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Crispy Twice Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon Crumbles

crispy twice baked potato casserole - featured image

A comforting casserole featuring creamy twice-baked potatoes topped with a crispy, cheesy bacon crumble crust. Perfect for cozy dinners or potlucks, this easy recipe combines simple ingredients for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds / 900 grams)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 170 grams)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (about 50 grams)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (115 grams)
  • ½ cup sour cream (about 120 ml)
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 stalks green onions, finely sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash russet potatoes thoroughly; no need to peel.
  2. Place whole potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 30-40 minutes.
  3. While potatoes boil, cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled.
  4. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and half of the bacon crumbles. Set aside.
  5. Let potatoes cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
  6. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the insides into a mixing bowl, leaving skins intact.
  7. Mash potato flesh with cream cheese, sour cream, remaining shredded cheddar, green onions, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the potato skins, mounding slightly.
  9. Arrange filled potato skins snugly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  10. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the filled potatoes.
  11. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden brown and crisp.
  12. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese and sour cream to avoid lumps. For gluten-free, substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. To keep topping crispy, avoid overcrowding the baking dish. Optionally broil 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness. Bacon can be baked on a sheet pan at 400°F for 15-18 minutes for less mess.

Nutrition

Keywords: twice baked potatoes, potato casserole, bacon crumble, crispy topping, comfort food, easy casserole, cheesy potatoes