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Cozy Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe with Crispy Bacon Bits Made Easy

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A comforting baked potato casserole layered with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, sour cream, and crispy bacon bits, perfect for cozy gatherings and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Peel and chop 3 pounds of russet potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces. Rinse under cold water to remove excess starch.
  2. Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender but not falling apart.
  3. Drain potatoes thoroughly in a colander and return to the warm pot to dry out for a minute or two.
  4. Transfer potatoes to a large bowl. Add softened cream cheese, sour cream, whole milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash with a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth but with some texture left.
  5. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions.
  6. Cook bacon slices in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or spray.
  8. Spread half the potato mixture evenly in the dish, sprinkle half the bacon bits, then layer the remaining potatoes on top.
  9. Combine remaining cheddar cheese and bacon bits, sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Drizzle melted butter on top.
  10. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Optionally broil for last 2 minutes for extra crisp edges, watching closely.
  11. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use russet potatoes for best texture. Dry potatoes well after boiling to avoid watery mash. Fry bacon in cast-iron skillet for best crispness or bake on foil-lined tray. Tent casserole with foil halfway through baking if edges brown too fast. Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving. For a creamier twist, fold in 1/2 cup medium-curd cottage cheese. Variations include vegetarian (skip bacon, add mushrooms/onions), low-carb (use cauliflower), or spicy (add jalapeños or cayenne).

Nutrition

Keywords: baked potato casserole, loaded baked potato, crispy bacon bits, comfort food, easy casserole, cheesy potato bake

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/cozy-loaded-baked-potato-casserole-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-bits-made-easy/