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Cozy Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe with Crispy Bacon and Cheese

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A warm, comforting casserole featuring fluffy russet potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups peeled and cubed russet potatoes
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel and cube 4 cups of russet potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Place in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
  2. While potatoes boil, cook 8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool. Reserve 1/2 cup for topping.
  3. In a large bowl, beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup sour cream and 3 tablespoons melted butter until smooth. Add 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until combined.
  4. Add drained hot potatoes to the creamy mixture. Using a hand mixer on low speed, mash until smooth and velvety but still slightly chunky, about 1-2 minutes. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Fold in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, crumbled bacon (except reserved 1/2 cup), and sliced green onions gently.
  6. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle reserved 1/2 cup cheddar and bacon evenly over the surface.
  7. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown with bubbling edges.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra green onions if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook potatoes to avoid mushiness. Avoid overmixing to prevent gummy texture. For crispier bacon topping, add bacon last and consider broiling casserole for 2 minutes at the end. Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days and reheat in oven. Freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked potato casserole, loaded potato casserole, bacon and cheese casserole, comfort food, easy casserole recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/cozy-loaded-baked-potato-casserole-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-and-cheese/