This Pioneer Woman Baked Potato Casserole, inspired by Ree Drummond, transforms classic twice-baked potatoes into an easy-to-share, crowd-pleasing side dish. Packed with creamy mashed potatoes, savory bacon, and melted cheese, with a hint of potato skins for texture, this casserole is the epitome of comfort food. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient as you can prepare it ahead of time and even freeze leftovers!
If you’re a fan of Pioneer Woman recipes, you’ll adore this hearty and flavorful Twice Baked Potato Casserole. It’s perfect alongside her Meatloaf Recipe or any main course that calls for a comforting side.
Close up of Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole in a dish, showing creamy texture and cheese topping.
This recipe is truly a game-changer. If you love twice-baked potatoes, you’ll be obsessed with this casserole version. It captures all the deliciousness in an easier, potluck-friendly format. The best part? You can make this make-ahead baked potato casserole up to two days in advance, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or stress-free weeknight dinners.
And the convenience doesn’t stop there! Leftovers are a breeze to manage because this baked potato casserole freezes beautifully. Keep reading for all the tips and tricks to make this ultimate side dish recipe a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Baked Potato Casserole
To create this delectable Pioneer Woman baked potato casserole, you’ll need these simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- Russet Potatoes: For the best creamy texture, use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. Avoid red or new potatoes as they can become gluey when mashed. About 8 medium russet potatoes, roughly 6 pounds.
- Canola Oil: For rubbing the potatoes before baking, ensuring a crispy skin. 3 tablespoons are sufficient.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory crunch. You’ll need ½ pound of bacon.
- Salted Butter: Essential for richness and flavor in the mashed potatoes. 2 sticks of salted butter, softened.
- Sour Cream: Contributes to the creamy tanginess. Use 1 cup of sour cream.
- Whole Milk: Helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency. 1 cup of whole milk.
- Cheddar Cheese: For cheesy goodness both inside and on top. 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping. Shredding your own cheese from a block is recommended for the best melt.
- Seasoned Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile. 2 teaspoons of seasoned salt.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the potatoes.
- Green Onions: For a fresh, vibrant garnish. 3 green onions, sliced.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Baked Potato Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create this amazing Pioneer Woman baked potato casserole:
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Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly. Pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel. Rub each potato with canola oil.
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Bake the Potatoes: Place the oiled potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork.
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Soften Dairy Ingredients: While the potatoes are baking, take the butter, sour cream, and whole milk out of the refrigerator. Allowing them to come to room temperature will help them incorporate smoothly into the mashed potatoes.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole including potatoes, butter, sour cream, and bacon on a kitchen counter.
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Cook the Bacon: While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-low heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon.
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Prepare the Potato Mixture: Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly until you can handle them comfortably. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
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Scoop and Mash: Leave the skins on two of the potatoes for added texture and flavor (optional, but recommended). Peel and discard the skins from the remaining potatoes. Cut all the potatoes into chunks and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Cooked bacon and sliced baked potatoes ready to be combined for Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole.
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Combine Ingredients: Add half of the crumbled bacon to the bowl with the potatoes. Add the softened butter, sour cream, whole milk, grated cheddar cheese, seasoned salt, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy. For a chunkier texture, mash less.
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Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mashed potato mixture to a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly in the dish.
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Add Toppings: Top the casserole with the remaining crumbled bacon and additional shredded cheddar cheese.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove the Pioneer Woman baked potato casserole from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy this ultimate comfort food!
Finished Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole in a baking dish ready to serve.
Make-Ahead Instructions for Baked Potato Casserole
This Pioneer Woman baked potato casserole is incredibly convenient for make-ahead preparation:
- Assemble Ahead: Prepare the casserole completely as instructed up to the baking step.
- Refrigerate: Cover the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to two days.
- Bake Later: When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). If baking from cold, cover the casserole with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Crock Pot Version of Twice Baked Potato Casserole
For an even more hands-off approach, you can make this Pioneer Woman baked potato casserole in a Crock-Pot or slow cooker:
- Assemble in Crock-Pot: Follow all the recipe instructions for preparing the potato mixture, but instead of transferring it to a baking dish, place it in a Crock-Pot.
- Cook Slowly: Cook on low heat for 2 hours or on high heat for 1 hour, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted.
- Keep Warm: Once cooked, switch the Crock-Pot to the “warm” setting to keep the casserole at serving temperature.
- Reheating from Cold: If reheating a cold casserole in the Crock-Pot, add an extra 1-2 hours of heating time, depending on the size and your Crock-Pot.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Potato Casserole
Storing Leftovers:
- Refrigerate leftover Pioneer Woman baked potato casserole in an airtight container for up to three days.
Freezing Instructions:
This potato casserole is ideal for freezing, maintaining its creamy texture thanks to the butter, sour cream, and milk.
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Freezing Methods:
- Individual Portions: For easy single servings, freeze portion sizes in foil packets or freezer-safe containers. Place packets in a Ziploc freezer bag.
- Stacked Portions: Alternatively, scoop individual portions onto a plate and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. Then, stack the frozen portions in a freezer bag to save space.
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Freezing Time: For best quality, use frozen potato casserole within three months.
Reheating Frozen Baked Potato Casserole
Here’s how to reheat your frozen Pioneer Woman baked potato casserole:
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Oven Reheating: Wrap frozen portions in foil or place in an oven-safe dish with a cover. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Adjust time based on portion size.
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Microwave Reheating: Place frozen potatoes on a microwave-safe plate or bowl. Heat at half power for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Adjust time based on portion size.
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Tip for Reheating: If the potatoes seem a little watery after reheating, stir in a bit of extra butter or sour cream to restore their creamy consistency. For more detailed tips on freezing and reheating mashed potatoes, this resource offers helpful information.
Close up of a spoonful of Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole showing melted cheese, bacon, and green onions.
More Comfort Food Side Dish Recipes
Looking for more delicious side dish ideas? Try these other comforting casserole recipes:
Green Bean Casserole image link. Green Bean Casserole
Corn Casserole image link. Corn Casserole
Sausage Stuffing image link. Sausage Stuffing
Buttermilk Biscuits image link. Buttermilk Biscuits
Blackberry Cobbler image link. Blackberry Cobbler
Baked Mac and Cheese image link. Baked Mac and Cheese
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Pioneer Woman’s Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients:
- ½ pound bacon
- 8 medium russet potatoes (about 6 pounds)
- 3 Tablespoons canola oil
- 2 sticks salted butter, softened and cubed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Set out butter, sour cream, and milk to soften.
- Scrub potatoes, dry, and rub with canola oil. Bake for 40 minutes.
- Cook bacon until crisp, set aside to cool and crumble.
- Reduce oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel most potato skins, leaving some for texture. Cut potatoes into chunks.
- Combine potatoes with half the bacon, butter, sour cream, cheese, seasoned salt, salt, and pepper. Mash until creamy.
- Gradually add milk, mashing to desired consistency.
- Transfer to greased 9×13 dish.
- Top with remaining bacon and cheese.
- Bake 20-25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with green onions and serve.
Notes:
Make-Ahead Method: Assemble casserole, refrigerate unbaked up to two days. To bake, cover and bake 10-15 minutes, then uncover and bake 25 minutes more.
Crock Pot Method: Assemble in Crock Pot. Heat on low for 2 hours or high for 1 hour, until cheese is melted. Keep warm.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 317kcal, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 38mg, Sodium: 693mg, Potassium: 832mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 339IU, Vitamin C: 11mg, Calcium: 159mg, Iron: 2mg
Recipe inspired by The Food Network and Pioneer Woman Recipes.
