Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food, aren’t they? There’s just something magical about a warm, bubbly dish that brings everyone to the table, ready to dig in. My Loaded Baked Potato Casserole has become a family favorite, and I can’t tell you how many times it’s saved me on busy weeknights or at gatherings. It’s the perfect blend of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese—what’s not to love? The best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up and always disappears in a flash! Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be your go-to for cozy nights in or feeding a crowd. Your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients for Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy, dreamy casserole that’s sure to steal the show:

2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go. It makes the cooking process so much smoother, trust me! If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate how these simple ingredients come together to create something truly special.

How to Prepare Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Get ready to dive into this comforting dish! Follow these simple steps to whip up your Loaded Baked Potato Casserole:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for achieving that perfect bubbly top!
Start by boiling the cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. You’ll want to cook them until they’re fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; nobody likes mushy potatoes!
Once the potatoes are done, drain them and return them to the pot. Now, it’s time to mash them up! You can use a potato masher or even a hand mixer for a creamier texture.
In your mashed potatoes, mix in the sour cream, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. It’s going to be wonderfully creamy, and oh-so-delicious!
Next, stir in the crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—this is where the flavor shines!
Transfer your potato mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top it off with the remaining cheese. You want that melty goodness to shine through!
Pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells heavenly!

And there you have it! Just let it cool for a few minutes before serving, so you don’t burn your tongue on that deliciousness. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is a dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Creamy texture: The combination of sour cream and melted cheese creates a rich, velvety mouthfeel that’s simply irresistible.
Great flavor: With the savory notes of bacon and the freshness of green onions, every bite is packed with deliciousness!
Easy to prepare: This casserole comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Family favorite: It’s a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will love!

Trust me, once you dig in, you’ll understand why this casserole is always a hit!

Tips for Success

To make your Loaded Baked Potato Casserole absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip the seasoning—salt and pepper elevate the flavors, so taste as you go! For an extra creamy texture, consider using a hand mixer to mash the potatoes; it gives them that luxurious feel. If you want a little crunch, you can top it with some crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs before baking. Lastly, let it sit for a few minutes after you take it out of the oven; this helps everything set up nicely and makes serving easier. Enjoy the compliments!

Variations of Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

One of the best things about my Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is how easily you can customize it to fit your taste! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the cheddar cheese for something like pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor. You can also mix in some sautéed veggies like bell peppers and spinach to sneak in extra nutrition without sacrificing taste. Want to change up the protein? Add in some diced ham or even shredded chicken for a heartier dish! The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Loaded Baked Potato Casserole properly means you can enjoy those delicious leftovers for days! First, let the casserole cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out and reheat for about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal—just make sure to heat them in short bursts to avoid hot spots. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Nutritional Information

Now, if you’re curious about the nutritional goodies packed into this Loaded Baked Potato Casserole, here’s the estimated breakdown per serving (about 1 cup):

Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients you choose. But hey, a little comfort food now and then is totally worth it, right?

FAQ About Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Got questions about my Loaded Baked Potato Casserole? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries I often hear:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, just cover it and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you’re not a fan of sour cream or need a dairy-free option, Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a substitute. It adds creaminess and a nice tang, just like sour cream!

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Just skip the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative. You can also load it up with more veggies for a hearty, meat-free meal!

How can I make it spicier?

If you like a little heat, try adding some diced jalapeños or using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. You can even sprinkle some hot sauce on top before serving!

Hopefully, this answers your burning questions, but if you have more, just ask! I love chatting about delicious food!

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole: 7 Comforting Secrets Revealed

Author: Lisa
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

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and delicious loaded baked potato casserole with cheese, bacon, and green onions.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Boil the cubed potatoes until tender.
Drain and mash the potatoes in a large bowl.
Add sour cream, milk, and half of the cheese. Mix well.
Stir in bacon, green onions, salt, and pepper.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
Top with remaining cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

Use any type of cheese you prefer.
Feel free to add vegetables for extra nutrition.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

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