The Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole: Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole recipe takes the classic comfort of twice-baked potatoes and transforms it into an easy-to-serve, crowd-pleasing casserole. Inspired by Ree Drummond’s famous style, this dish is loaded with creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and even includes those flavorful potato skins for extra texture and taste. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead option and freezer-friendly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.

Are you a fan of Pioneer Woman Recipes? Then you’ll definitely want to try her Meatloaf Recipe after you experience this incredible casserole!

A close up shot of a spoonful of twice baked potato casserole being lifted from a baking dish.

If you’re like me and absolutely adore twice-baked potatoes, then you’re in for a treat. Turning this beloved side dish into a casserole is a game-changer. It’s everything you love about twice-baked potatoes, simplified and amplified for sharing. The best part? You can prepare it up to two days in advance!

And the convenience doesn’t stop there. Leftovers are easily freezable, ensuring you have a comforting side dish ready whenever you need it. Keep reading to discover all the secrets to making this ultimate side dish idea a staple in your kitchen!

Why This Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because it combines the best aspects of comfort food with practicality. Here’s what makes it a winner:

Make-Ahead Magic: Life is busy, and this casserole understands that. Prepare it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, saving you precious time on cooking day.
Freezer-Friendly Feast: Leftovers (if there are any!) can be frozen for future meals, making it ideal for meal prepping or reducing food waste.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, savory bacon, sharp cheddar, and those slightly crispy potato skins creates a symphony of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible.
Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or a holiday celebration like Thanksgiving or Christmas, this casserole is always a hit.

Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Potato Casserole

Let’s gather the stars of this comforting casserole:

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. About 6 pounds of potatoes are needed for this recipe.
Canola Oil: Used to rub the potatoes before baking, helping the skins crisp up nicely.
Bacon: Because everything is better with bacon! It adds a smoky, salty crunch that complements the creamy potatoes perfectly.
Salted Butter: Butter is essential for richness and flavor in the mashed potatoes. Using salted butter adds another layer of seasoning.
Sour Cream: Sour cream contributes to the creamy texture and adds a slight tang that balances the richness.
Whole Milk: Milk helps create the perfect creamy consistency for the mashed potatoes.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its bold flavor, and using cheese shredded from a block ensures the best melting and taste.
Seasoned Salt: A secret weapon for flavor! Seasoned salt adds a depth of savory goodness to the potatoes.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Green Onions: For a fresh, vibrant garnish that adds a pop of color and mild oniony flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Follow these simple steps to create this delightful casserole:

Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the russet potatoes clean. Pat them completely dry and rub them generously with canola oil.

A baking sheet with oiled russet potatoes and ingredients like butter and sour cream in bowls.
Bake the Potatoes: Place the oiled potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork.
Cook the Bacon: While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Set aside to cool, then crumble.
Soften Dairy Ingredients: Take the butter, sour cream, and whole milk out of the refrigerator to allow them to come to room temperature. This helps them incorporate smoothly into the mashed potatoes.
Scoop and Mash: Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, remove them from the oven. Leave the skins on two of the potatoes. Peel the remaining potatoes, discarding the skins. Cut all the potatoes (including the ones with skins) into thirds and place them in a large mixing bowl.

A pan of uncooked bacon next to a bowl of cooked and sliced russet potatoes.
Create the Mash: 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.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mashed potato mixture to a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining crumbled bacon and additional shredded cheddar cheese.

A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes next to a casserole dish filled with twice baked potato casserole ready for baking.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Make-Ahead Instructions for Potato Casserole

Want to get ahead? This casserole is perfect for it!

Prepare the casserole as directed up to the baking step.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake covered for 10-15 minutes, then remove the cover and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

Crock Pot Potato Casserole Method

For an even more hands-off approach, try the Crock Pot method:

Assemble the casserole in a Crock Pot instead of a baking dish.
Cook on low for 2 hours or on high for 1 hour, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Switch to the warm setting until ready to serve.
If reheating from cold, add an extra 1-2 hours of heating time.

Storing and Reheating Your Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Storing Leftovers:

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Freezing for Later:

This potato casserole freezes beautifully! The butter, sour cream, and milk help maintain its creamy texture upon reheating.
Freezing Method 1 (Portion Sizes): Divide the casserole into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag.
Freezing Method 2 (Frozen Portions): Scoop individual portions onto a plate and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen solid, stack the portions in a freezer bag.
For best quality, use frozen casserole within three months.

Reheating from Frozen:

Oven Reheating: Wrap frozen portions in foil or place in an oven-safe dish with a lid. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Adjust time based on portion size.
Microwave Reheating: Place frozen portions on a microwave-safe plate and microwave at half power for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Adjust time based on portion size.
Tip: For more detailed tips on freezing and reheating mashed potatoes, this resource offers great advice.

A spoonful of cheesy twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions being served.

Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Don’t Overmix: When mashing the potatoes, be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a gluey texture. Mash just until smooth and combined.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened butter, sour cream, and milk ensures they blend seamlessly into the hot potatoes for a creamy, lump-free mash.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before baking, taste the mashed potato mixture and adjust salt and pepper as needed. The seasoned salt adds a good base flavor, but you may need to add more salt to taste.
Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheeses.

Serving Suggestions

This Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Consider serving it with:

Meatloaf
Roasted chicken or turkey
Grilled steak or pork chops
Ham
BBQ ribs

More Delicious Side Dish Recipes to Try

Looking for more comforting side dish inspiration? Check out these other popular recipes:

Baked Mac and Cheese on a white plate with a fork. 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

Ingredients:

½ pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
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 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 refrigerator to soften.
Scrub potatoes clean, dry, and rub with canola oil. Bake for 40 minutes.
While potatoes bake, cook bacon until crisp. Set aside to cool and crumble.
Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
Remove potatoes from oven. Leave skins on two potatoes; peel and discard skins of the rest. Cut all potatoes into thirds and place in a large bowl.
Add half the bacon, butter, sour cream, cheese, seasoned salt, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mash roughly.
Gradually add milk, mashing until desired consistency is reached.
Transfer to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Top with remaining bacon and extra cheese.
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve.

Notes:

Make-Ahead Method: Prepare casserole ahead of time, refrigerate unbaked for up to two days. Bake covered for 10-15 minutes, then uncovered for 25 minutes when ready.
Crock Pot Method: Assemble in Crock Pot, cook on low for 2 hours or high for 1 hour. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Enjoy this comforting and easy Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole!

Source: Inspired by The Food Network

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