Why This Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

Our Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes Casserole isn’t just another side dish; it’s a staple in the making. Here’s why this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire:

• Ultimate Make-Ahead Convenience: Say goodbye to last-minute kitchen chaos! This casserole is specifically designed to be prepped ahead of time. Simply assemble, cover securely with foil, and refrigerate for up to two days. When your guests arrive or dinner is ready, just pop it into the oven. If baking from cold, allow an extra 35-45 minutes in the oven to ensure it’s heated through and bubbling with cheesy goodness. This flexibility makes it ideal for stress-free entertaining during busy holidays or any large gathering.
• A Delicious Twist on a Classic: While classic mashed potatoes are beloved, this recipe takes them to an entirely new level. The combination of creamy texture, rich cheese, and savory bacon, all enhanced by a second bake, transforms a humble potato dish into a show-stopping casserole. It’s a delightful surprise that will be adored by everyone at your table, whether it’s for a traditional holiday meal like Thanksgiving or Christmas, or a simple, heartwarming family dinner.
• Easily Adaptable for Dietary Needs: Catering to various preferences is simple with this versatile recipe. To transform it into a flavorful vegetarian side dish, just omit the bacon. You can enhance its savory profile by topping it with crispy fried onions instead, adding a delightful crunch without any meat. This makes it a fantastic option for inclusive meal planning.
• Irresistible Texture and Flavor: The double baking process creates an unparalleled texture. The interior remains incredibly creamy and soft, while the top develops a tantalizingly golden and slightly crispy crust. This contrast in textures, combined with the melty cheese and savory additions, makes every bite a truly luxurious experience.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual weeknight dinners to elegant holiday feasts, this dish fits seamlessly into any menu. Its comforting appeal and impressive presentation make it suitable for both intimate family meals and grand celebrations.

Essential Ingredients and Smart Substitutions

Crafting the perfect Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes Casserole starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and some clever substitutions to ensure delicious results every time:

• Yukon Gold Potatoes: These are my top choice for mashed potatoes due to their naturally creamy texture and buttery flavor. When mashed, they become wonderfully smooth without getting gummy. However, if Yukon Golds aren’t available, Russet potatoes are an excellent alternative. Just be sure to peel them and consider a potato ricer for the smoothest consistency.
• Garlic Cloves: Whole garlic cloves, boiled directly with the potatoes, impart a subtle yet profound aromatic flavor that permeates the entire dish. They soften during cooking and are easily mashed into the potatoes, providing a deeper flavor profile than garlic powder alone.
• Milk: For the ultimate creaminess, whole milk is highly recommended. Its higher fat content contributes to a richer, more luxurious texture. If you need a lighter option, 2% milk can be used without significantly compromising the overall taste and consistency.
• Heavy Cream: This is a key player in achieving incredibly fluffy and rich mashed potatoes. Combined with whole milk, heavy cream ensures a truly decadent result. If heavy cream isn’t on hand, you can create a suitable substitute: whisk 1 teaspoon of cornstarch into an equal amount of cold half-and-half or whole milk, then use this mixture in place of the heavy cream. The cornstarch helps to thicken and mimic the cream’s richness.
• Butter: Butter adds essential richness and flavor. We recommend using unsalted butter to give you full control over the salt content in the dish. If you only have salted butter, simply reduce the amount of Kosher salt added to the recipe by 1 teaspoon.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream introduces a delightful tang and helps to create a wonderfully moist and creamy texture. For a healthier or dairy-free option, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt. To replicate the signature sour cream tang, stir in about 3/4 teaspoon of fresh lime or lemon juice into the yogurt before adding it to the potatoes.
• Cheddar Cheese: The backbone of the “loaded” flavor! For that distinct sharp and tangy taste that cuts through the richness, I highly recommend using sharp cheddar cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a more vibrant flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
• Bacon: Crispy, salty bacon bits are a non-negotiable for true “loaded” flavor. Cooking your own bacon until extra crispy and then crumbling it ensures the best texture and taste. Alternatively, for a quick and easy solution, you can use good quality pre-cooked bacon.
• Green Onions: These provide a fresh, zippy counterpoint to the rich potatoes, adding both vibrant color and a mild oniony bite. Chopped chives are an excellent substitute if green onions are not available, offering a similar delicate onion flavor.

