Description
A comforting casserole featuring fluffy baked potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and creamy dairy for an easy, indulgent meal perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium russet baked potatoes
- 8 slices crispy bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 3–4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Pierce each potato a few times with a fork and bake directly on the rack for 50-60 minutes until tender. Let cool about 10 minutes.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.
- In a large bowl, scoop out potato flesh and mash lightly with a fork or masher. Add softened cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, and milk. Mix until mostly smooth but still slightly rustic. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese and most of the sliced green onions, reserving some for topping.
- Transfer potato mixture to a 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and reserved green onions on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and top is slightly golden.
- Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes watching closely. Avoid over-mixing potatoes to prevent gluey texture. Use room temperature dairy ingredients for smooth mixing. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat best in oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/6th of the c
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 23.5
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 27.5
- Fiber: 3.5
- Protein: 16.5
Keywords: baked potato casserole, loaded potato casserole, bacon and cheese casserole, comfort food, easy casserole recipe