All great food takes a little time. Double-Trouble Casserole is the perfect side dish, worth all the time (most of which is hands-free) and the effort (which is minimal) you put into it. Eventually surrounded by a creamy sauce, the russet potatoes are baked first, then joined with the wonderful sauce and topped with sharp cheddar cheese. Then, they’re sent back to the oven a second time, forming quite the perfect union. This no-hassle, easy-to-construct dish, Double-Trouble Casserole, is great for a crowd and easy to make ahead. You will have no trouble doubling up your portion with this one! It’s just so good!
Ingredients
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into small pieces
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided
- 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced, divided
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 2 –Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 3 –Pierce the potatoes all over with a fork.
Step 4 –Rub the potatoes with the oil, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5 –Bake the potatoes until they are tender, about 1 hour.
Step 6 –Allow the potatoes to cool for 10 minutes.
Step 7 –Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, then carefully scoop out the cooked potato from the insides and place in a large bowl.
Step 8 –Add the butter to the cooked potatoes, and mash with a potato masher. Add the heavy cream and the sour cream, and stir until the potato mixture is mostly smooth.
Step 9 –Cut the potato skins into 1-inch pieces.
Step 10 –Add 1/2 cup of the chopped potato skins to the mashed potato mixture and stir to incorporate.
Step 11 –Add 1/2 of the bacon, 1/4 cup of the scallions, the remaining salt, and the remaining pepper to the mashed potato mixture and stir to combine.
Step 12 –Transfer the mashed potato mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the cheese and the remaining chopped potato skins.
Step 13 –Bake the casserole until it is golden and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
Step 14 –Serve the casserole sprinkled with the remaining bacon and the remaining scallions.
