Description
This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Creamy mashed potatoes are blended with butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and milk, then mixed with cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. Baked until bubbly and golden, and topped with fresh green onions, this casserole captures the classic flavors of a loaded baked potato in an easy-to-serve casserole form.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 6 large russet potatoes
Dairy
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
Seasonings & Extras
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups bacon, cooked and crumbled (divided)
- 1/4 cup green onions, diced
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Potatoes: Wash, peel, and dice the russet potatoes into even pieces. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender when poked with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the empty pot. Add butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and milk. Gently fold everything together until the potatoes are creamy and smooth.
- Season and Mix: Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Add 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of the crumbled bacon, folding gently to combine.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup bacon evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the diced green onions on top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for the best texture and flavor in this casserole.
- For extra creaminess, make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing.
- You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Adding extra cheese on top gives a wonderful golden crust during baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Loaded baked potato casserole, cheesy potato casserole, bacon potato bake, comfort food casserole, side dish
