel free to adjust according to your personal taste and textural preferences. 

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can make this casserole through step 3, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, then cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, top with the remaining cheese and bacon, and bake an additional 20 to 25 more minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole is warmed through.

Can you freeze twice baked potato casserole?

Yes, this casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make the recipe through step 3, then wrap the dish tightly in foil and place in the freezer. Let the casserole thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then pull it out of the fridge 30 minutes before you're ready to bake it. Bake, covered with foil, for 45 minutes. Then  remove the foil, top with the remaining cheese and bacon, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes more.