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Cozy Loaded Twice-Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon

loaded twice-baked potato casserole - featured image
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A comforting and easy casserole combining creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory seasonings baked to golden perfection. Perfect for cozy meals and crowd-pleasing dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds russet potatoes (about 1.4 kg)
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon (or turkey bacon for leaner option)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (200 g), divided
  • 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese (225 g)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (120 ml), full-fat preferred
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (45 g)
  • 1/4 cup milk (60 ml), whole or 2%

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Scrub the russet potatoes clean and pierce each a few times with a fork. Microwave on high for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, or bake in the oven for about 45 minutes until tender. Let cool slightly.
  3. While potatoes cook, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces once cooled.
  4. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the insides, leaving a thin shell. Place the scooped potato flesh in a large mixing bowl.
  5. Add cottage cheese, sour cream, softened butter, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sliced green onions to the potato flesh. Mash together with a potato masher or hand mixer until creamy but still slightly chunky.
  6. Fold in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and most of the bacon pieces, reserving some bacon for topping.
  7. Spread the potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and reserved bacon on top.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
  9. Remove from oven, garnish with extra sliced green onions or chives, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If casserole looks too dry before baking, add a splash more milk. Crisp bacon properly to avoid greasiness. Tent with foil if cheese browns too fast. Let casserole rest 5 minutes after baking for best texture. Vegetarian option: omit bacon and add smoked paprika or sautéed mushrooms.

Nutrition

Keywords: twice-baked potatoes, casserole, bacon, comfort food, cheesy potatoes, easy dinner, loaded potatoes

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/cozy-loaded-twice-baked-potato-casserole-with-bacon-easy-recipe-for-comfort-food/