This Twice Baked Potato Casserole, inspired by The Pioneer Woman, is set to become your new go-to side dish. Imagine creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes loaded with crispy bacon, melty cheddar cheese, and those irresistible bites of potato skins – all baked into a comforting casserole. And the best part? This Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole is incredibly convenient. You can prepare it ahead of time and even freeze it for future meals!
If you’re a fan of Ree Drummond’s recipes, you’re in for a treat. This Twice Baked Potatoes Casserole Pioneer Woman style recipe takes the classic comfort of twice-baked potatoes and transforms it into an easy-to-serve casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing side dish. Just like her famous Meatloaf Recipe, this casserole is all about delicious, fuss-free cooking.
A close up image of a wooden spoon filled twice baked potato casserole in a casserole dish.
Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer. If you adore twice baked potatoes but want an easier, more shareable format, this twice baked potato casserole recipe is your answer. Turning individual potatoes into a casserole makes it perfect for serving a larger group, and it simplifies the whole process without sacrificing any of the incredible flavor. Plus, the make-ahead and freezer options make it a stress-free choice for busy cooks. Looking for the perfect side dish idea? Your search ends here!
Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Let’s gather the stars of this Pioneer Woman twice baked potato casserole recipe. Simple, wholesome ingredients combine to create an explosion of flavor and texture:
- Russet Potatoes: For the best creamy mashed potato base, Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal. Their starchy nature ensures a fluffy, not gluey, texture. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes for this casserole.
- Canola Oil: A neutral oil for rubbing the potatoes before baking, promoting a crispy skin.
- Bacon: Because everything’s better with bacon! It adds a smoky, savory depth to the casserole.
- Salted Butter: Richness and flavor are essential! Salted butter contributes to the creamy texture and delicious taste.
- Sour Cream: Tanginess and creaminess – sour cream is a must for that signature twice-baked potato tang.
- Whole Milk: Adds moisture and creaminess, bringing the mashed potatoes together beautifully.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is recommended for its bold flavor that complements the potatoes and bacon. Shredding your own cheese from a block is always best for optimal melting and taste.
- Seasoned Salt: An easy way to boost the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
- Salt & Pepper: To season and balance all the flavors perfectly.
- Green Onions: For a fresh, vibrant garnish and a touch of oniony flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Twice Baked Potato Casserole Pioneer Woman Style
Ready to create this amazing twice baked potatoes casserole pioneer woman inspired dish? Here’s how:
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Prep the Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly cleaning your russet potatoes. Ensure they are completely dry before rubbing them generously with canola oil.
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Bake the Potatoes: Bake the oiled potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for about 40 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork.
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Soften Dairy: 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.
A baking tray with Russet potatoes next to a bowl of butter and sour cream for making twice baked potato casserole.
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Cook the Bacon: Cook your bacon until crispy. This can be done while the potatoes are in the oven, saving you time.
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Cool and Prep Potatoes: Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool until you can handle them comfortably.
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Scoop and Mash: Leave the skins on two of the baked potatoes. Peel the remaining potatoes and discard the skins. Cut all the potatoes (including the two with skins) into thirds and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Uncooked bacon in a pan next to a bowl of cooked and sliced russet potatoes.
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Combine and Mash: Crumble the cooked bacon. Add half of the crumbled bacon to the bowl with the potatoes. Then, add the softened butter, sour cream, whole milk, cheddar cheese, seasoned salt, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together until you achieve a creamy, well-combined mixture.
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Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mashed potato mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
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Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon and additional shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish your delicious twice baked potato casserole with sliced green onions for a pop of fresh flavor and color. Serve hot and enjoy!
A bowl of mashed potatoes next to a casserole dish filled with twice baked potato casserole.
Make-Ahead Magic: Preparing Your Casserole in Advance
One of the greatest advantages of this twice baked potatoes casserole pioneer woman recipe is its make-ahead convenience. You can assemble the entire casserole up to two days before you plan to bake it.
- Simply follow all the recipe steps up to the baking stage.
- Instead of baking, cover the unbaked casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.
- When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven as directed.