Recipe Variations for Creative Cooks

Feel free to get creative and put your own spin on this classic casserole. Here are some fantastic recipe variations to inspire you:

• Add a Crunchy Topping: For an extra layer of texture and savory goodness, sprinkle about 1/4 cup of store-bought crispy fried onions over the casserole before the final baking step. They’ll crisp up beautifully and add a delightful crunch.
• Ham Swap for Bacon: If you’re looking to change up the meat or use up leftovers, diced or shredded chopped ham makes an excellent substitute for bacon. It’s particularly wonderful if you have leftover holiday ham!
• Embrace Extra Cheesy Goodness: For those who believe there’s no such thing as too much cheese, mix in some mozzarella cheese along with the cheddar. It will create an even gooier, meltier, and more luxurious finish. Gruyere or a blend of cheeses would also be fantastic.
• For the Garlic Lovers: Amp up the garlic flavor by incorporating roasted garlic cloves (mashed into a paste) into your potatoes, or simply add an extra teaspoon of garlic powder to the mixture for more depth.
• Introduce a Spicy Twist: If you enjoy a bit of heat, finely diced jalapeños (seeded for less heat, or with seeds for more kick) can be stirred into the potato mixture. A small pinch of cayenne pepper will also provide a subtle, warming heat.

Essential Equipment for Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

Having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving perfectly creamy and fluffy twice baked mashed potatoes. Here’s a list of the equipment you’ll need:

• Large Saucepan: For boiling the potatoes and garlic. A 3-quart saucepan is generally sufficient for 3 pounds of potatoes.
• Medium Saucepan (or Microwave-Safe Bowl): To gently warm the milk and heavy cream. Warming the dairy before adding it to the potatoes helps prevent them from becoming gluey.
• 11″ x 9″ Casserole Dish (or a 3-Quart Baking Dish): The perfect size for baking and serving this delicious casserole. Ensure it’s oven-safe and can hold the volume of the potato mixture.
• Colander: Essential for thoroughly draining the cooked potatoes and garlic, preventing watery mashed potatoes.
• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl provides ample space for mashing and combining all the ingredients without spills.
• Potato Masher, Ricer, Food Mill, or Mixer: Choose your preferred tool for mashing. Each offers a slightly different texture (see Pro Tips below for more detail!).
• Spatula: For stirring, scraping down the sides of the bowl, and smoothing the potato mixture into the casserole dish.

How to Make Baked Twice Mashed Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed steps to create your own delicious Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes Casserole:

1. Prepare and Boil Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes, whole garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of coarse Kosher salt into a large 3-quart saucepan. Cover the potatoes with water by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-high, cover the pot, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. While the potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Warm Dairy: Simultaneously, warm the milk and heavy cream. Pour them into a small saucepan and heat over low heat until they just begin to simmer around the edges. Be careful not to let the mixture come to a full boil. As an alternative, you can microwave the milk and cream in a microwave-safe bowl for 15-30 seconds until warmed through. This step ensures the dairy incorporates smoothly into the potatoes.
3. Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are tender, carefully drain them and the garlic thoroughly using a colander. Transfer the drained potatoes and garlic back into the same saucepan (or a large mixing bowl). Use a fork to crush the softened garlic cloves against the side of the pot to release their flavor. Add the softened butter to the hot potatoes. Begin mashing with your preferred tool—a potato masher, ricer (if peeled), or mixer—until they reach your desired consistency. Remember the pro tip: avoid over-mixing if using a mixer to prevent gumminess.

4. Combine and Season: To the mashed potatoes, stir in the sour cream, the warmed milk and heavy cream mixture, the remaining 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add ¾ cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and half of the chopped crispy bacon. Mix everything until it’s smooth, well combined, and all the flavors are evenly distributed.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease your 11″ x 9″ (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the rest of the chopped bacon over the top. This creates that irresistible cheesy and crispy topping.

6. First Bake and Broil: Place the casserole in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese topping is fully melted and bubbly. For that perfect golden-brown, slightly crispy crust, turn the oven to broil at 500°F (260°C) for 2-3 minutes. Keep a very close eye on it during this stage, as it can brown quickly. If using, now is the time to add crispy fried onions before broiling.
7. Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the hot casserole from the oven. For a fresh burst of flavor and color, immediately top the baked twice mashed potatoes with freshly sliced green onions (or chives) before bringing it to the table. Serve hot and enjoy every decadent bite!

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

This double baked mashed potatoes casserole is incredibly versatile and serves as an exceptional side dish that complements a wide array of main courses. Its rich, comforting profile pairs beautifully with hearty meats and provides a satisfying contrast to lighter fare.

Consider serving it alongside classic holiday roasts such as a succulent Crock Pot Ham with Coke, a tender Beef Chuck Roast from the Crock Pot, or a perfectly seasoned Baked Chicken Tenderloin Recipe for a truly hearty and satisfying meal. The creamy texture of the potatoes also creates a delightful balance with the smoky, rich flavors of a Smoked Chicken Thighs Recipe, making each bite an exquisite experience.

For a well-rounded and complete meal, enhance your plate with vibrant, steamed green vegetables like asparagus or green beans, a crisp, fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette, or warm, crusty dinner rolls. To complete the dining experience, a crisp glass of white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing iced tea makes for the perfect beverage pairing. If you’re preparing this for a grand holiday feast, don’t forget to include other festive staples like homemade cranberry sauce and savory roasted Brussels sprouts to create a truly memorable and abundant spread!

