This Twice Baked Potato Casserole recipe, inspired by The Pioneer Woman, transforms the classic comfort food into an easy-to-serve, crowd-pleasing dish. Imagine creamy mashed potatoes enriched with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and delightful bites of potato skins – all baked to golden perfection. Plus, this recipe is a game-changer for busy cooks: it’s wonderfully make-ahead and freezer-friendly!
Are you a fan of Pioneer Woman Recipes? Then you’re in for a treat! This Twice Baked Potatoes Pioneer Woman style casserole is destined to become a new family favorite, just like her famous Meatloaf Recipe.
A close up shot of a wooden spoon serving twice baked potato casserole from a white baking dish.
This recipe is truly exceptional. If you’re like me and adore twice baked potatoes, converting them into a casserole is pure genius. It retains all the beloved flavors and textures but simplifies serving for gatherings or potlucks. And the best part? You can prepare this twice baked potatoes Pioneer Woman casserole up to two days in advance, making it perfect for holiday meal prep or stress-free weeknight dinners.
If make-ahead convenience wasn’t enough, you can also freeze leftovers effortlessly! Keep reading for all the essential tips and tricks to master this ultimate side dish idea. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a simple family dinner, this twice baked potatoes Pioneer Woman casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.
Essential Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potatoes Casserole
Let’s gather the ingredients to create this comforting casserole. High-quality ingredients are key to achieving that signature Pioneer Woman flavor.
- Russet Potatoes: For the best mashed potato casserole, choose starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. Avoid red or new potatoes as they can become gluey when mashed. Russets provide that fluffy, classic mashed potato texture we’re looking for in this twice baked potatoes Pioneer Woman recipe.
- Canola Oil: A neutral oil like canola oil is perfect for rubbing the potatoes before baking, helping the skins crisp up beautifully.
- Bacon: Because everything is better with bacon! You’ll need bacon for both inside the casserole and as a crispy topping. Use your favorite type of bacon – thick-cut works particularly well for adding hearty flavor.
- Salted Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the mashed potatoes. Salted butter is specified in the original Pioneer Woman twice baked potatoes recipe, but you can adjust salt levels to your preference.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream is the secret to creamy, tangy mashed potatoes. Full-fat sour cream will provide the best flavor and texture.
- Whole Milk: Whole milk contributes to the creamy consistency of the mashed potatoes. You can substitute with half-and-half or even cream for an even richer result, if desired.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for this twice baked potatoes Pioneer Woman casserole, providing a robust cheesy flavor that complements the potatoes and bacon. Shredding your own cheese from a block is highly recommended as it melts much smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
- Seasoned Salt: Seasoned salt adds a layer of savory flavor that enhances the overall taste of the casserole.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, adjust to taste. Freshly ground black pepper is always a great choice.
- Green Onions: Fresh green onions, also known as scallions, are used for garnish, adding a pop of color and a mild oniony bite to finish the dish.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Twice Baked Potatoes Pioneer Woman Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create this delectable twice baked potatoes Pioneer Woman casserole.
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Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the russet potatoes. Ensure they are completely dry before proceeding. Rub each potato generously with canola oil.
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Bake the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the oiled potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the potatoes 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 these ingredients to come to room temperature will ensure they blend smoothly into the mashed potatoes, creating a creamier texture.
A baking sheet with russet potatoes next to a bowl of softened butter and sour cream, ready for making twice baked potato casserole.
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Cook the Bacon: While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon until crispy. You can cook it in a skillet on the stovetop or bake it in the oven for less mess. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and 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 they are comfortable to handle. Leave the skins on two of the potatoes for added texture and flavor – this is a signature touch in Pioneer Woman twice baked potatoes. Peel the remaining potatoes. Cut all the potatoes (both peeled and unpeeled) into thirds and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Cooked bacon in a skillet beside a bowl of sliced and cooked russet potatoes, ready to be combined for twice baked potato casserole.
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Mash and Combine: 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 and well-combined mixture. Don’t over-mash if you prefer a slightly chunkier texture.
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Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mashed potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly in the dish.
