Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice Baked Potato Casserole 🥔🧀

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that combines all the flavors of classic twice-baked potatoes in a casserole form. It’s perfect as a side dish for dinner or a special occasion and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

• 5-6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Potatoes:

   • In a large pot, add the peeled and cubed russet potatoes. Cover with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
   • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

2. Mash the Potatoes:

   • Mash the cooked potatoes with a potato masher or a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
   • Add the butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Add Optional Ingredients:

   • If you’re using crumbled bacon, stir it into the mashed potato mixture.
   • For added flavor and color, you can mix in chopped green onions at this stage, or save them for garnish.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Transfer the mashed potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
   • Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese if desired for a cheesy crust.

5. Bake the Casserole:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   • After baking, sprinkle the casserole with chopped green onions (if using).
   • Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. If you do this, you might need to bake it a little longer to heat through.
• Cheese Variety: You can use different types of cheese like monterey jack, mozzarella, or colby jack for variety.
• Add-ins: If you like, you can add chopped cooked chicken or broccoli to make the casserole even heartier.

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect side dish for holidays, family dinners, or potlucks. Enjoy! 🧀🥔