Dive into the ultimate comfort food masterpiece with our Loaded Baked Potato Casserole with Crispy Bacon. This dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, bringing together the beloved flavors of a classic baked potato and elevating them to new heights. Prepare to be captivated by the creamy, cheesy base, the crispy bacon, and the flavorful toppings that come together in every heavenly bite.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole with Crispy Bacon
This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort, flavor, and indulgence. The combination of fluffy potatoes, melty cheese, and savory bacon creates a harmony of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for more. It’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly days, family gatherings, or anytime you need a hefty dose of deliciousness. Plus, with its simple preparation and make-ahead options, this casserole is a breeze to whip up, making it the ultimate weeknight or weekend wonder.
Ingredients
This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole features a cast of all-star ingredients that come together to create the ultimate comfort food experience. You’ll need russet potatoes, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, scallions, butter, and a few pantry staples to bring this dish to life.
- 3 lbs (1.4 kg) – Russet potatoes, baked and diced
- 1 cup (240 ml) – Sour cream
- 2 cups (200 g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices – Crispy bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) – Unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon – Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon – Black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicier twist
- Protein: Cooked and crumbled sausage or diced ham for a different protein option
How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Casserole with Crispy Bacon
This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole comes together in just a few simple steps, making it a breeze to prepare.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and prick the russet potatoes, then bake them until tender, about 60-70 minutes. Once cooled, dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Gently stir the ingredients together until well incorporated.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Transfer the potato mixture to a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish and top with the crispy bacon pieces. Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Garnish the Loaded Baked Potato Casserole with fresh scallions, additional cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and add extra cheese or sautéed vegetables for a meatless delight.
- Tangier Twist: Swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier twist.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
- Spice it Up: Use a spicier cheese, such as Pepper Jack, or stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for more heat.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled in advance and baked when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that provides a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Each serving offers a generous portion of potatoes, cheese, and bacon, making it a filling and nutrient-dense meal.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 482 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbs: 38 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Sodium: 613 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of cheeses, to suit your personal preferences.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this Loaded Baked Potato Casserole can be easily made ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Bake the casserole as directed, let it cool completely, and then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven until heated through.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon in this recipe?
Definitely! Using pre-cooked bacon can save you some time and effort. Simply crumble the pre-cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the top of the casserole before baking.
How can I make this casserole more or less spicy?
To add more heat, you can use a spicier cheese, such as Pepper Jack, or stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder. For a milder version, stick to the original recipe or use a mild cheddar cheese.
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Loaded Baked Potato Casserole with Crispy Bacon
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy, cheesy, and loaded baked potato casserole topped with crispy bacon, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, boil the diced potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to pot.
3. Add sour cream, cheddar cheese, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until well combined.
4. Fold in half of the crumbled bacon and transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Top with remaining bacon and additional cheese if desired.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding cooked sausage or different types of cheese. You can also top with additional herbs like parsley or chives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: baked potato, casserole, comfort food, bacon