Southern Living Twice-Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
If you're looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that combines comfort, flavor, and a hint of Southern charm, the Southern Living Twice-Baked Potato Casserole is your answer. This hearty casserole brings together creamy potatoes, rich cheeses, and savory toppings to create a timeless recipe that’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or even a cozy weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- A large baking sheet for roasting potatoes
- A mixing bowl to combine ingredients
- A potato masher or hand mixer for creating the creamy potato base
- A 9x13-inch casserole dish for baking
- Aluminum foil (optional for covering during baking)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 large russet potatoes cleaned and scrubbed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded (divided)
- 6 slices crisp bacon crumbled
- 2 green onions thinly sliced for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Crumbled blue cheese for extra richness
- Paprika for a smoky touch
- Extra bacon because why not?
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
- First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab some washed russet potatoes, leave them whole, and pop them on a baking sheet. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until they’re nice and tender. Once they’ve cooled down a bit, cut them in half and scoop out the fluffy insides into a big mixing bowl. Don’t toss the skins—save them for another recipe if you like!
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
- Mash up those potatoes until they’re smooth and fluffy. Then mix in some sour cream, milk, butter, a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until it’s creamy and delicious. The texture should be thick but still nice and velvety.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Scoop the mashed potato mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top, then finish it off with a layer of crumbled bacon. Cover the dish with foil—you’re almost there!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Turn the oven down to 375°F (190°C) and bake the casserole for 20 minutes with the foil on. After that, take the foil off and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbling.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve it up warm and watch it disappear in no time!
Notes
When making this casserole, ensure that the potatoes are completely cooked and soft before mashing to achieve a smooth texture. Additionally, don't skimp on the seasoning—salt and pepper are key to balancing the rich, creamy flavors. Finally, adding extra toppings like bacon or scallions can elevate the dish even further, making it truly unforgettable!