Pioneer Womans Kickin Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole Easy Comfort

By Diego HartSeptember 23, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy some proper comfort food recipes , eh? Are you after something cheesy, bacony, and utterly divine? Well, grab your apron! I've got a pioneer woman twice baked potato casserole inspired by Ree Drummond herself.

It's so lush!

Why This Pioneer Woman Recipe Rocks

This isn't just any potato casserole recipe , mind you. This is a loaded potato casserole experience. It takes the humble twice baked potato and turns it into a glorious creamy potato side dish masterpiece.

Think crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fluffy potatoes all baked to golden perfection. It’s like a warm hug on a plate.

A Bit About This Potato Perfection

The twice baked potato casserole originates from the classic baked potato, amped up with extra goodies. This version is inspired by the queen of comfort food herself, Ree Drummond.

It's easy, taking about an hour and ten minutes from start to finish. Perfect for 8-10 hungry souls. It’s easy casserole recipes like this that make life worth living, right?

The Benefits You'll Be Bragging About

Aside from tasting like heaven, this casserole boasts a good dose of potassium from the potatoes, plus protein from the bacon and cheese.

It's the ultimate bacon cheddar potato casserole . It is ideal for a Sunday dinner, a potluck, or honestly, any day you need a bit of cheering up.

What makes it truly special is the combination of creamy texture, savory flavors, and that beautiful golden brown crust. It’s also a great make-ahead potato casserole .

Ready to dive into the ingredients list?

Alright, let's talk ingredients and kit for this amazing pioneer woman twice baked potato casserole! You know, getting the right stuff makes all the difference.

Trust me, I've had my fair share of kitchen disasters! This comfort food recipe is easier than you think, though!

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Players

First things first, the potatoes! You'll need 5 lbs (2.27 kg) of good ol' Russet potatoes. You want them big and sturdy.

Not those little baby potatoes, alright? Quality is key. Look for potatoes that are firm and without sprouts, just like your favourite pioneer woman recipes .

Next up, bacon. Gotta have bacon! 8 slices of thick cut bacon, cut into pieces. Don't be shy, now!

For the creamy, cheesy goodness, you'll need 1/2 cup (113g) softened unsalted butter, 1 cup (240 ml) warmed whole milk, 8 oz (227 g) softened cream cheese, and 1 cup (113g) shredded cheddar cheese (divided).

Seasoning Notes

Now, for the oomph ! This is where you can really put your own spin on things. You want the best bacon cheddar potato casserole ? For basic seasoning, grab 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder.

Want a bit of a kick? Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper! Don't have cayenne? A little dash of hot sauce will do.

This seasoning combination will result in the best easy casserole recipes !.

Equipment Needed

Right, let's see what you need for tools. Nothing too fancy here.

You'll need a large pot to boil those spuds, a baking sheet, a large bowl for mashing, a potato masher (or an electric mixer if you're feeling fancy), and a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Measuring cups and spoons are essential, obviously.

Don't have a proper potato masher? A sturdy fork will do in a pinch. Honestly, I've used the bottom of a glass before in desperate times.

It's not ideal, but it works! No one will judge you.

This potato casserole recipe is truly worth it! Plus, you can even make-ahead potato casserole . It's your path to that amazing twice baked potato casserole and the most creamy potato side dish .

Don't forget, a delicious cheesy potato bake is within your reach with these ingredients.

Cooking Method: Kickin' Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Fancy a pioneer woman twice baked potato dream? Let's make it! This easy casserole recipe is inspired by Ree Drummond's love for all things delicious.

I call it comfort food with a kick. Trust me, even if you're a bit rubbish in the kitchen, you'll nail this creamy potato side dish .

Prep Like a Pro

First things first, mise en place , darlings! It's all about getting your ducks in a row.

Scrub those 5 lbs of Russet potatoes, slice 8 strips of bacon into bits, and get 0.5 cup of softened butter and 8 oz cream cheese ready.
Time saver: Measure out all your spices (1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp pepper, 0.25 tsp garlic/onion powder) into a small bowl beforehand. Boom!

step-by-step Magic

Alright, let's get this casserole bubbling.

