Creamy Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole

This casserole takes everything you love about twice baked potatoes – the creamy mash, the crispy bacon, the melty cheese – and puts it in one big dish. No individual potato shells to fuss with, just a single pan that serves six hungry people.

It's a Pioneer Woman classic for a reason. The sour cream and cream cheese make the filling extra tangy and rich, and the buttered crumbs on top add a crunch that keeps it from feeling heavy.

The best part? You can assemble the whole thing a day or two ahead and pop it in the oven when you're ready. That makes it a lifesaver for holidays and potlucks.

About the Ingredients

3 pounds (about 6 medium) russet potatoes, scrubbed

Russets are starchy and bake up fluffy, perfect for mashing. You can use Yukon Golds, but the texture will be a bit denser.

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture. Low-fat will work but may make the filling less creamy.

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted, divided

Half goes into the filling, half into the topping. Use salted butter for extra flavor, or unsalted and add a pinch of salt.

1 cup sour cream

Full-fat sour cream adds tang and richness. Greek yogurt can substitute, but it will be a bit more tart.

1 teaspoon salt

Adjust to taste. If your bacon is salty, you might want a little less.

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Freshly ground is best, but pre-ground works fine.

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Sharp cheddar stands up to the creamy filling. You can swap in Monterey Jack or a mix.

8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Cook the bacon until crisp, then drain on paper towels. You can use turkey bacon, but it won't be as crispy.

1 cup crushed cornflakes

Crush them to coarse crumbs. Panko breadcrumbs work in a pinch, but cornflakes give a sweeter, crunchier topping.

4 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

For garnish. Adds a fresh bite and color.

Tips & Tricks

• Don't overmix the filling. You want some lumps for a rustic texture. Overmixing makes it gluey.
• Make sure the cream cheese is truly softened. If it's cold, you'll get lumps. Let it sit out for 30 minutes.
• If you're making it ahead, let the casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, so it heats through evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bake the potatoes

Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes and prick them with a fork. Bake for 1 hour, until a fork slides in easily. Let them cool until you can handle them.

2. Scoop the potato flesh

Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop the flesh into a large bowl, leaving the skins aside. You should have about 4 cups of potato.

3. Mash with the dairy

Add the cream cheese, half the melted butter (4 tablespoons), the sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mash with a potato masher until mostly smooth but still a little lumpy. The warm potato melts the cream cheese, so this is easier than you think.

4. Fold in the cheese and bacon

Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar and the crumbled bacon. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup for the top.

5. Assemble the casserole

Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the potato mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the top.

6. Make the crunchy topping

In a small bowl, toss the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this over the cheese.

7. Bake until bubbly

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions if you like.

Delicious Variations

• Add a teaspoon of garlic powder and a teaspoon of onion powder to the filling for extra savory depth.
• Top with extra crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of smoked paprika before baking.
• Swap the cheddar for pepper jack to give it a spicy kick.

How to Store Pioneer Woman's Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Frequently Asked Questions

This casserole is a keeper, especially for holidays and potlucks. Make it once and you'll see why it's a favorite. Sweet success, one shortcut at a time.

Creamy Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Creamy Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole with bacon – a rich, cheesy side dish perfect for feeding a crowd.

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 3 pounds (about 6 medium) russet potatoes, scrubbed
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted, divided
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup crushed cornflakes
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

📋 Instructions

1. 1Bake the potatoes — Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes and prick them with a fork. Bake for 1 hour, until a fork slides in easily. Let them cool until you can handle them.
2. 2Scoop the potato flesh — Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop the flesh into a large bowl, leaving the skins aside. You should have about 4 cups of potato.
3. 3Mash with the dairy — Add the cream cheese, half the melted butter (4 tablespoons), the sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mash with a potato masher until mostly smooth but still a little lumpy. The warm potato melts the cream cheese, so this is easier than you think.
4. 4Fold in the cheese and bacon — Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar and the crumbled bacon. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup for the top.
5. 5Assemble the casserole — Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the potato mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the top.
6. 6Make the crunchy topping — In a small bowl, toss the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this over the cheese.
7. 7Bake until bubbly — Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions if you like.

👨🍳 Chef's Note: If you want to skip the cornflake topping, you can use crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs. Just toss them with the melted butter and sprinkle on top.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Casserole

Easy Recipes for Everyday Cooking15 minutes35 minutes55 minutes

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat