Dive into the heart of home-style cooking with this Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole recipe! Inspired by Ree Drummond’s iconic flavors, this dish takes the classic twice-baked potato and transforms it into a shareable, crowd-pleasing casserole. Imagine creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes loaded with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and those irresistible bites of potato skins – all baked to golden perfection. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a comforting experience that’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave some serious potato goodness. Plus, with make-ahead and freezer-friendly options, it’s a stress-free way to bring a taste of Pioneer Woman’s kitchen to your own table.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Twice Baked Potato Casserole
This Pioneer Woman inspired recipe is more than just delicious; it’s designed for real life. If you’re a fan of the cozy, satisfying flavors that Ree Drummond is known for, then this casserole is about to become your new best friend. Here’s why:
- Ultimate Comfort Food: This casserole embodies pure comfort. It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with familiar, beloved flavors that evoke a sense of home and happiness with every bite.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Life is busy, and this recipe gets that. You can assemble the entire casserole up to two days in advance, making it perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any dinner party where you want to get ahead of the game.
- Freezer-Friendly for Future Cravings: Leftovers are a treasure, and this casserole freezes beautifully. Imagine having a comforting, homemade side dish ready to go whenever you need a quick and delicious meal component.
- Crowd-Pleasing Casserole Format: Twice baked potatoes are amazing, but making them for a crowd? Not so much. This casserole takes all the best parts of twice baked potatoes and puts them in an easy-to-serve, shareable format that’s ideal for family dinners and gatherings.
- Flavor Explosion: We’re talking creamy mashed potatoes, savory bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and those slightly crispy potato skin pieces for added texture and flavor. It’s a symphony of tastes and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Inspired by Pioneer Woman: You know it’s going to be good! Ree Drummond’s recipes are famous for being approachable, flavorful, and family-friendly, and this casserole captures that spirit perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potatoes Casserole
To create this masterpiece, gather these simple, hearty ingredients. Quality ingredients are key to maximizing flavor, so choose the best you can find.
- Russet Potatoes: The foundation of our casserole. Russets are starchy, which makes them perfect for fluffy mashed potatoes. About 8 medium potatoes, roughly 6 pounds, will do the trick.
- Bacon: Because everything is better with bacon! Half a pound of bacon, cooked until crispy, adds that irresistible smoky, salty flavor.
- Canola Oil: A neutral oil for rubbing the potatoes before baking, ensuring a perfectly tender inside and slightly crisp skin.
- Salted Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the mashed potatoes. Two sticks of salted butter, softened, will create that creamy texture we crave.
- Sour Cream: For tanginess and extra creaminess. One cup of sour cream balances the richness of the butter and cheese.
- Whole Milk: Milk helps achieve the perfect mashed potato consistency. One cup of whole milk contributes to the overall creamy texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is classic in twice baked potatoes and casseroles. One cup of grated cheddar, plus extra for topping, provides that cheesy goodness. For the best melt and flavor, shred it yourself from a block.
- Seasoned Salt: Adds a savory depth of flavor. Two teaspoons of seasoned salt enhances the overall taste profile.
- Green Onions: For a fresh, mild oniony bite and a pop of color as a garnish. Three green onions, sliced, are perfect for finishing the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
A baking tray with Russet potatoes next to a bowl of butter and sour cream for making twice baked potato casserole.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Pioneer Woman inspired Twice Baked Potato Casserole.
- Bake the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the russet potatoes clean. Pat them completely dry. Rub each potato with canola oil. Place them directly on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork.
- Prep Ingredients: While the potatoes are baking, take the butter, sour cream, and milk out of the refrigerator to allow them to come to room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly into the mashed potatoes. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool.
- Cool and Prep Potatoes: 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).
- Mash the Potatoes: Leave the skins on two of the baked potatoes. Peel the remaining potatoes, discarding the skins (or save them for another use!). Cut all the potatoes (including the two with skins) into thirds and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Create the Mash: Crumble half of the cooked bacon and add it to the bowl with the potatoes. Add the softened butter, sour cream, grated cheddar cheese (reserving some for topping), seasoned salt, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the milk while mashing, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Transfer the mashed potato mixture to the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Top the casserole with the remaining crumbled bacon and additional shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: 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.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy this ultimate comfort food side dish!
