Twice Baked Potato Casserole With Bacon

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Twice Baked Potato Casserole With Bacon. This recipe combines creamy mashed potatoes with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or attending a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

• 2 large baking potatoes
• ½ pound lean bacon
• ¾ cup shredded mild Cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon dried chives
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ cup shredded mild Cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick.

2. Prepare the Potatoes
Using a toothpick, poke a few holes into each potato. This helps steam escape while baking.

3. Bake the Potatoes
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake until fully cooked, about 1 hour. Once done, allow them to cool for about 15 minutes to make handling easier.

4. Cook the Bacon
While the potatoes are cooling, cook the bacon. Place the bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on paper towels and crumble them into small pieces.

5. Scoop and Mix
Cut a thin slice from one side of each potato. Carefully scoop out the flesh and transfer it to a bowl, discarding the skins. Mix the scooped-out potato with ¾ cup of shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, melted butter, dried chives, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.

6. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining ¾ cup of shredded Cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.

7. Bake the Casserole
Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the casserole is just bubbling, about 10 to 15 minutes. Allow it to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

1. Pairing Suggestions:
   • Main Dishes: This casserole pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, or roasted turkey. Its rich and creamy texture complements the savory flavors of these proteins.
   • Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus to balance the meal.
   • Salads: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
2. Garnishing Ideas:
   • Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh chives, parsley, or green onions on top for added color and freshness.
   • Extra Bacon: For bacon lovers, add a few more crumbles of crispy bacon on top just before serving.
   • Cheese: If you like extra cheese, add a bit more shredded Cheddar on top and place under the broiler for a minute to melt and brown.
3. Serving Temperature:
   • Ensure the casserole has cooled for at least 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and to prevent it from being too hot to enjoy.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration:
   • Leftovers: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
   • Portioning: For easy reheating, consider dividing the leftovers into single-serving portions before storing.
2. Freezing:
   • Make Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead and frozen before the final bake. Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month.
   • Reheating from Frozen: When ready to eat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the plastic wrap and foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
3. Reheating:
   • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
   • Microwave: Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Twice Baked Potato Casserole With Bacon remains delicious and enjoyable whether you’re serving it fresh or reheating leftovers.

Variations:

1. Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole:
   • Add chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream on top before serving for a fully loaded flavor experience.
2. Cheesy Broccoli Potato Casserole:
   • Mix in 1 cup of steamed broccoli florets with the potato mixture for added nutrition and flavor. Top with an additional ¼ cup of Cheddar cheese before baking.
3. Spicy Twice Baked Potato Casserole:
   • Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the potato mixture for a spicy kick. Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.
4. Vegetarian Twice Baked Potato Casserole:
   • Substitute the bacon with vegetarian bacon or omit it altogether. Add more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions for a hearty, meatless version.
5. Garlic Parmesan Potato Casserole:
   • Replace the Cheddar cheese with grated Parmesan and add 1-2 minced garlic cloves to the potato mixture. Top with a blend of Parmesan and breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
6. Ranch Bacon Potato Casserole:
   • Mix in 1 packet of ranch seasoning with the potato mixture for a tangy twist. Top with additional bacon crumbles and shredded Cheddar cheese.
7. Italian Style Twice Baked Potato Casserole:
   • Mix in 1 cup of marinara sauce and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese with the potato mixture. Top with more mozzarella and bake until bubbly.
8. Greek Twice Baked Potato Casserole:
   • Mix in 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1 cup of chopped spinach, and ¼ cup of Kalamata olives with the potato mixture. Top with additional feta before baking.
9. BBQ Chicken Potato Casserole:
   • Mix in 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken and ½ cup of BBQ sauce with the potato mixture. Top with Cheddar cheese and a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce before baking.
10. Breakfast Potato Casserole:
    • Add 1 cup of cooked breakfast sausage and 1 cup of scrambled eggs to the potato mixture. Top with shredded Cheddar cheese and bake until bubbly.

These variations allow you to customize the Twice Baked Potato Casserole With Bacon to suit different tastes and preferences, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.

FAQs:

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it before the final bake for up to 1 month.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute Cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or your favorite cheese.
3. Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of baking potatoes? While baking potatoes give the best texture and flavor, you can use instant mashed potatoes in a pinch. Adjust the consistency with milk and butter as needed.
4. How can I make this casserole lighter? Use reduced-fat cheese, sour cream, and milk. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and turkey bacon for regular bacon.
5. What can I add for extra flavor? Try adding minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
6. Can I add vegetables to this casserole? Yes, you can mix in steamed or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
7. How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
8. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of baking potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes can be used for a different flavor profile. Follow the same instructions, adjusting seasoning to taste.
9. What can I serve with this casserole? It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and a fresh green salad.
10. Can I make this casserole dairy-free? Substitute dairy products with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, vegan cheese, and dairy-free sour cream.