Loaded Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Name: Loaded Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 4 large baking potatoes (about 3-1/4 pounds); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided; 3/4 teaspoon pepper, divided; 1/4 cup butter, cubed; 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled, divided; 2 green onions, sliced, divided; Additional sour cream, optional

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 1-1/2 hours Bake: 30 min. YIELD: 8 servings.

Creamy, cheesy and loaded with bacon, this comforting casserole immediately makes guests feel at home. —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida

Ingredients

4 large baking potatoes (about 3-1/4 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
3/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
1/4 cup butter, cubed
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled, divided
2 green onions, sliced, divided
Additional sour cream, optional

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Scrub potatoes; pierce several times with a fork. Brush with oil; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place in a foil-lined 15x10x1-in. baking pan; bake 1 to 1-1/4 hours or until tender. Cool slightly.
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in whipping cream and 1/4 cup sour cream. Add 1-1/2 cups cheese; stir until melted. Remove from heat; cover to keep warm.
3. When potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut each potato lengthwise in half. Scoop out pulp and place in a large bowl. Cut 2 potato skin shells into 1-in. pieces; save remaining skins for another use.
4. Mash pulp with remaining 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Stir in cheese mixture, half the bacon and 2 tablespoons green onion. Transfer to a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. Top with the cut-up potato skins. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bacon.
5. Bake until heated through and lightly browned, 30-35 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining green onion. If desired, serve with additional sour cream.

Nutrition Facts

1/2 cup: 367 calories, 27g fat (16g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.