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Add Toppings and Bake: Top the casserole with the remaining crumbled bacon and additional shredded cheddar cheese. 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: Once baked, remove the twice baked potatoes Pioneer Woman casserole from the oven. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy this ultimate comfort food side dish!
A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes and a casserole dish filled with twice baked potato casserole, showcasing the assembly process.
Make-Ahead Instructions for Twice Baked Potatoes Pioneer Woman Casserole
One of the greatest advantages of this twice baked potatoes Pioneer Woman casserole is its make-ahead capability. Perfect for holidays or when you need to get ahead on meal prep!
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Assemble Ahead: Follow all the recipe instructions up to the point of baking. Once the casserole is assembled in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil.
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Refrigerate: Store the unbaked casserole in the refrigerator for up to two days.
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Baking from Refrigerated: When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If baking directly from the refrigerator, bake the covered casserole for 10-15 minutes initially. Then, remove the cover and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and golden. Ensure the center is heated through before serving.
Crock Pot Version of Twice Baked Potatoes Pioneer Woman Casserole
For an even more hands-off approach, you can adapt this twice baked potatoes Pioneer Woman recipe for the Crock Pot. This is especially convenient for keeping the casserole warm at potlucks or gatherings.
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Assemble in Crock Pot: Prepare the mashed potato mixture as directed. Instead of transferring it to a baking dish, place it in a Crock Pot or slow cooker.
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Cooking Times: 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. Cooking times may vary depending on your specific slow cooker, so check for doneness.
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Keep Warm: Once cooked, you can switch the Crock Pot to the ‘warm’ setting to keep the casserole at serving temperature until you’re ready to eat.
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Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish with green onions and any remaining bacon for added freshness and flavor.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Twice Baked Potatoes Pioneer Woman Casserole
Leftovers of this delicious twice baked potatoes Pioneer Woman casserole are a treat! Here’s how to properly store and freeze them.
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Refrigerating Leftovers: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within three days for optimal quality and taste.
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Freezing the Casserole: This casserole freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prepping or saving leftovers for future meals. The butter, sour cream, and whole milk in the recipe help maintain a creamy consistency even after freezing and reheating. Use within three months for best quality.
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Freezing Methods:
- Portion Freezing: For individual servings, cut the casserole into portions. Wrap each portion tightly in foil, then place them in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag.
- Plate Freezing: For easier portioning later, scoop individual servings onto a plate. Freeze the plate for 1-2 hours until the potatoes are solid. Then, stack the frozen portions into a freezer bag. This prevents sticking and allows you to take out only what you need.
Reheating Frozen Twice Baked Potatoes Casserole
Reheating this twice baked potatoes Pioneer Woman casserole from frozen is simple. Here are a few methods:
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Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the frozen potato portions in foil or place them in an oven-safe dish with a cover. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. The exact time will depend on the portion size.
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Microwave Reheating: For a quicker method, microwave individual portions. Place a frozen portion on a microwave-safe plate or bowl. Heat at half power for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Again, time will vary with portion size.
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Tip for Creaminess: If you find the potatoes are slightly watery after reheating, stir in a bit of extra butter or sour cream to restore their creamy texture.
A wooden spoon lifting a serving of twice baked potato casserole, showcasing the melted cheese, bacon, and green onion topping.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potatoes Casserole
This twice baked potatoes Pioneer Woman casserole is more than just a side dish – it’s a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly convenient addition to any meal. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese is simply irresistible. The touch of potato skins adds a rustic, home-style element that elevates the dish.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: Perfect for busy schedules and holiday gatherings, the make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature of this recipe reduces stress and saves valuable time in the kitchen.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Everyone loves twice baked potatoes, and transforming them into a casserole makes serving a crowd so much easier. It’s an ideal dish for potlucks, family dinners, and holiday feasts.
- Versatile Side Dish: This casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken and steak to ham and meatloaf. It’s a fantastic side for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any special occasion.
- Pioneer Woman Inspiration: Inspired by the trusted recipes of The Pioneer Woman, you know you’re getting a dish that is both delicious and reliable.
Give this twice baked potatoes Pioneer Woman casserole recipe a try and experience the joy of effortless comfort food. It’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen!
