Gather ’round, my friends, for a dish that’s equal parts comfort and indulgence – the Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole! This cozy creation is the perfect companion for those chilly nights when all you crave is a heartwarming, soul-satisfying meal. Loaded with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a luxurious cheese sauce, this casserole is a true celebration of bold flavors and irresistible textures.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole
This Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your soul. The combination of creamy, melted cheese, salty bacon, and hearty potatoes creates a dish that’s both indulgent and deeply satisfying. Imagine sinking your fork into a piping hot serving, savoring the golden, crispy topping and the velvety, zesty cheese sauce that coats each morsel. This casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with loved ones on a chilly evening or as a comforting main dish any time of year.
Ingredients
At the heart of this Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole are the humble yet extraordinary ingredients. You’ll need potatoes, bacon, cheese, and a few key seasonings to create this cozy masterpiece. The potatoes provide a sturdy base, while the bacon adds a delightful smoky and crispy element. The cheese sauce is the real star, binding everything together in a lush, melty embrace.
- 8 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced – for a creamy, tender texture
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled – for a savory, smoky crunch
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – to create the velvety cheese sauce
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour – to thicken the cheese sauce
- 2 cups whole milk – for a rich, creamy texture in the cheese sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – for that irresistible melty, cheesy goodness
- 1 teaspoon salt – to enhance the overall flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a subtle heat and depth of flavor
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Feel free to use a blend of cheeses, such as Gruyère or Gouda, in place of the cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
- Bacon: To make this casserole vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and add in some sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for extra texture and savory notes.
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole
This Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole comes together in just a few easy steps, allowing you to enjoy a comforting and indulgent meal with minimal effort.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Peel and slice the potatoes, ensuring they’re evenly cut for even cooking. Fry up the bacon until it’s crispy, then crumble or chop it into bite-sized pieces. In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux, laying the foundation for the luscious cheese sauce.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Gradually pour in the milk to the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and velvety. Layer the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, then pour the cheesy sauce over the top, making sure to coat the potatoes evenly. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the casserole.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Cover the casserole with a layer of shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring every inch is blanketed in that irresistible, melty goodness. Bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the topping is golden and crispy.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra-special touch, you can garnish the casserole with fresh chives or a sprinkle of paprika before serving. This will add a vibrant pop of color and an aromatic finish to your dish.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add-Ins: Consider adding diced onions or garlic to the cheese sauce for a savory boost, or top the casserole with crispy fried onions or crushed crackers for a delightful crunch.
- Cheese Blends: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend, to find your perfect flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this casserole vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use a vegetarian-friendly cheese.
- Flavor Variations: Add diced onions or garlic to the cheese sauce for a savory boost, or top the casserole with crispy fried onions or crushed crackers for a delightful crunch.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple side of steamed broccoli or asparagus.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The casserole can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.
Make-Ahead: This Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole is the perfect make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
Nutrition Information
This Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole is a hearty and indulgent dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. While it’s not the lightest option, it does provide a good source of protein from the bacon and cheese, as well as complex carbohydrates from the potatoes. Enjoy this comforting meal in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbs: 42 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of potatoes work best for this casserole?
For the creamiest and most tender results, I recommend using Yukon Gold or russet potatoes. Their starchy nature helps create that velvety texture you crave in a potato casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole is the perfect make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Bake the casserole as directed, let it cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole is a hearty and satisfying main dish on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple side of steamed broccoli or asparagus.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use a vegetarian-friendly cheese. You can also consider adding in some sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
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Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole for Cozy Nights
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Warm up your cozy nights with this delicious Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole. Loaded with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes, it’s a comforting dish that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until the potatoes are well coated.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
7. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
Feel free to add more cheese for an extra cheesy casserole!
You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter version.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: potato casserole, cheesy bacon, comfort food