Light and Luscious Twice Baked Potato Casserole
This Light and Luscious Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a family favorite that combines all the comforting flavors of classic twice-baked potatoes while using lighter ingredients to keep it healthy without sacrificing taste. Packed with creamy light sour cream, tangy cream cheese, and a generous helping of sharp cheddar cheese, this dish is also loaded with crispy bacon and topped with fresh green onions for an extra kick. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a snack for gatherings, this casserole serves more than you’d expect—ideal for busy families looking to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that won’t weigh them down.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Medium Potatoes
8 (Baked and scooped)
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon (Dry spice)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Dry spice)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Dry spice)
Bacon
1 lb (Cooked and drained (can substitute with Hormel bacon pieces))
Light Sour Cream
2 cups (Smooth consistency)
Light Cream Cheese
8 ounces (Softened)
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
3 cups (Shredded)
Green Onions
2 (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Carefully scoop out the insides of the baked potatoes into a large mixing bowl, leaving a thin skin to hold the casserole together.
3
Mash the potatoes lightly until they reach a consistent, fluffy texture.
4
Spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with cooking spray and spread half of the mashed potato mixture evenly in the bottom.
5
Sprinkle half of the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cooked bacon pieces over the potato layer.
6
In a separate bowl, blend together the light sour cream and cream cheese until smooth.
7
Spread half of the sour cream and cream cheese mixture over the bacon layer, then add half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
8
Repeat the layers with the remaining mashed potatoes, seasonings, bacon, sour cream mixture, and cheddar cheese.
9
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Light and Luscious Twice Baked Potato Casserole?
It is a healthier version of traditional twice-baked potatoes that uses light sour cream and cream cheese while maintaining classic comfort flavors.
How many potatoes do I need for this recipe?
You will need 8 medium potatoes that have been baked and scooped.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long should the casserole bake?
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I use regular sour cream instead of light?
Yes, you can use regular sour cream, though light sour cream is suggested to keep the recipe lighter.
What kind of cheese is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Do I need to leave any skin on the potatoes?
When scooping out the baked potatoes, leave a thin skin to help hold the casserole together.
What type of bacon should I use?
You can use 1 lb of cooked and drained bacon or substitute with Hormel bacon pieces.
How should the potatoes be mashed?
Mash the potatoes lightly until they reach a consistent, fluffy texture.
What size baking dish is required?
A 13x9 inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray is recommended.
How do I prepare the creamy layer?
In a separate bowl, blend together 2 cups of light sour cream and 8 ounces of softened light cream cheese until smooth.
Is the casserole layered?
Yes, the casserole is built by repeating layers of mashed potatoes, seasonings, bacon, the sour cream mixture, and shredded cheese.
What seasonings are added to the potato layers?
The layers are seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
No, the recipe specifies to bake the casserole uncovered.
When should I add the green onions?
Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the casserole after it is removed from the oven.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How much salt and pepper are needed?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch or dinner?
Yes, it is perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a snack for gatherings.
Can I use light cream cheese?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of light cream cheese, softened.
How many green onions are required?
You will need 2 green onions, chopped.
What makes this recipe 'light'?
It uses light sour cream and light cream cheese to reduce calories while keeping the dish creamy.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that combines comforting flavors in a satisfying way.
Can I substitute the bacon?
Yes, you can use Hormel bacon pieces as a convenient substitute for freshly cooked bacon.
What texture should the potato mixture have?
The potato mixture should be mashed until it is light and fluffy.
Is this dish good for parties?
Absolutely, it serves more than expected and is ideal for busy families or gatherings.
How many cups of sour cream are used?
The recipe requires 2 cups of light sour cream.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While sharp cheddar is recommended for its tangy flavor, you could use other shredded varieties if preferred.
How do I ensure the cream cheese blends well?
Ensure the cream cheese is softened before blending it with the sour cream.
What is the first step of assembly?
After mashing, spread half of the mashed potato mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
What is the final topping before serving?
The final topping is fresh green onions added after baking.