Craving a cozy, comforting dish to warm you up on a chilly night? Look no further than this classic Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole. Packed with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes, this dish is a true flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort and satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole for Cozy Nights
This classic Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that will transport you to a state of pure bliss. The rich, creamy cheese sauce perfectly coats the tender potatoes, while the crispy bacon adds a savory, smoky element that takes this dish to new heights. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings when you’re craving something warm, indulgent, and utterly craveable. Prepare to be wrapped in a cozy, comforting hug with every bite.
Ingredients
This Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole is made with a simple yet flavorful list of ingredients. You’ll need potatoes, bacon, cheese, cream, and a few seasonings to create this delectable dish. The creamy, melty cheese and crispy bacon come together to create a truly irresistible combination.
- 6-8 medium potatoes – peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 8 slices bacon – cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend of cheeses would work beautifully.
- Bacon: Substitute with diced ham or sausage for a delicious alternative.
How to Make Classic Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole for Cozy Nights
In this simple, step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to create this comforting and indulgent Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole from start to finish.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it and set it aside. Grate the cheese and prepare the cream sauce.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese. Pour the creamy sauce over the top and stir everything together until well-combined.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Transfer the cheesy potato mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together perfectly. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh, bright finish.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Crispy Topping: Sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top of the casserole before baking for an extra crispy topping.
- Veggie-Packed: Sauté onions, garlic, or other vegetables and add them to the casserole for a more complex flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Customize Flavors: Experiment with different types of cheese or swap in your favorite potato variety.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious cheese sauce.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop the casserole back in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled in advance and baked when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole is a comforting and indulgent dish, but it can also be a part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals from the potatoes and other ingredients.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 38 g
- Fat: 34 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen or canned potatoes instead of fresh?
While you can use frozen or canned potatoes in a pinch, I always recommend using fresh potatoes for the best texture and flavor in this casserole.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour in the cream sauce with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat leftovers, place the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Can I add any extra vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to sauté onions, garlic, or other vegetables and fold them into the casserole for a heartier, more veggie-packed dish.
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Classic Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole for Cozy Nights
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for cozy nights. Loaded with cheesy goodness and crispy bacon, it’s a delicious dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy evening in!
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced1 cup cooked bacon, chopped2 cups shredded cheddar cheese1 cup sour cream1 cup heavy cream1 tablespoon garlic powder1 teaspoon onion powder1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).In a large pot, boil the diced potatoes until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.Add the cooked bacon and half of the cheddar cheese to the cream mixture. Stir in the cooked potatoes until evenly coated.Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the potato mixture.You can substitute the cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese blend.This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if taken directly from the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: casserole, potatoes, cheese, bacon