How to Make a Delicious Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Elevate your comfort food game with a Twice Baked Potato Casserole topped with a crispy potato chip crust. This dish takes the beloved flavors of twice-baked potatoes—creamy interiors, rich sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory bacon—and transforms them into a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for a hearty side dish. The addition of a crunchy potato chip topping adds a delightful texture contrast that sets this casserole apart from traditional potato dishes. Get ready to indulge in a casserole that combines all the best aspects of comfort food into one irresistible package.
Why You’ll Love Twice Baked Potato Casserole with Potato Chip Crust:
- Flavorful Fusion: Combines the coziness of twice-baked potatoes with the ease of a casserole.
- Textural Delight: The creamy potato base and crispy potato chip crust offer a satisfying contrast.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish or a standalone meal with a side salad.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Sure to be a hit at gatherings, with flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
Ingredients Notes For Twice Baked Potato Casserole:
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy texture when baked.
- Sour Cream and Butter: For creaminess and richness in the potato mixture.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds depth of flavor; you can mix in other varieties like Gouda or Monterey Jack for more complexity.
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon provides a smoky, savory element.
- Green Onions: For a pop of color and freshness.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhance the overall taste.
- Potato Chips: Choose your favorite brand and flavor of potato chips for the crust, adding an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
Recipe Steps:
- Prep the Potatoes: Bake the potatoes until tender, then scoop out the flesh and mash with sour cream, butter, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Mix in the Goodies: Stir in most of the shredded cheese, bacon (reserve some for topping), and chopped green onions into the mashed potato mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the potato mixture to a greased baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Add the Potato Chip Crust: Crush the potato chips lightly (not too fine) and mix with the remaining cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the potato mixture.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the casserole is heated through and the potato chip crust is golden and crispy, about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with additional green onions and crumbled bacon before serving.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crust’s crispiness.
- Freeze: It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the potato chip crust may not retain its texture upon freezing and reheating.
How to Make a Delicious Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 large russet potatoes baked and cooled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Potato Chip Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed potato chips
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Scoop Out Potato Flesh: Cut the baked potatoes in half and scoop out the flesh into a large bowl, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato on the skin. Discard the skins or save for another use.
Make the Casserole Mixture:
- Mash Potatoes: Mash the potato flesh until smooth.
- Mix Ingredients: Add sour cream, milk, softened butter, 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the mashed potatoes. Stir well to combine.
- Spread in Baking Dish: Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Prepare the Potato Chip Crust:
- Combine Topping Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the crushed potato chips, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter until the chips are evenly coated.
- Add to Casserole: Sprinkle the potato chip mixture over the top of the potato mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake:
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the potato chip crust is golden and crispy.
Serve:
- Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with additional green onions or crumbled bacon before serving.
