Ultimate Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole: Cheesy, Creamy, Bacon-Packed Comfort Food

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this easy-to-make Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole. It’s packed with fluffy potatoes, rich garlic, two types of cheese, and savory bacon – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Get ready to transform a beloved classic into an extraordinary side dish with our recipe for Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole. This dish captures all the irresistible elements of individual twice-baked potatoes – the creamy, garlic-infused interior, the crispy bits of bacon, and a generous topping of melted cheddar cheese – all baked together in one convenient casserole. It’s the quintessential comfort food, ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply elevating a weeknight dinner into something special.

Why This Cheesy Potato Casserole Will Become Your New Favorite

This Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole has been a cherished recipe in our kitchen for years, and it’s easy to see why! Its versatility makes it a perfect accompaniment to a wide range of main courses. Whether you’re preparing the festive Perfect Prime Rib for the holidays or seeking a comforting side for your favorite Meatloaf Recipe, this potato casserole truly pairs wonderfully with almost anything. It offers the best of both worlds: the rich, creamy texture of mashed potatoes combined with the hearty, savory additions that make it feel like a complete meal.

The magic of this casserole lies in its layered flavors and textures. Imagine spoonfuls of fluffy, perfectly mashed russet potatoes, generously blended with aromatic garlic, melted butter, tangy sour cream, and luxurious heavy cream. Then, these creamy potatoes are studded with sharp cheddar cheese and crisp, smoky bacon. Baked until golden brown and bubbly, with a final sprinkle of fresh green onions, every bite is a harmonious blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness. It’s a dish that evokes warmth and satisfaction, making it a guaranteed hit at any table.

Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Loaded Potato Casserole

For the full list of ingredients and precise measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Creating this irresistible casserole requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and the role each plays in delivering that incredible flavor profile:

• Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes are your best friend for mashing. Their high starch content means they become incredibly fluffy and absorb flavors beautifully, providing the ideal foundation for your creamy casserole.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic, mashed or minced, infuses the potatoes with a profound savory aroma and taste that is simply indispensable. It adds a depth of flavor that dried garlic powder cannot replicate.
• Butter: Rich, unsalted butter contributes significantly to the creamy texture and adds a classic, comforting dairy note to the potatoes. If using salted butter, remember to adjust the additional salt accordingly.
• Sour Cream: This ingredient is crucial for adding moisture, a delightful tang, and an extra layer of creaminess to the mashed potatoes. If sour cream isn’t available or preferred, you can substitute it with full-fat cream cheese for a richer, denser result, or even plain Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter, tangier profile. Increasing the heavy cream is another option for pure indulgence.
• Heavy Cream: Essential for achieving that silky-smooth, luxurious texture that defines truly decadent mashed potatoes. It adds a richness that elevates the entire dish. Whole milk can be used as a lighter alternative, but heavy cream offers the best flavor and consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: We recommend using sharp or medium cheddar for its robust flavor and superior melting qualities. It’s incorporated into the potato mixture and generously sprinkled on top to create a golden, bubbly crust. Feel free to experiment with other varieties like Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky Gouda for a twist.
• Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon is the “loaded” star of this casserole. Its salty, smoky, and fatty notes provide a perfect counterpoint to the creamy potatoes and tangy dairy. Ensure it’s cooked until extra crispy for the best texture contrast.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings. Potatoes require a good amount of salt to bring out their natural flavor. Adjust these to your personal preference, and use freshly ground black pepper for the best aromatic kick.
• Green Onions (Scallions): Used primarily as a garnish, finely chopped green onions add a burst of fresh, mild onion flavor and a vibrant green color that brightens the rich, hearty casserole.

