Description
Cheesy Baked Potato Casserole is a rich, creamy, easy recipe packed with tender potatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and crispy bacon for the ultimate comfort food side dish or easy dinner idea. This cozy casserole is perfect for holidays, potlucks, family dinners, and anyone looking for hearty food ideas, simple potato recipes, and crowd-pleasing make-ahead dishes.
Ingredients
6 large russet potatoes
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped chives
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Peel the potatoes and cut them into chunks. Boil them in salted water for 15 to 18 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well.
3. In a large bowl, stir together the cream cheese, sour cream, milk, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
4. Add the hot potatoes and gently mash and fold them into the creamy mixture, leaving some chunks for texture.
5. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and most of the crumbled bacon.
6. Spread the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and the rest of the bacon over the casserole.
8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then top with chopped chives and serve.
Notes
Drain the potatoes very well so the casserole stays creamy and not watery.
Leave a few potato chunks for the best loaded baked potato texture.
For extra color and flavor, add a little extra cheddar and chives right before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg