Ultimate Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole 

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Why This Potato Casserole Is a Must-Make

  • Ultra-creamy interior with crispy, cheesy top
  • Real potatoes (not boxed mixes)
  • Loaded with bacon and melted cheddar
  • Simple ingredients, big flavor
  • Perfect as a main dish or side
  • Reheats beautifully and freezes well

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

Potatoes

  • 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Creamy Sauce

  • 300 ml (1¼ cups) heavy cream
  • 120 ml (½ cup) sour cream
  • 40 g (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese & Bacon

  • 250 g (2½ cups) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 100 g (1 cup) mozzarella or Monterey Jack
  • 200 g bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions

Choosing the Best Potatoes

The success of this casserole depends heavily on the potatoes.

Best choices:

  • Yukon Gold – creamy, buttery texture
  • Russet – fluffy inside, absorbs sauce well

Avoid:

Waxy potatoes (red potatoes) because they don’t absorb sauce properly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.
  2. Peel potatoes (optional) and cut into bite-size cubes.
  3. Place in a large bowl.
  4. Toss with:
    • Olive oil
    • Salt, pepper
    • Paprika
    • Garlic powder

Make sure every piece is well coated.

Step 2: Par-Roast for Better Texture (Important)

  1. Spread potatoes on a large baking tray.
  2. Roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway.

This step:

  • Removes excess moisture
  • Improves flavor
  • Prevents soggy casserole

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat:
    • Melt butter
    • Add minced garlic
    • Cook 30 seconds until fragrant
  3. Pour in heavy cream.
  4. Stir in sour cream.
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Heat gently (do not boil).

Remove from heat once smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Cook the Bacon

  1. Fry bacon until crispy.
  2. Drain on paper towels.
  3. Chop or crumble into small pieces.

Tip: Keep a tablespoon of bacon fat for extra flavor (optional).

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Grease a large baking dish (glass or ceramic).
  2. Add half of the roasted potatoes.
  3. Sprinkle:
    • Half the cheddar
    • Half the mozzarella
    • Half the bacon
  5. Pour half of the cream sauce.
  6. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
  7. Finish with extra cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

  1. Cover loosely with foil.
  2. Bake for 25 minutes.
  3. Remove foil.
  4. Bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until:
    • Cheese is bubbling
    • Top is deep golden
    • Sauce is thick and creamy

Optional: Broil 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness.

Step 7: Rest & Serve

Let the casserole rest 10 minutes before serving.

This helps the sauce set and improves texture.

Garnish with:

  • Chopped chives
  • Extra bacon
  • Fresh cracked pepper

Texture & Flavor Experience

  • Top: Crispy bacon + melted cheddar crust
  • Middle: Creamy, cheesy potatoes soaked in sauce
  • Bottom: Rich, savory cream infused with garlic and bacon

Every layer delivers comfort and depth.

Delicious Variations

Loaded Baked Potato Style

Add:

  • Dollops of sour cream on top after baking
  • Extra chives

Spicy Version

Add:

  • Jalapeños
  • Chili flakes
  • Pepper jack cheese

Chicken & Bacon

Add:

  • 300 g cooked chicken breast, cubed

Vegetarian Version

Replace bacon with:

  • Sautéed mushrooms
  • Caramelized onions
  • Smoked paprika for depth

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with:

  • Grilled steak
  • Roast chicken
  • BBQ ribs
  • Green salad
  • Steamed vegetables

It also works as a standalone main dish.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make Ahead

  • Assemble fully
  • Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours
  • Bake when ready

Refrigeration

  • Store leftovers up to 4 days

Freezing

  • Freeze baked or unbaked
  • Keeps 2 months

Reheating

  • Oven: 180°C / 350°F for 20 minutes
  • Avoid microwave if you want crispy top

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Skipping par-roasting potatoes
  • ❌ Using pre-shredded cheese only (fresh melts better)
  • ❌ Too much liquid (don’t overdo cream)
  • ❌ Cutting potatoes too small
  • ❌ Serving immediately without resting

Nutrition (Approx. per Serving)

  • Calories: 420–480 kcal
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Carbs: 25 g

Final Thoughts

This cheesy bacon potato casserole is rich, indulgent, and unforgettable. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite after just one try. Whether you serve it for holidays, weekends, or comfort dinners, it always delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

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