Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole

 2 pounds of red skinned potatoes, about 10 medium, baked

Olive oil

Kosher salt

1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided

1 small can of evaporated milk

1 cup sour cream

1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled

1-1/2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

2 green onions, diced (reserve some for garnishing)

1 teaspoon of chopped fresh parsley

1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon of pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Scrub potatoes, puncture each with a knife to vent, toss with olive oil and salt and place on a pan. Bake at 400 degrees F for 45 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile, cook the bacon to crisp; set aside, chop once cooled, reserving half for garnish; set aside. Set potatoes aside until cool enough to handle, then slice in half lengthwise, then into half rounds about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick. Place into a large bowl. Add 1 cup of the Cheddar cheese and half of the bacon. Set aside a big pinch of the green onion for garnish and add the rest to the potatoes; toss.  When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8 x 8 inch baking dish; set aside. Blend together the evaporated milk, sour cream and melted butter. Add parsley, garlic salt and pepper. Pour mixture over the potatoes and gently toss. Break down the potatoes into desired texture (mashed or leave potatoes intact). Turn out into the prepared baking dish, cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes or until heated through. Remove, top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese, return to the oven, uncovered, until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Garnish top with remaining bacon and green onion. Serve immediately.