Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: this easy twice baked potato casserole recipe! It’s a total lifesaver when I’m looking for something hearty, delicious, and ridiculously simple to whip up. I love how it combines the classic flavors of baked potatoes with a creamy filling that just sings with cheesy goodness. Trust me, the first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how easy it was! Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just enjoying as a cozy side dish for dinner. The best part? You can make it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. It’s that easy-peasy, and the taste? Wow, you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 4 large potatoes – Make sure they’re big and hearty for the best results!
- 1 cup sour cream – This adds that creamy goodness that makes it all come together.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Go for sharp cheddar for an extra flavor punch.
- 1/2 cup milk – This helps keep the filling nice and smooth.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped – These bring a fresh, zesty bite to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste – A little seasoning goes a long way!
How to Prepare the easy twice baked potato casserole recipe
Alright, let’s dive into making this easy twice baked potato casserole! Don’t worry—I’ll walk you through each step, and it’s as straightforward as it gets. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together!
Prepping the Potatoes
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, give your large potatoes a good wash. Remember, those skins are going to be your cute little bowls! Once they’re clean, poke a few holes in each potato with a fork to let steam escape while baking. Pop them in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until they’re tender all the way through. You want them soft enough to scoop! Oh, that wonderful baked potato aroma will fill your kitchen!
Mixing the Filling
Once your potatoes are out and slightly cooled, carefully cut them in half lengthwise. Now comes the fun part! Scoop out the insides into a mixing bowl, leaving just a bit of potato on the skin for structure. Add in your sour cream, cheddar cheese, milk, and chopped green onions. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s beautifully creamy and well-combined. Trust me, you’ll want to taste it—so good!
Assembling and Baking
Time to fill those potato skins! Spoon the delicious filling back into each potato half, heaping it up nicely. If you’re feeling extra cheesy (who isn’t?), sprinkle some additional shredded cheddar on top. Place your filled potatoes back in the oven and bake for another 20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly. Get ready for the comforting, melting goodness that’s about to come out of your oven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy prep—perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining!
- Deliciously creamy and cheesy filling that’s a total crowd-pleaser.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone at the table.
- Can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy stress-free hosting.
- Customizable—add your favorite ingredients like bacon bits or different cheeses!
- Comfort food that warms you from the inside out, perfect for any occasion.
Tips for Success
To really elevate your easy twice baked potato casserole, here are some pro tips! First, choose the largest and freshest potatoes you can find for a sturdy base. If you like a smoky flavor, don’t hesitate to toss in some crispy bacon bits or even some sautéed mushrooms. For an extra layer of richness, try using cream cheese in place of some of the sour cream. And remember, when it comes to seasoning, taste as you go—everyone’s salt preference is different! Lastly, if you want a beautiful golden top, broil the casserole for a minute or two at the end. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn—oops!
Variations
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, there are so many fun ways to switch up this easy twice baked potato casserole! For a savory twist, try adding crispy bacon bits or diced ham to the filling—yum! You could also mix in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an extra veggie boost. Cheese lovers might enjoy experimenting with different types of cheese; think pepper jack for a kick or creamy mozzarella for a gooey texture. And don’t forget about spices! A dash of paprika or garlic powder can elevate the flavor even more. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your easy twice baked potato casserole, simply let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy those cheesy bites again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop the casserole in for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If you want to add a little extra cheese on top, go for it! Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning that delicious golden crust. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, it’s always good to be mindful of nutrition! Just remember, the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For this easy twice baked potato casserole, you can expect the following typical nutritional values per serving (1/8 of the casserole):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
- Carbohydrates: 35g (Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 2g)
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
This dish is rich and satisfying, making it a wonderful addition to your meal rotation! Enjoy without guilt, knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious!
FAQ Section
Can I make this easy twice baked potato casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for prepping in advance. You can assemble it a day or two ahead, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge!
What type of potatoes work best?
I recommend using large russet potatoes for this recipe. They have a great texture and are perfect for holding all that creamy filling. Plus, they bake up nice and fluffy!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can! Just let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven until warmed through.
What can I add to the filling for extra flavor?
Oh, the options are endless! You can mix in crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or even some sautéed veggies like mushrooms or spinach. Different cheeses also work great—try mixing in some pepper jack for a kick!
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top, and the filling is heated all the way through. If you want to be sure, you can always use a knife to check that the center is hot!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Tomato Basil Soup or Classic Chicken Noodle Soup!
Imprimer
Easy Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe for Comfort Food Bliss
- Temps Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple and delicious twice baked potato casserole recipe.
Ingrédients
- 4 large potatoes
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and pierce the potatoes with a fork.
- Bake the potatoes for 45 minutes or until tender.
- Let the potatoes cool slightly, then cut them in half and scoop out the insides into a bowl.
- Mix the potato insides with sour cream, cheddar cheese, milk, green onions, salt, and pepper.
- Fill the potato skins with the mixture.
- Top with additional cheese if desired.
- Bake for another 20 minutes until heated through.
Notes
- Make sure to choose large potatoes for best results.
- You can add bacon bits for extra flavor.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked later.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 1 hour
- Catégorie: Side Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 300mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 4g
- La protéine: 7g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: easy twice baked potato casserole recipe
