Dinner

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

ByElla Hart December 27, 2025December 27, 2025

Introduction

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that combines tender potatoes with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. It’s perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying main for any occasion.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered casserole, the base layer is creamy mashed potatoes with a smooth texture and off-white color. On top, there is a generous spread of melted cheddar cheese in bright orange patches, unevenly melted and slightly browned. Scattered over the cheese are small pieces of crispy cooked bacon, dark brown with a crunchy texture, and bright green chopped scallions evenly spread across the surface for freshness and color contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface next to a white and gray checked cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 large russet potatoes
1/4 cup unsalted butter
4 oz cream cheese
2/3 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper (to taste)
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 1/2 cups bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup green onions, diced

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and boil until tender.
Step 3: Drain the potatoes and return them to the empty pot. Gently fold in the butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and milk until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then fold in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of the cooked bacon. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Step 5: Top the casserole with the remaining cheese and bacon. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with diced green onions, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream when mixing the potatoes.
Use smoked paprika or chopped jalapeños for a subtle smoky or spicy twist.
Switch out cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella to change the flavor profile.
Cook bacon until very crispy for added texture.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to keep the texture creamy and cheese melty.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered casserole, topped with melted golden-yellow cheddar cheese and scattered crispy brown bacon bits. Small fresh green chopped scallions are spread evenly over the top, creating a contrast with the cheese and bacon. The base layer appears creamy and soft, showing bits of potatoes mixed in, with the bacon and scallions adding texture and color on top. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a white and grey checked cloth partly visible under the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?

While fresh potatoes yield the best results, you can use thawed frozen diced potatoes. Make sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid a watery casserole.