The Pioneer Woman's Twice Baked Potato Casserole
This Twice Baked Potato Casserole recipe from The Pioneer Woman is an easy make ahead side dish idea for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family dinner!
Ingredients
- ½ lbbacon
- 8 mediumrusset potatoes
equal to about 6 pounds
- 3 tbspcanola oil
- 2 stickssalted butter
softened and sliced into cubes.
- 1 csour cream
- 1 cwhole milk
- 1 cgrated cheddar cheese
plus more for topping
- 2 tspseasoned salt
- 3green onions
sliced
- to tastesalt and pepper
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400° F.
- 2
Take out the butter, sour cream, and milk and set them aside, they shouldn’t be cold when combined with the potatoes.
- 3
Scrub the potatoes clean. Wipe them dry and rub them with canola oil. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, until they can be easily sliced through.
- 4
While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon in a large pan slowly on low heat. As the edges begin to curl, use tongs to flip them over periodically until evenly cooked. Set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to cool once finished.
- 5
Remove the potatoes from the oven and decrease the heat to 350 degrees.
- 6
Leave the skins on two of the potatoes and peel and discard the remaining skins. Cut each potato into thirds and add them to a large mixing bowl.
- 7
Crumble the cooked bacon and set some aside for topping the casserole. Add the rest to the mixing bowl along with the butter, sour cream, grated cheese, seasoned salt, and salt and pepper. Give it a rough mash.
- 8
Add the milk gradually, mashed in between additions, until desired consistency is obtained. (I usually add all of it, but doing it gradually will ensure your desired consistency is obtained.)
- 9
Transfer to a lightly greased 9 x 13 baking dish.
- 10
Top with reserved bacon and additional shredded cheese.
- 11
Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes. Top with sliced green onions and serve!
About this Recipe
The Ultimate Comfort: The Pioneer Woman's Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Get ready to elevate your side dish game with The Pioneer Woman's Twice Baked Potato Casserole! This incredible recipe takes all the beloved flavors of a classic twice-baked potato and transforms them into an effortlessly elegant casserole that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're planning a grand Thanksgiving feast, a cozy Christmas dinner, or simply a hearty family meal, this Twice Baked Potato Casserole is designed to impress and delight.
What makes this casserole truly special is its rich, creamy texture and savory layers of flavor. We're talking fluffy russet potatoes mashed with generous amounts of softened salted butter, tangy sour cream, whole milk, and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese. But it doesn't stop there! Crispy bacon bits and fresh green onions are folded in, adding bursts of flavor and a delightful contrast. The seasoned salt brings everything together for that signature Pioneer Woman touch – comforting, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.
One of the biggest advantages of this make-ahead side dish is its convenience. You can assemble it entirely in advance, making your holiday prep or weeknight cooking a breeze. Simply bake when ready to serve, and enjoy the golden-brown, cheesy perfection.
Tips for Success & Variations:
- For extra richness, consider adding a touch of cream cheese to the mashed potato mixture.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or a smoky Gouda for a unique twist on this Twice Baked Potato Casserole.
- Garnish with extra crispy bacon and chives just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
This indulgent side pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, a holiday ham, or a juicy steak. It's truly a dish that feels homemade and special, embodying the warmth and generosity that The Pioneer Woman is famous for.