Description

This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring creamy mashed potatoes mixed with butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and milk, then loaded with savory cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. Perfect as a side dish for family dinners or a potluck favorite, it combines the classic flavors of a loaded baked potato in an easy-to-prepare casserole form.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes and Dairy

6 large russet potatoes
1/4 cup unsalted butter
4 oz cream cheese
2/3 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk

Seasonings

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Cheese and Bacon

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups cooked and crumbled bacon

Garnish

1/4 cup diced green onions

Instructions

Preheat and prepare dish. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
Cook the potatoes. Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes into even pieces. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
Mash the potatoes with dairy. Drain the potatoes well and return them gently to the pot. Add the butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and milk. Fold together gently until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
Season and add cheese and bacon. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Then add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of the cooked bacon, mixing gently to combine. Pour this mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Add toppings and bake. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup bacon evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the diced green onions over the top. Serve warm as a delicious side dish or comfort food entrée.

Notes

For extra creaminess, use full-fat dairy products.
To make this dish ahead of time, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Bake it fresh just before serving.
You can swap bacon for cooked sausage or omit meat for a vegetarian version.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños when mixing the potato base.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: loaded baked potato casserole, baked potato casserole, cheesy potato casserole, bacon potato casserole, comfort food, side dish