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Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe Easy Crispy Easter Side Dish

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A creamy, cheesy twice baked potato casserole with a crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for Easter or any family gathering. Easy to make ahead and feeds a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes (about pounds / 1.1 kg)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (200g)
  • 1 cup full-fat sour cream (240ml)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85g)
  • ½ cup whole milk (120ml)
  • 34 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup bacon bits, cooked and crumbled (75g) – optional
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (50g), preferably panko
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub potatoes and prick with a fork. Bake directly on oven rack or baking sheet until tender, about 50-60 minutes.
  2. While potatoes bake, slice green onions, cook and crumble bacon if using, and shred cheddar cheese.
  3. When potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice in half lengthwise and scoop out insides into a large bowl, leaving a thin shell for structure. Mash potato flesh until smooth but still a bit fluffy.
  4. Add butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to mashed potatoes. Mix until creamy and well combined. Stir in half the cheddar, green onions, and bacon bits.
  5. Spread potato mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until top is golden brown and casserole is heated through, about 25-30 minutes.

Notes

Do not skip baking the potatoes to avoid soggy casserole. Use full-fat sour cream for best texture. Save potato skins for a crunchy garnish if desired. Breadcrumb topping is essential for crispy finish. Season potatoes well with salt and pepper. Avoid overmixing potatoes to prevent gummy texture. For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes. For dairy-free, substitute sour cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: twice baked potato casserole, Easter side dish, cheesy potato casserole, crispy potato casserole, make-ahead casserole, holiday side dish