Uncooked bacon in a pan next to a bowl of cooked and sliced russet potatoes.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips for Easy Planning
One of the greatest things about this Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole is its make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature. Here’s how to take advantage of these convenient options:
Make-Ahead Instructions:
- Assemble the casserole completely, up to the point of baking. Cover the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate for up to two days.
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the covered casserole for 10-15 minutes, then remove the foil and plastic wrap.
- Continue baking, uncovered, for another 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Freezing Instructions:
- Freeze Before Baking: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then with foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, covered, at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, then uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Freeze Leftovers: Allow baked casserole to cool completely. Portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap individual servings in foil packets. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating from Frozen:
- Oven Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven. 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 for individual portions, or longer for larger amounts, until heated through.
- Microwave Reheating: For a quicker option, microwave frozen portions on a microwave-safe plate at 50% power for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
A bowl of mashed potatoes next to a casserole dish filled with twice baked potato casserole.
Serving Suggestions for Your Potato Casserole
This Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Classic Comfort Meal: Serve alongside meatloaf, roasted chicken, or slow-cooked pot roast for the ultimate comforting dinner.
- Holiday Side Dish Star: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner. It complements turkey, ham, or prime rib beautifully.
- BBQ Sidekick: A fantastic addition to any BBQ spread. Serve with grilled ribs, burgers, or pulled pork.
- Weeknight Dinner Winner: Elevate a simple weeknight meal of grilled sausages or baked chicken breasts with this flavorful casserole.
- Potluck Favorite: Always a hit at potlucks and gatherings. Its make-ahead nature makes it ideal for bringing to parties.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole
- Potato Choice Matters: Russet potatoes are truly the best for that classic fluffy mashed potato texture. Avoid waxier potatoes like red potatoes, which can become gluey when mashed.
- Don’t Skimp on Fat: Butter, sour cream, and whole milk are essential for the creamy, rich texture that makes this casserole so indulgent.
- Cheese, Please!: Use good quality sharp cheddar for the best flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes superior to pre-shredded.
- Crispy Bacon is Key: Cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy for maximum flavor and texture contrast in the casserole.
- Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season your mashed potatoes generously with seasoned salt, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your butter, sour cream, and milk to room temperature helps them incorporate smoothly into the mashed potatoes, preventing lumps.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Consider adding extra cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, chives instead of green onions, or a sprinkle of paprika for color.
Pioneer Woman’s Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 10 people
Ingredients:
- ½ pound bacon
- 8 medium russet potatoes (about 6 pounds)
- 3 Tablespoons canola oil
- 2 sticks salted butter, softened and sliced into cubes
- 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).
- Take out butter, sour cream, and milk to come to room temperature.
- Scrub potatoes, dry, and rub with canola oil. Bake for 40 minutes until easily pierced.
- Cook bacon until crispy; set aside to cool and crumble.
- Reduce oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Leave skins on 2 potatoes, peel others. Cut all into thirds in a bowl.
- Crumble half the bacon into the bowl. Add butter, sour cream, cheese, seasoned salt, salt, and pepper. Mash roughly.
- Gradually add milk while mashing to desired consistency.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13 inch dish. Top with remaining bacon and cheese.
- Bake 20-25 minutes, uncovered, until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with green onions and serve.
Notes:
- Make-Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate unbaked casserole up to 2 days. Bake covered for 10-15 min, then uncovered for 25 min.
- Crock Pot Method: Assemble in a Crock Pot. Heat on low for 2 hours or high for 1 hour, until cheese melts. Garnish with green onions before serving.
- Freezing Leftovers: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or microwave at 50% power.
A wooden spoon scooping out twice baked potato casserole topped with melted cheese, bacon, and green onions.
Conclusion: Bring Pioneer Woman Comfort to Your Table
This Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a hug on a plate. With its creamy texture, cheesy richness, and savory bacon bits, it’s guaranteed to be a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is a winner. Embrace the make-ahead and freezer options for stress-free meal planning, and get ready to enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic casserole. Give this recipe a try and bring a touch of Pioneer Woman’s kitchen magic to your own home!
