Twice Baked Potato Casserole With Bacon

Twice Baked Potato Casserole With Bacon 2 large baking potatoes 1/2 pound lean bacon 3/4 cup shredded mild Cheddar cheese 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup milk 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 teaspoon dried chives 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 3/4 cup shredded mild Cheddar cheese Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Poke a few holes into each potato using a toothpick. Bake potatoes in the preheated oven until fully cooked, about 1 hour. Cool for about 15 minutes. Place the bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on paper towels and crumble. Cut a thin slice from one side of each potato; carefully scoop out the flesh and transfer to a bowl. Discard skins. Mix 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, butter, chives, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder with potatoes. Spread potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish; top with 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Bake in the preheated oven until just bubbling, 10 to 15 minutes. Cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.