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Cozy Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe with Bacon and Chives

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A warm, creamy twice baked potato casserole featuring crispy bacon and fresh chives, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual get-togethers. This easy recipe delivers fluffy potatoes with a golden, cheesy topping in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds / 900g), scrubbed clean
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml) small-curd cottage cheese
  • 1 ½ cups (170g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (120 ml) full fat sour cream
  • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup (15g) fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) milk, whole or 2% (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes clean and prick them a few times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for about 50-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
  2. While the potatoes bake, fry the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels, then chop into small pieces. Set aside to cool.
  3. Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle (about 10 minutes), slice each in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl, leaving a thin shell of potato intact.
  4. Use a fork or masher to mash the potatoes until smooth but still fluffy. Add the softened butter, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  5. Stir in 1 cup (113g) of shredded cheddar, most of the chopped bacon (reserve a little for topping), and the chopped chives. If the mixture feels too thick, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach a creamy consistency.
  6. Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins, mounding it slightly. Place them back on the baking sheet or transfer to your casserole dish.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and reserved bacon over the top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and bubbly.
  8. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to help it set. Garnish with extra chives if desired.

Notes

For best results, bake potatoes fully to avoid lumpy filling. Use a skillet to cook bacon for better crispiness. If potatoes are watery, drain the mashed filling before mixing. Watch the casserole closely during the last 5 minutes to avoid over-browning. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge and reheat best in the oven. Dairy-free and vegetarian adaptations are possible with ingredient swaps.

Nutrition

Keywords: twice baked potato casserole, bacon, chives, comfort food, easy casserole, cheesy potatoes, cozy dinner

Find it online: https://avabake.com/cozy-twice-baked-potato-casserole-recipe-with-bacon-and-chives-easy-and-perfect/