Gather ’round, my friends, and let me tell you about a dish that will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of bacon, cheese, and buttery potatoes. This Hearty Bacon & Cheese Potato Casserole is the epitome of cozy, comfort-food perfection – a dish that will bring everyone together and leave you feeling warm, satisfied, and utterly delighted.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Bacon & Cheese Potato Casserole
This Hearty Bacon & Cheese Potato Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, packed with mouthwatering flavors and a texture that’s both creamy and crispy. The combination of tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and melty cheddar cheese creates a lush, indulgent dish that’s bursting with comfort and craveable goodness. It’s the ultimate in hearty, satisfying meals – perfect for chilly evenings, weekend gatherings, or anytime you need a taste of pure, unadulterated comfort.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a simple, yet flavorful lineup of ingredients, including buttery Yukon Gold potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a few key seasonings to bring it all together. The result is a rich, velvety casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.
- 3 lbs (1.4 kg) – Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 8 oz (225 g) – Bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- 2 cups (200 g) – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 tbsp (60 ml) – Unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsp (10 ml) – Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Potatoes: You can swap the Yukon Gold potatoes for russet or sweet potatoes for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Bacon: If you’re not a bacon fan, you can substitute with diced ham or sausage for a similar smoky, savory flavor.
How to Make Hearty Bacon & Cheese Potato Casserole
Follow these simple, chef-tested steps for a comforting, flavor-packed casserole that’s sure to delight your senses.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop it into small pieces. Shred the cheddar cheese and set it aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with the melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, then top with the crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra-crispy topping, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes just before serving.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
When the casserole is hot and golden, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve it up hot and fresh. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a pop of color and a bright, zesty finish.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Lighter Twist: Use Greek yogurt or sour cream in place of some of the butter for a lighter, tangier casserole.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggie goodness.
- Crispy Topping: Top the casserole with a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping for added texture and crunch.
- Indulgent Upgrade: For an extra-decadent version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the potato mixture.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh salad or roasted veggies.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The casserole can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance and bake it just before serving for a hassle-free, crowd-pleasing dish.
Nutrition Information
This Hearty Bacon & Cheese Potato Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. While it’s not the lightest option, it’s packed with essential nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, and calcium. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and savor every melty, crispy, zesty bite.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 29 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
To make this casserole ahead of time, you can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply remove it from the fridge, let it come to room temperature, and bake as directed.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are the classic choice, you can use russet or sweet potatoes in this recipe. Russet potatoes will give you a fluffier texture, while sweet potatoes will add a naturally sweet and earthy flavor.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this Hearty Bacon & Cheese Potato Casserole is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. It’s a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of this casserole for up to 3 months. Simply let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this casserole a bit lighter, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cheddar cheese, swap out some of the butter for olive oil or Greek yogurt, and add extra veggies like spinach or diced tomatoes. You can also reduce the amount of bacon or use turkey bacon instead.
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Hearty Bacon & Cheese Potato Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Bacon & Cheese Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. With layers of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, it’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 lb (450g) bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2.
3. In a large bowl, combine sour cream, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
4.
5. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6.
7. Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with half of the bacon and half of the cheese.
8.
9. Repeat layers with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, bacon, and cheese.
10.
11. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
12.
13. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
14.
15. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños to the layers.
This casserole can be made ahead of time; just cover and refrigerate before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: potato casserole, cheese, bacon, comfort food