Easy Copycat Dickey’s Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

By Stephanie Manley Updated 16/01/26

Since 1941, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has been perfecting the art of slow-smoked meats and incredible sides that complement their legendary barbecue. Their baked potato casserole transforms everything you love about a loaded baked potato into a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s become just as famous as their brisket. This creamy, bacon-studded comfort food brings together fluffy russet potatoes, tangy sour cream, melted cheddar, and crispy bacon bits into one irresistible dish perfect for feeding a crowd.

baked potato casserole in a dish and on a plate

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Why this recipe works

The magic happens when you bake whole russet potatoes first, creating that perfect fluffy texture that holds up beautifully in casserole form. Unlike recipes that start with raw potatoes, this method ensures each bite has that authentic baked potato taste and texture. The combination of butter, sour cream, and milk creates the ideal creamy base, while the layered toppings provide textural contrast and concentrated flavor in every serving.

Overhead view of a baked potato casserole in a blue dish with a large scoop removed.

Ingredients you will need

For the Potato Base:

  • Russet potatoes – High starch content creates the fluffiest, most authentic baked potato texture
  • Butter – Adds richness and helps create the creamy consistency
  • Sour cream – Provides a tangy flavor and the texture that defines loaded potato dishes
  • Milk – Helps achieve the perfect consistency without making the casserole too heavy
  • Salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness
  • Ground black pepper – Adds subtle warmth and depth

For the Loaded Toppings:

  • Real bacon bits – Provides smoky, salty crunch throughout and on top
  • Shredded Cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully and adds sharp, tangy flavor
  • Green onion – Fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color contrast
Ingredients for potato casserole including russet potatoes, cheese, bacon, sour cream, and butter.

How to Make Baked Potato Casserole

  1. Scrub the potatoes clean and bake them at 425 degrees for 1 hour.
  2. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees.
  3. When the potatoes have cooled enough to handle, scoop out the white flesh and place it in a bowl. Discard skins.
  4. Using an electric mixer, mash the potatoes until smooth.
  5. Add butter, sour cream, and milk. Mix until combined.
  6. Add salt, pepper, and bacon bits. Mix until combined.
  7. Spoon the potato mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
    baked potato casserole mixture in a baking dish
  8. Sprinkle bacon bits, shredded cheese, and green onion on top.
  9. Bake at 350 degrees oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese begins to melt.
baked potato casserole topped with green onions on a white plate.

Storage & reheating instructions

  • Refrigerator Storage: Store in a covered, airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors improve after a day as they meld together.
  • Reheating Method: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly. Add a splash of milk if the mixture seems dry. Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Freezer storage: Freeze assembled, unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from a chilled state.

More potato recipes to try

Our favorite side dishes

Check out my potato side dish recipes and the best casserole recipes here on CopyKat!

Dickey’s Copycat Baked Potato Casserole

Creamy loaded baked potato casserole with bacon, cheese, and green onions. Perfect copycat of Dickey's BBQ famous side dish!
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5 from 6 votes
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • cup real bacon bits
  • ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup sliced green onion tops

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Scrub the potatoes clean and bake for 1 hour.
  3. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees.
  4. When the potatoes have cooled enough to handle, scoop out the white flesh and place in a bowl. Discard skins.
  5. Using an electric mixer, mash the potatoes until smooth
  6. Add butter, sour cream, and milk. Mix to combine.
  7. Add salt, pepper, and about 1 tablespoon of the bacon bits. Mix or stir to combine.
  8. Spoon the potato mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining bacon bits, shredded cheese, and green onion tops over the potato mixture.
  10. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes or until the cheese begins to melt.

Notes

Chef’s Notes

The key to restaurant-quality results lies in properly baking the potatoes first. Don’t rush this step by microwaving, as oven-baked potatoes develop better flavor and texture. When mashing, ensure no lumps remain, as they’ll be noticeable in the final dish.
For extra richness, reserve some of the melted cheese to stir into the potato base before adding the final toppings. This creates layers of cheese flavor throughout the casserole.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 658mg | Potassium: 1132mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 525IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 149mg | Iron: 2.3mg
Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment and rating to let people know how you liked it! Tag me on Instagram @copykatrecipes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

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5 from 6 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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13 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    wow! This looks really good. @Anna Preheating temperature is different from the baking temperature. The preheat temperature is the temperature you want your oven to attain before placing your baked food while the baking temperature is the temperature you adjust your oven to after placing the food in the oven.

  2. Should this be baked at 425 or 350? Beginning of recipe says to preheat oven to 425 & end says bake at 350.
    Thanks.

  3. How about the ingredients to make a pumpkin pie spice in a one time mix. As not to have 8-10 different spices in front of you when you want a pie?

    Love ll your efforts with CopyKat.
    Another request—Sweet onion sauce from Subway.

  4. Glad I found your site—I just bought an Instant pot and want to expand my recipes for usage. I like the Thai Curry one you had just posted. How do you make the mac and cheese in the pot? Have an awesome day!

  5. I would love to be able to duplicate the baked beans from Bandanas BBQ in St. Louis, MO. It is wonderful!!

  6. question : so , after mixing all the ingredients together and putting the mixture into a two quart casserole dish then there is no further baking required ?