How to Make Your Delicious Twice Baked Potato Casserole

This recipe streamlines the classic twice-baked potato process into an easy casserole format. Here’s how to create this delectable dish step-by-step:

1. Prepare and Cook the Potatoes: Start by peeling your russet potatoes and cutting them into approximately 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly. Place the chopped potatoes and the mashed garlic into a large pot. Cover them completely with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork. While the name “twice baked” usually implies baking the potatoes whole, boiling the chopped potatoes is a fantastic shortcut that speeds up the cooking process significantly, delivering the same delicious results. If you prefer, you can certainly bake whole, pierced potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for about an hour until soft, then scoop out the flesh. Once cooked, drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander.
2. Mash the Potatoes: Transfer the drained, hot potatoes and garlic back into the large pot or a spacious mixing bowl. Using a sturdy potato masher, begin mashing the potatoes to your desired consistency. Some prefer a smooth, creamy mash, while others enjoy a few small chunks for textural interest. Mash until most lumps are gone but be careful not to overmash, which can make potatoes gluey.
3. Create the Creamy Filling: To the mashed potatoes, add the softened butter, sour cream, and heavy cream (start with ½ cup and add more if you prefer a looser, creamier texture). Stir and mash until the mixture is beautifully creamy and well combined. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste – remember, potatoes need ample seasoning! Finally, fold in 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and most of the crispy, crumbled bacon. Reserve the remaining ½ cup of cheese and a small amount of bacon for sprinkling on top before baking.
4. Assemble and Bake: Spoon the rich potato mixture evenly into a large baking dish (a 9×13 inch dish works perfectly for this quantity). Smooth the top with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining crumbled bacon over the potato mixture. Place the casserole in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes. The casserole is ready when it’s hot and bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
5. Serve: Carefully remove the hot casserole from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before sprinkling generously with fresh, finely chopped green onions. The vibrant green not only adds a beautiful pop of color but also a fresh, mild oniony flavor that brightens the rich dish. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!

Can You Make Loaded Potato Casserole Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole is an excellent make-ahead dish, which makes it perfect for busy holiday preparations or when you’re hosting guests. You can fully assemble the entire casserole – from cooking and mashing the potatoes to mixing in the cheese and bacon and spreading it into the baking dish – up to two days in advance. Once assembled, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while your oven preheats. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through evenly and bubbling hot. This flexibility allows you to enjoy a stress-free meal or gathering.

Can You Freeze Cheesy Potato Casserole?

Yes, this cheesy potato casserole freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping or saving leftovers for future enjoyment. If you’ve already baked the casserole and wish to freeze it, ensure it has completely cooled to room temperature first. Then, cover it very tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, to protect against freezer burn and keep any air out. For best results, freeze in portions if you plan to reheat smaller servings. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat from frozen, it is generally best to let the casserole thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, place it in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil, and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 25-35 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and bubbly. If reheating directly from frozen (without thawing), it will take significantly longer, often 60-90 minutes, still covered with foil. For smaller, individual portions, you can also reheat them efficiently in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Delicious Variations and Customizations

While the classic Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Don’t hesitate to personalize it with these variations:

• Explore Different Cheeses: Instead of solely cheddar, try a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, smoked Gouda, or even a little Parmesan for a unique flavor profile.
• Add a Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or finely diced fresh or pickled jalapeños into the potato mixture.
• Herbaceous Notes: Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or finely chopped rosemary can add an aromatic layer to the potatoes. Stir them in with the cheese and bacon.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the bacon entirely and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or a generous sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky depth without the meat.
• Boost with Veggies: Stir in some steamed broccoli florets, corn kernels, or sautéed bell peppers along with the cheese and bacon for added nutrition and texture.
• Extra Protein: To turn this side dish into a more substantial main course, fold in some cooked, shredded chicken, leftover ham, or even ground beef.
• Crunchy Topping: For an additional layer of crunch, mix a handful of buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with a little extra cheese and sprinkle it over the top before baking.

More Tasty Potato Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a true potato connoisseur, you’ll be delighted by these other amazing potato-based side dishes from our collection:

• Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
• Hearty Baked Potato Casserole
• Irresistibly Crispy Smashed Potatoes
• Quick Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Perfect Oven Roasted Potatoes

Like this recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.

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