- Bake the refrigerated casserole, covered, for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the cover and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Crock-Pot Convenience: Slow Cooker Method
For an even more hands-off approach, try the Crock-Pot method for your Pioneer Woman twice baked potato casserole:
- Prepare the casserole mixture as instructed.
- Instead of transferring it to a baking dish, place the mixture in your Crock-Pot.
- 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.
- Once cooked, switch the Crock-Pot to the “warm” setting to keep the casserole at serving temperature.
- Garnish with green onions just before serving.
- If reheating from cold, add an extra 1-2 hours of heating time.
Storing and Freezing Leftovers
Storing Leftovers:
- Store any leftover twice baked potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It’s best consumed within three days for optimal quality.
Freezing Leftover Potato Casserole:
This Pioneer Woman twice baked potato casserole freezes exceptionally well! The butter, sour cream, and whole milk in the recipe help maintain a creamy consistency even after freezing and reheating.
- Method 1: Individual Portions: For easy single servings, portion the casserole into foil packets. Wrap each portion tightly in foil and place them in a Ziploc freezer bag.
- Method 2: Frozen Portions: Use a measuring cup to scoop individual portions onto a plate. Freeze the plate with the portions for 1-2 hours, or until solid. Once frozen, you can stack the portions in a freezer bag, preventing them from sticking together.
For best quality, use frozen twice baked potato casserole within three months.
Reheating Frozen Potato Casserole
Here are a few easy ways to reheat your frozen twice baked potatoes casserole:
- Oven Reheating: Wrap frozen portions in foil or place them in an oven-safe covered dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. The exact time will depend on the portion size.
- Microwave Reheating: Place frozen portions on a microwave-safe plate or bowl. Heat on half power for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Again, the time will vary based on portion size.
- Tip: For more detailed information and visuals on freezing and reheating mashed potatoes, this resource offers helpful guidance.
A wooden spoon scooping out twice baked potato casserole topped with melted cheese, bacon, and green onions.
More Delicious Side Dish Ideas
Looking for more fantastic side dish inspiration? Try these other cozy and comforting recipes:
Green Bean Casserole in a white casserole dish with a spoon. Green Bean Casserole
A wooden spoon scooping up Corn Casserole from a skillet. Corn Casserole
A white casserole dish with sausage stuffing with parsley on top. Sausage Stuffing
A bowl of buttermilk biscuits with a cloth underneath. Buttermilk Biscuits
Blackberry Cobbler in a baking dish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top with a wooden spoon. Blackberry Cobbler
Baked Mac and Cheese on a white plate with a fork on the side. Baked Mac and Cheese
Pioneer Woman’s Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
[wprm-recipe-jump]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 10 people
[wprm-recipe-image]Yield: 10 servings
[wprm-recipe-details]
A comforting and cheesy Twice Baked Potato Casserole inspired by The Pioneer Woman, perfect as a make-ahead side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
- ½ pound bacon
- 8 medium russet potatoes (about 6 pounds total)
- 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 extra for topping
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove butter, sour cream, and milk from the refrigerator to soften.
- Scrub potatoes clean, dry thoroughly, and rub with canola oil. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork.
- While potatoes bake, cook bacon in a large pan over low heat until crispy, flipping periodically. Set aside on paper towels to cool.
- Remove potatoes from oven and reduce heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Leave skins on two potatoes; peel and discard remaining skins. Cut all potatoes into thirds and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Crumble cooked bacon, reserving some for topping. Add remaining bacon to the bowl with butter, sour cream, cheese, seasoned salt, salt, and pepper. Mash roughly.
- Gradually add milk, mashing after each addition, until desired consistency is reached.
- Transfer to a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with reserved bacon and extra cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
Recipe Notes
Make-Ahead Method: Assemble casserole as directed, but refrigerate before baking for up to two days. When ready to bake, cover and bake for 10-15 minutes, then uncover and bake for 25 minutes more.
Crock Pot Method: Assemble casserole in a Crock-Pot. Heat on low for 2 hours or high for 1 hour, until heated through. Keep warm until serving.
[wprm-recipe-nutrition]
Nutrition Information (per serving):
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
Enjoy this delightful Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole! Don’t forget to share your creations on Instagram and tag @TheCozyCook and use hashtag #thecozycook!
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Author: Stephanie
Source: The Food Network
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