Get ready to discover your new favorite comfort food obsession! The Loaded Baked Potato Casserole takes all the beloved flavors of a perfectly baked potato – creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory bacon and fresh green onions – and transforms them into an incredibly easy, shareable casserole. Forget individual potato prepping; this dish is designed to feed a crowd with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
It’s the ideal side dish for almost any meal, or substantial enough to stand alone as a hearty main. From weeknight family dinners to potlucks and holiday gatherings, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why This Casserole Will Become a Staple
This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole isn't just delicious; it's a culinary hug in a dish. Here are a few reasons why it's destined for your regular rotation:
- Effortlessly Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for gatherings, this casserole simplifies serving.
- Ultimate Comfort: Rich, creamy, and undeniably satisfying, it hits all the right notes for a comforting meal.
- Customizable: While fantastic as is, it's a blank canvas for your favorite additions.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake when you're ready, saving time when you need it most.
Essential Ingredients for Irresistible Flavor
The magic of this casserole comes from a few key ingredients working in harmony:
- Russet Potatoes: The star of the show! These starchy potatoes mash beautifully, providing a fluffy foundation for all the other rich flavors. For tips on achieving perfectly cooked potatoes, consider this guide from Food Network.
- Sour Cream & Cream Cheese: The dynamic duo that brings incredible creaminess and a delightful tang, mimicking the classic baked potato experience.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Because a loaded potato isn't complete without plenty of gooey, melted cheese.
- Crispy Bacon: Salty, smoky, and crunchy – a non-negotiable for that authentic 'loaded' flavor.
- Green Onions: A burst of fresh, mild oniony flavor and vibrant color to finish.
- Butter & Milk: Crucial for achieving that smooth, rich mashed potato consistency.
Tips for Casserole Perfection
Making a show-stopping Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is simpler than you think with these expert tips:
- Don't Overcook Potatoes: Boil until just fork-tender. Overcooked potatoes can become watery, making your casserole less creamy.
- Mash Thoroughly: Ensure your potatoes are well-mashed. A good masher or a potato ricer will help achieve a smooth texture.
- Layer with Love: Distribute cheese and bacon throughout the potato mixture and on top for maximum flavor in every bite and a beautiful presentation.
- Perfect Pairing: This casserole pairs wonderfully with hearty mains. If you're looking for another comforting dish, try my Slow Cooker Beef Curry: An Easy, Flavorful & Comforting Recipe.
Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations
This casserole is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or a holiday ham. It’s also hearty enough to be a standalone meal (just omit the bacon for a vegetarian option!).
Want to get creative? Here are some ideas:
- Add Extra Protein: Fold in cooked shredded chicken, browned ground beef, or diced ham for a truly complete meal.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of smoked paprika, or a drizzle of hot sauce can add a fantastic kick.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli florets, corn, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Herbaceous Twist: Fresh chives are classic, but a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a hint of dill can elevate the flavors.
- Another Comfort Favorite: If you love rich and creamy dishes, don't miss out on The Ultimate Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Copycat (Clara's Recipes).
Ready to dig into a dish that promises pure comfort and satisfaction? This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is about to become a beloved favorite!
FAQs
What kind of potatoes are best for Loaded Baked Potato Casserole?
Russet potatoes are highly recommended for this casserole. Their high starch content makes them light and fluffy when mashed, creating the perfect creamy base that absorbs all the delicious flavors of the other ingredients.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through evenly.
How can I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover Loaded Baked Potato Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, individual portions can be microwaved, or you can cover the casserole dish with foil and warm it in an oven preheated to 350u00b0F (175u00b0C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
What are some ways to customize this casserole?
This casserole is incredibly versatile! You can add cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or browned ground beef for a heartier meal. Incorporate steamed broccoli, corn, or sautu00e9ed mushrooms. Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Colby-Jack blend, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Contains bacon (not vegetarian)
Description
This incredibly hearty and satisfying casserole combines fluffy potatoes with rich cream, cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup sour cream
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled, divided
1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the diced Russet potatoes in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained hot potatoes, sour cream, softened cream cheese, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mash until mostly smooth, leaving a few small lumps for texture if desired.
Step 3: Fold in 1.5 cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon into the mashed potato mixture.
Step 4: Transfer the potato mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the rest of the crumbled bacon over the top of the casserole.
Step 6: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly golden.
Step 7: Remove from the oven, let stand for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
For an extra crispy topping, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Ensure cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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