Creamy and decadent, Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes recipe is an amazing comfort food indulgence. Loaded with bacon, chives, sour cream and cheese makes this potato cheese casserole perfect for company and holidays.

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I think there is a common misconception among many people that in order to be healthy you must eat “perfectly”.

I use the word perfectly loosely because it means different things to everyone. Ironically though, many hold tight to this ideal.

For some it means eating low carb all the time, others it is eating only Paleo and for many it means never eating anything deemed as unhealthy if you wish to be a vibrant human being.

I am here to tell you it is all hog wash! Why? Because life is not perfect and health is not perfect.

For most of us what we are really looking for when we say healthy is a certain feeling. Generally that means having energy to keep up with all that is important to us, being free of disease and just simply feeling good in our own skin.

You’re probably wondering why on earth I am rambling on about health. Because my friends, this Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes recipe is anything but diet food.

It is a soul satisfying, from the first bite to the last, experience that is just sometimes necessary. It feels like a giant warm hug.

After almost 10 years of guiding people to their weight loss goals here is the secret I have learned about healthy eating… Just don’t eat like this all the time.

Revolutionary I know… But seriously, the secret really lies in saving recipes like this for an occasional treat.

Enjoy every bite!

Don’t feel guilty.

Just cherish it!

Savor the ooey gooey deliciousness of the melty cheese, crispy bacon and soft mashed potatoes and then get back with the eating approach that works best for you.

Making peace with the fact that you enjoy sinfully decadent foods and then figuring out how to incorporate them occasionally will be one of the most mind freeing gifts you can give yourself in this lifetime.

How To Make Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes

Here is the easiest approach I have found for making Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes.

1. Fry bacon over medium heat. Once crisp, let rest on paper towels to absorb extra fat. Cut into crumbles.
2. Use smaller Yukon gold potatoes, cut and boil until just fork tender but not falling apart. Drain.
3. Add cooked potatoes back into pot and butter, sour cream, half and half, salt, pepper and garlic powder to potatoes and using an immersion blender, blend until creamy.
4. Stir in half of grated cheese and diced bacon.
5. Place potatoes into a greased small baking/roasting pan and bake in a 375℉ oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and add remaining cheese and bacon and continue baking an additional 5 mins to melt cheese.

Best Potatoes for this Potato Cheese Casserole

I have found potatoes that have a creamier texture make phenomenal mashed potatoes. They just add to the overall enticing nature of the dish by making them ultra creamy as seen with my super luxurious Red Skin Mashed Potatoes. Here are the creamy textured potatoes that I recommend:

• Yukon Gold Potatoes
• Red Skinned Potatoes
• Gold Potatoes
• Inca Gold Potatoes
• Purple Viking Potatoes

Recipe Variations

• Southwest Twice Baked Potatoes- Add 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese, diced jalapeños, cumin, black beans, corn, and cilantro to filling. Top with avocado slices. 
• Italian Twice Baked Potatoes- Swap Colby Jack for mozzarella and parmesan Add Italian seasoning to filling. Top with warmed marinara sauce just before serving
• Loaded Baked Potato Style- Fold cooked broccoli and sautéed onions into filling. Top with extra shredded cheddar and a dollop of guacamole.
• Herb-infused Potatoes- Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the mashed potatoes for an aromatic twist.

Hints and Tips

• Add onion powder to the filling for extra flavor. 
• Top with fried onion strings just before serving.
• Crispy Bacon Tip- Fry the bacon until it’s extra crispy for added texture and flavor.
• Cheese Choice- Experiment with different cheeses.

Types of Cheese Options

Creamy cheese that melts easily works best for this potato casserole. Although I love Colby Jack the best for this recipe, here are a few alternatives.

• Pepper Jack cheese
• Havarti cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Blue cheese
• Cream cheese
• Mozarella

Healthier Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes

There are two ways to make this recipe just a little healthier.

1.  Switch up the ingredients a bit by replacing the sour cream with nonfat Greek yogurt, whole milk instead of half and half and lowering the cheese down to 2 cups.
2. Add sautéed spinach. Place a medium sized frying pan over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 large clove of garlic. Sauté for 1 min and then add 8 oz of fresh spinach that has been cut. Sauté until lightly cooking and stir into potatoes at the same time as the bacon and cheese.

Calories In Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes

There are approximately 300-350 calories per serving of these potatoes when the full fat versions of the ingredients are used. Please see tips just above to help lower calories if needed.

 Serving Suggestions

Pair with Lean Proteins–  Serve alongside Air Fryer Bonless Chicken Breasts, Oven Roasted Tri-Tip, or Pan Seared salmon.

Fresh Salad- Balance the richness with a crisp garden salad or a light coleslaw.

Roasted Vegetables- Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts complement the flavors beautifully.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Twice baked potatoes will keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 350 degree F oven until warmed through, 15-20 minutes. 

Freezing: Prepare twice baked potatoes through the first bake, let cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before topping with cheese and baking again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of potato works best?

Yukon gold or russet potatoes are ideal. You want a starchy potato that will get nice and fluffy when baked. Avoid red or white potatoes.

What if I don’t have an immersion blender? Can I use a hand mixer?

Yes, whichever mashing method you use, the key is to incorporate the other filling mix-ins while the potatoes are still hot for the creamiest texture. And be sure not to overbeat, as that can make them gluey.

Can I prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time?

 Absolutely! You can make the mashed potatoes in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply bring them to room temperature and follow the remaining steps.

What can I use instead of chives?

If you don’t have chives, green onions or scallions make a great substitute. Parsley also works well for a pop of color and freshness. 

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, omit the bacon or substitute it with vegetarian bacon alternatives for a delicious meat-free version.