Print

Crispy Twice-Baked Potato Casserole Recipe with Bacon Topping Easy and Perfect

crispy twice-baked potato casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and crispy twice-baked potato casserole topped with smoky bacon and crunchy breadcrumbs, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large Russet potatoes (about 2 pounds/900 grams), scrubbed and baked whole
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream, full-fat recommended
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 170 grams)
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
  • ½ cup (about 50 grams) panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) milk (whole or 2%)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub Russet potatoes, prick with a fork, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 50-60 minutes until skins are crisp and a fork slides easily into the flesh. Alternatively, microwave for 8-10 minutes then finish baking in the oven.
  2. Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces. Set aside.
  3. Let potatoes cool about 15 minutes. Slice each potato lengthwise and carefully scoop out the insides into a large mixing bowl, leaving a thin shell intact.
  4. Add softened butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the potato flesh. Mash together until creamy but slightly chunky. If mixture is dry, stir in milk a tablespoon at a time.
  5. Spread mashed potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle cooked bacon pieces and then breadcrumbs on top.
  6. Lower oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake casserole for 25-30 minutes until top is golden brown, crispy, and casserole bubbles around edges.
  7. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set and make scooping easier.

Notes

To keep topping crispy, watch breadcrumbs in last 10 minutes and cover loosely with foil if browning too fast. Use room-temperature butter and sour cream for smooth filling. Don’t overmix potato filling to avoid gluey texture. For gluten-free, replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. Bacon can be cooked in oven on a rack to drain grease. Let casserole rest after baking for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: twice-baked potatoes, potato casserole, bacon topping, crispy casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/crispy-twice-baked-potato-casserole-recipe-with-bacon-topping-easy-and-perfect/