Name: Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 cup sour cream; ½ cup heavy cream or milk; 4 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled; ½ cup chopped green onions; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Extra cheese, bacon, or chives

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If you are craving the ultimate cozy dish that combines everything you love about a classic baked potato, look no further than this Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe. It’s creamy, packed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and tangy sour cream, all blended with tender potatoes for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just want a comforting side dish, this casserole brings warmth, flavor, and all the best toppings in one delicious bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with several visible layers of ingredients. At the bottom, there is a layer of finely chopped green onions, next to chopped crispy bacon bits. Above these, a large layer of shredded orange cheddar cheese covers one side. There are dollops of white, soft cream cheese and sour cream on one side of the bowl, with a rough texture. A sprinkling of fresh green herbs, likely parsley, sits near the center, adding a pop of green. The ingredients are not mixed, showing distinct piles and colors side by side. A woman's hand holds a utensil on the side, about to mix the contents. In the background, there is a white container and a red spice shaker. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step to creating this hearty and satisfying dish. Each component plays a role in building layers of flavor and textures, with smooth potatoes, savory bacon, and melty cheese coming together beautifully.

3 lbs russet potatoes: The perfect starchy base that becomes tender and fluffy when cooked.
1 cup sour cream: Adds creamy tanginess that makes every bite rich and luscious.
½ cup heavy cream or milk: Helps achieve a smooth, velvety texture in the casserole.
4 tablespoons butter, melted: Infuses buttery richness and keeps the potatoes moist.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and gooey cheese that tops and fills the dish with irresistible flavor.
1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled: Crispy bacon bits bring a smoky crunch to every forkful.
½ cup chopped green onions: Brightens the dish with fresh color and a mild onion bite.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory profile without overpowering.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweet onion flavor to balance the richness.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning that brings all the flavors to life.
Optional garnish (extra cheese, bacon, or chives): Perfect finishing touches for presentation and added flavor.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Potatoes

Start by peeling and cubing the russet potatoes into even pieces. Place them in a large pot filled with salted water to bring out natural flavor. Boil for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes become fork-tender. This step ensures the perfect soft base for the casserole texture.

Step 2: Mash and Mix

Drain the cooked potatoes well and transfer them to a big mixing bowl. Lightly mash the potatoes — you want to retain some chunks for texture, not a puree. Then, stir in sour cream, heavy cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This combination creates the luscious, flavorful filling that keeps this recipe so irresistible.

Step 3: Add Cheese, Bacon, and Green Onions

Fold in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, the crumbled cooked bacon, and chopped green onions right into the potato mixture. These ingredients add bursts of smoky, sharp, and fresh notes throughout the casserole, building layers of taste and texture that everyone will love.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread this loaded mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese liberally over the top for a golden, melty finish. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbling hot and beautifully browned on top.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, freshen things up with a handful of extra bacon pieces and green onions or chives if you like. This final garnish adds a pop of color, crunch, and extra flavor to your already delicious baked potato casserole.

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with layers of thin, evenly sliced potatoes arranged in overlapping rows, each slice showing a golden brown color with crispy edges. The top layer has small bits of browned herbs and melted cheese scattered over it, adding a slightly textured look. There is a silver spoon resting inside the dish, slightly scooping out the creamy potatoes. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with small green herb sprigs around it, showing a fresh touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Topping your casserole with crisp bacon, freshly chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese brings the dish to life visually and adds delightful bursts of flavor and texture. These garnishes make each serving feel extra special and inviting.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines as a hearty side for grilled meats like steak or chicken, and pairs perfectly with fresh green salads or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. It’s also excellent alongside your favorite BBQ dishes, adding a creamy, cheesy element to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins topped with sour cream dollops or chives. Or, layer your casserole in a clear glass baking dish to show off its vibrant layers of potato, bacon, and cheese. These simple presentation ideas elevate the comfort-food vibe and impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your leftover casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it convenient for quick meals throughout the week.

Freezing

This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap well in foil and plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months, ready to reheat when you need a comforting meal fast.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the casserole uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. You can also microwave individual servings, but baking keeps the cheese melty and the texture just right.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because of their starchy texture that becomes fluffy when cooked. However, Yukon Gold can work if you prefer a creamier, buttery flavor, though the texture will be slightly different.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted veggies for extra flavor and texture without the meat.

Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready, bake it as instructed. This is great for saving time on cooking day.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar cheese melts well and provides a classic flavor that complements the potatoes and bacon perfectly. You can experiment with smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for fun variations.

How do I make the casserole creamier?

For extra creaminess, try adding 4 ounces of cream cheese when mixing the potatoes. It boosts richness and makes the casserole even more luscious and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It brings together simple, comforting ingredients in a way that’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it disappears from the dinner table – pure joy in every bite!