Bake the potatoes at 400° F ( 200° C) for about 1 hour , or until they're soft as a cloud!
Fry up those 8 slices of bacon until they're crispy. Set aside, but save the bacon grease it’s gold!
Halve the spuds. Scoop out the insides, leaving a little skin. This is important, don't make too much of a potato boat.
Mash with 0.5 cup softened butter, 1 cup warmed milk, 8oz softened cream cheese, 0.5 cup cheddar cheese, and those spices. Stir in most of the bacon.
Spread into a 9x13 inch dish. Top with the rest of the cheese and bacon. Now it's a loaded potato casserole .
Bake for 20- 25 minutes , or until golden and bubbly. Ah, the smell of a good cheesy potato bake !

Pro Tips and Tricks

Want to take this potato casserole recipe to the next level?

Don't overbake the potatoes! Mushy potatoes are the enemy of a perfect twice baked potato casserole .
make-ahead? Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and chill for up to 24 hours before baking. Hello, stress free dinner.
Honestly? A pinch of cayenne pepper kicks this up a notch. Just saying.

Recipe Notes for Your Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato

Right, let's talk shop about this easy casserole recipes , this pioneer woman recipes . It's not just about following instructions, is it? It's about making it yours .

This potato casserole recipe is seriously adaptable. Here are some tips, tricks, and thoughts that'll help you nail it.

Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions

Forget boring beige! This loaded potato casserole is begging for some pizzazz. How about serving it in individual ramekins for a fancy touch? Sprinkle with extra cheddar, obvs .

Thinking about sides? This is great as a creamy potato side dish and goes down a treat with grilled steak.

Also, don’t forget a crisp green salad to cut through the richness. For drinks, a cold beer works wonders or maybe a glass of Chardonnay.

Storing Your Masterpiece: Storage Tips

Honestly, this cheesy potato bake is best fresh. But life happens, yeah? If you've got leftovers, they'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Don't even think about freezing it, the texture goes a bit weird. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.

Or, microwave it for a quick fix, but it might get a bit soggy .

Playing Around: Variations

Fancy a change? For a healthier potato casserole recipe , try swapping half the potatoes with cauliflower. It's a sneaky way to add veg! Or, for a bacon cheddar potato casserole with a vegetarian spin, chuck in some roasted veggies instead of bacon.

Sweet potato works a charm as well in order to add a touch of sweetness.

Nutrition Nuggets: Nutrition Basics

Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the lowdown. This pioneer woman twice baked potato is calorie rich due to the cheese and bacon.

It is a high fat food. It's got carbs, protein, and plenty of flavour. The key is moderation, yeah? We only live once.

This make-ahead potato casserole recipe is really worth trying and I promise you that it will fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.

Don’t be afraid to experiment a bit. This twice baked potato casserole is very delicious and it's a fantastic recipe to try.

Now, go on, get cooking, and make some kitchen magic!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure my pioneer woman twice baked potato casserole isn't dry?

Nobody wants a dry potato casserole, right? The key is in the moisture! Make sure you're using enough softened butter, warmed milk, and cream cheese. Don't skimp on the dairy! Also, avoid overbaking it; once it's golden brown and bubbly, it's good to go. Think of it like a good cuppa tea, not too strong, not too weak!

Can I make the pioneer woman twice baked potato casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can be as organised as Mary Berry! Assemble the casserole (up to the point of baking), cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.

Just like a good make over before the ball!

What are some good variations for this twice baked potato casserole recipe?

Fancy putting your own stamp on things, are we? Plenty of options! Add a finely chopped jalapeño for a kick or stir in some sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a vegetarian twist. You could even swap out some cheddar for a smoky Gruyere.

Treat it like you are making a pavlova, you can put anything on it!

How should I store leftover pioneer woman twice baked potato casserole?

Leftovers are a precious commodity, aren't they? Let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly and storing it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the whole casserole in a preheated oven until warmed through.

Its like having a Sunday dinner twice over!

Can I freeze the pioneer woman twice baked potato casserole?

Freezing is a good shout if you want to save some for a rainy day! Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Note: the texture might be slightly different after freezing and thawing, but it will still taste delicious. It's a bit like putting your best wool jumper away for winter, it might need a little fluffing up, but it will still be lovely!