Recipe FAQs: Your Questions Answered

More Delicious Side Dish Recipes to Explore

If you loved this comforting casserole, be sure to check out these other fantastic side dish recipes for your next meal:

• Shredded Carrot Salad with Raisins
• Instant Pot Rice Pilaf
• Easy Roasted Green Beans and Potatoes Recipe
• Baked Sweet Potato Rounds

Double Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Author: Renae Gerhardstein

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 from 1 vote)

This double baked mashed potatoes casserole is an incredibly creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that promises to be a highlight at any meal! It’s super easy to make and customize. Try this twice baked mashed potatoes recipe today and enjoy a truly comforting classic!

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 10 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 380 kcal

Equipment

• 3 quart saucepan
• Small saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl)
• 3 quart baking dish (or 11″ x 9″ size)
• Colander
• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Potato masher (If you use a potato masher, I recommend using a flat-bottom, wide bowl to mash the ingredients. Or use a potato ricer, food mill, or mixer.)

Ingredients

Mashed Potatoes

• 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (cubed)
• 3 garlic cloves (whole)
• 2 teaspoons coarse Kosher salt (divided)
• Cooking spray
• ¼ cup whole milk (you can use 2% milk)
• ¼ cup heavy cream (see notes for substitution)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened, see notes for substitution)
• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt with 3/4 teaspoons of lemon juice)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
• 8 bacon strips (cooked crispy and chopped, divided)
• ½ cup green onions (sliced, divided or chopped chives)

Optional (for vegetarian version)

• ¼ cup crispy fried onions

Instructions

1. Add the cubed potatoes, whole garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of salt to a 3-quart saucepan of water, ensuring the water covers the potatoes by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. While the potatoes are cooking, gently warm the milk and heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat until it just simmers (do not boil). Alternatively, microwave the milk and cream in a microwave-safe bowl for 15-30 seconds until warm. Spray your casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
4. Drain the cooked potatoes and garlic thoroughly in a colander. Transfer them back into the same saucepan. Use a fork to crush the softened garlic against the inside of the pot, allowing its flavor to infuse the potatoes.
5. Add the softened butter to the hot potatoes. Mash them using a potato masher, potato ricer (if peeled), or an electric mixer until they reach your desired consistency. Be careful not to over-mix if using a mixer to avoid gumminess.
6. Stir in the sour cream, the warmed milk and heavy cream, the remaining 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the chopped crispy bacon. Mix until smooth and well combined.
7. Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle the remainder of the cheddar cheese and bacon over the top.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes at 400°F (200°C), or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden-brown and slightly crispy top, turn the oven to broil at 500°F (260°C) for 2-3 minutes. If you are using crispy fried onions (for a vegetarian version or extra crunch), add them before broiling. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
9. Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with fresh green onions (or chives) before serving hot.

Notes

• Mashing Technique: You can use a potato masher, hand mixer, or food processor, but always be mindful not to over-mix, as this is the common cause of pasty or gummy potatoes. Mash just until smooth.
• Potato Ricer for Creaminess: If you peel your potatoes, using a potato ricer is my top recommendation. It produces the creamiest, fluffiest mashed potatoes with an incredibly smooth texture.
• Ingredient Notes:
  • Heavy Cream Substitute: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use an equal amount of cold half-and-half or whole milk. Whisk in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch before warming and adding to the potatoes.
  • Sour Cream Substitute: To substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream, stir in 3/4 teaspoon of fresh lime or lemon juice to the yogurt to mimic the sour cream’s tangy flavor.
  • Butter: If using salted butter, reduce the coarse Kosher salt in the recipe to 1 teaspoon overall.
• Recipe Variations:
  • Crunchy Topping: For added crunch, sprinkle 1/4 cup of crispy fried onions on top before the final baking.
  • Ham Swap: Instead of bacon, use chopped ham—it’s a perfect way to utilize leftover ham!
  • Extra Cheesy: Mix in additional mozzarella cheese for an even gooier, melty finish.
  • Garlic Lovers: Incorporate roasted garlic or an extra sprinkle of garlic powder for a richer, more intense garlic flavor.
• Storing Instructions: Store any leftover baked mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating Instructions: To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for 10-15 minutes, or until hot.
• Make-Ahead Instructions: This recipe is excellent for preparing in advance. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it from cold for 35-45 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until hot and bubbly, then broil for a golden top.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Serving: 1 serving

Calories: 380kcal

Carbohydrates: 26g

Protein: 10g

Fat: 27g

Saturated Fat: 14g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

Monounsaturated Fat: 8g

Trans Fat: 0.4g

Cholesterol: 67mg

Sodium: 711mg

Potassium: 676mg

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 2g

Vitamin A: 683IU

Vitamin C: 28mg

Calcium: 169mg

Iron: 1mg