Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Loaded Baked Potato Casserole! It’s like a warm hug on a plate. Seriously, every bite is filled with creamy, cheesy goodness and just the right amount of crispy bacon. I love how simple it is to make, yet it feels so indulgent—perfect for cozy family dinners or when friends come over. And the layers! You’ve got tender potatoes, tangy sour cream, and melty cheese all working together to create a flavor explosion. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’ll become your go-to comfort food too!
Ingredients List
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the casserole cook evenly and get that gorgeous golden top we all love. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Boil the Potatoes
Next, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Toss in your diced russet potatoes and bring it to a boil. Let them cook for about 15 minutes or until they’re fork-tender. You can check doneness by piercing a potato cube with a fork; it should slide in easily. Once they’re tender, drain the potatoes and set them aside for a moment.
Mix Ingredients
Now, return those drained potatoes back to the pot. Add in the sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic happens! Mix everything together until the potatoes are well-coated and creamy. Don’t be shy—mash them a bit if you want a smoother texture, but I like to leave some chunks for that hearty feel!
Layer the Casserole
Time to build our casserole! Start by transferring half of the potato mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon on top. Next, add the remaining potato mixture, followed by the rest of the cheese and bacon. Make sure to cover everything well, so each bite is packed with flavor.
Bake and Garnish
Pop your casserole in the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is bubbly and golden brown—oh, the smell will be heavenly! Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh finish. Let it cool for a few minutes, then dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a hearty dish that’s perfect for satisfying those comfort food cravings.
- The layers of creamy potatoes, cheese, and crispy bacon create a flavor explosion in every bite.
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- This casserole is a crowd-pleaser—everyone from kids to adults will be coming back for seconds!
- You can customize it with your favorite toppings for endless variations, so you’ll never get bored.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Loaded Baked Potato Casserole turns out absolutely amazing! Here are my top tips for success:
- Use the right potatoes: I always go for russet potatoes since they’re starchy and give that perfect fluffy texture. But if you want to mix things up, Yukon golds work beautifully too!
- Don’t skimp on the cheese: For an extra cheesy experience, feel free to add more cheese than the recipe calls for. I’ve even mixed in some mozzarella for that glorious gooeyness!
- Spice it up: If you like a little kick, toss in some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the potato mixture. Trust me, it adds a whole new level of flavor!
- Mix in some veggies: Want to sneak in some greens? Chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms can be a delicious addition. It’s a great way to balance out the richness, and your casserole will still be a hit!
- Make ahead: If you’re planning for a party or a busy week, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if it’s cold from the fridge!
- Experiment with toppings: Besides green onions, you can try crispy fried onions, diced tomatoes, or even a dollop of guacamole on top before serving. Get creative!
With these tips, your casserole will not only be delicious but also tailored to your taste. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional information for one serving of my Loaded Baked Potato Casserole. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 12g
So, there you have it! This casserole is not just delicious, but it also packs a good amount of protein and fiber. Perfect for a hearty side dish or a comforting meal. Enjoy, and remember, these values are just estimates—feel free to adjust based on your ingredient choices!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making this casserole ahead of time is a total game-changer, especially if you’re prepping for a party or a busy week. Just assemble the entire dish as per the recipe, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and pop it in the fridge. You can do this a day in advance. When you’re ready to bake, just remove the cover and adjust the baking time slightly since it will be cold from the fridge. It may need an extra 5-10 minutes to get that golden, bubbly top you love!
What toppings can I add to enhance flavor?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! If you want to jazz things up a bit, consider adding some jalapeños for a spicy kick or a sprinkle of chili powder for warmth. You could also swap out the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or even pepper jack for a different flavor twist. And don’t forget about fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley—those add a burst of freshness! Crushed tortilla chips on top can add a delightful crunch, too. Get creative and make it your own!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super simple! Just let your casserole cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s heated through. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry—just cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent splatters. Trust me, it tastes just as good the next day!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is easy-peasy! Once it’s cooled down to room temperature, just transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. I love making a big batch so I can enjoy those comforting flavors all week long!
When it comes to reheating, you’ve got a couple of options. If you’re not in a rush, I recommend popping it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C). Just cover it with foil to keep it from drying out, and heat it for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. The oven really helps to revive that golden, bubbly top!
If you’re short on time, don’t worry! You can microwave individual portions too. Just place a serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a lid or another plate to catch any splatters, and heat for about 1-2 minutes. Give it a little stir halfway through to ensure it heats evenly.
Either way, your Loaded Baked Potato Casserole will still be creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious! Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Loaded Baked Potato Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers of Joy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting dish featuring layers of baked potatoes, cheese, and toppings.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, boil the diced potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
- Transfer half of the potato mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Layer half of the cheddar cheese and bacon on top.
- Add the remaining potato mixture and top with the rest of the cheese and bacon.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add more toppings like jalapeños or chili.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and baked before serving.
- Use different types of cheese for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Loaded Baked Potato Casserole