Cheesy Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon
This Cheesy Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food! Loaded with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and topped with a crunchy golden crust, this casserole is the perfect side dish for any meal—or even a hearty main course on its own. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a comforting family meal, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Boil the potatoes: In a large pot, add the diced russet potatoes and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain and mash: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes until smooth or to your desired texture.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Mixture
- In the same pot with the mashed potatoes, add the sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
Step 3: Add Bacon
- Cook the bacon: In a separate pan, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy, then drain on a paper towel. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Stir the crumbled bacon into the mashed potato mixture, saving a little bit for topping.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little butter.
- Transfer the creamy mashed potato mixture into the casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Add the reserved crumbled bacon and chopped green onions (if using) over the top for extra flavor and color.
Step 6: Bake
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
- For an extra crispy top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Scoop out portions and enjoy your cheesy, bacon-loaded baked potato casserole!
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon for a vegetarian version. You can replace the bacon with sautéed onions or mushrooms for a savory flavor boost.
- Add Veggies: Add some broccoli, spinach, or even chopped bell peppers to the casserole for added nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: For a spicy twist, add some jalapeños or hot sauce to the potato mixture.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon is a creamy, indulgent, and flavorful dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or potlucks, it’s a comforting meal that combines the best of cheesy potatoes and crispy bacon. Quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection!