Crispy Cheesy Bacon Potato Bake

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Golden, Creamy, and Ultra Comforting Potato Casserole

If you love crispy edges, melted cheese pulls, and soft buttery potatoes inside, this cheesy bacon potato bake is about to become your favorite dish. It’s the perfect combination of creamy scalloped potatoes, smoky bacon, and bubbling golden cheese baked until beautifully caramelized on top.

This recipe works great as a family dinner, holiday side dish, or even a main course with salad. Simple ingredients, huge flavor, and that irresistible crispy cheese crust.

🥔 Ingredients

  • 1.5 kg (3 lbs) potatoes, peeled
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 150 g (5 oz) cooked bacon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

🔪 Preparation Time

  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Cook time: 50–60 minutes
  • Total time: about 1 hour 20 minutes

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the potatoes

Slice the potatoes very thin (about 3–4 mm). Thin slices help them cook evenly and create those soft, creamy layers.

Tip: Use a mandoline slicer if you have one.

Step 2 – Cook the bacon

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels. Keep a little bacon fat for extra flavor if you like.

Step 3 – Make the creamy sauce

In the same pan:

  • Melt butter
  • Add onion and cook until soft
  • Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds

Pour in:

  • Heavy cream
  • Milk
  • Salt, pepper, paprika, thyme

Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes. Do not boil.

Step 4 – Layer the casserole

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

Grease a baking dish.

Layer like this:

  1. Potatoes
  2. Cream sauce
  3. Cheese
  4. Bacon

Repeat layers until everything is used. Finish with extra cheese on top for that golden crust.

Step 5 – Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until:

  • Top is golden brown
  • Cheese is bubbling
  • Potatoes are fork tender

Step 6 – Rest and garnish

Let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting. This helps it set and keeps layers neat.

Sprinkle fresh chives or parsley on top.

🧀 Tips for Perfect Results

✔ Slice potatoes evenly

✔ Don’t skip resting time

✔ Use strong cheese for more flavor

✔ Add extra bacon for a smoky taste

✔ Broil 2–3 minutes for extra crisp top

🍽 Serving Ideas

This dish pairs perfectly with:

  • Grilled chicken
  • Steak
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Green salad
  • Fried eggs (great for brunch!)

Or honestly… eat it alone. No judgment 😄

🥓 Variations

Extra cheesy

Add parmesan or gouda

Spicy

Add chili flakes or jalapeños

Vegetarian

Skip bacon and add mushrooms or spinach

Creamier

Mix cream cheese into the sauce

Storage

  • Fridge: up to 4 days
  • Reheat: oven or air fryer for crispiness
  • Freezer: up to 2 months

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