Twice Baked Potato Casserole

1. Stage

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2. Stage

Bake the potatoes: Prick each potato a few times with a fork and wrap them in a large foil packet. Bake the potatoes until they are fork tender, 40 to 60 minutes depending on the size. Once done, unwrap the potatoes to let them rest until cool enough to handle. 

3. Stage

Add the bacon onto a lined baking sheet : Meanwhile, line a large, rimmed sheet pan with foil and top with a baking rack (if you have one). Arrange the bacon strips on the rack in a single layer, making sure not to overlap them. 

4. Stage

Cook and chop the bacon: Bake the bacon until it shrivels slightly and darkens in color (remember it will crisp once it’s cooled), about 15 to 20 minutes depending on thickness.  Use tongs to transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with a few pieces of paper towel to cool. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small bits. Set aside. 

5. Stage

Peel and mash the potatoes: Once they’re cool enough to handle (but still warm), slice the potatoes in half. Set the potatoes cut side down on the cutting board and, using a soup spoon, peel the skin and discard. Cut the potato flesh into chunks and place in a large mixing bowl.   

6. Stage

Add mix-ins to potatoes: Add the sour cream, cream cheese, milk, and melted butter to the bowl with the potatoes. Using a potato masher, mix and mash the potatoes until well combined, but not completely smooth (you want a few potato lumps still).  Add about half of the chopped bacon, 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese, 1 cup of the scallions, plus the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a rubber spatula to fold the mix-ins into the potato mixture. Taste and season with more salt and pepper, if needed. 

7. Stage

Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Prepare a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter. 

8. Stage

Assemble the casserole and bake: Add the potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish and smooth into an even layer using a rubber spatula. Scatter the remaining cheddar cheese over the potatoes. Cover the dish with foil, making sure not to press it tight against the cheese, and bake for 40 minutes.  Remove the foil and bake the casserole uncovered for another 20 minutes, until the cheese is browned and bubbling slightly at the sides. 

9. Stage

Garnish and serve: Top the casserole with the remaining bacon bits and scallions. Serve. Love this recipe? Leave us a review below!