If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this irresistible Baked Potato Casserole. Imagine all the best flavors of a loaded baked potato—creamy potatoes, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a pop of chives—all layered conveniently in one bubbly, golden dish. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone want seconds, whether you’re feeding family on a cozy weeknight or wowing a crowd at your next potluck.

Baked Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Potato Casserole is in its wildly simple ingredients—each one shines and brings something special to every bite. From creamy potatoes to the savory, crunchy bites of bacon, these essentials create a casserole that’s pure comfort with little fuss.

Potatoes: Choose starchy varieties like Russet for the fluffiest texture; peel and cube for even cooking.
Unsalted Sweet Butter: Melting this over the hot potatoes grants them rich, buttery flavor without being greasy.
Shredded Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar or a blend for maximum meltiness and tang.
Bacon: Crisping up three strips of bacon offers smoky crunch in every forkful.
Chives (Dried): These tiny green flecks brighten up the whole casserole with a mild oniony taste and a burst of color.
Salt & Pepper: A simple seasoning duo that wakes up all the other flavors.

How to Make Baked Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Cook Your Potatoes

Start by peeling and cubing your potatoes into even pieces for consistent cooking. Drop the cubes into a large pot of salted cold water and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender—don’t overcook, or you’ll lose that lovely casserole texture!

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon

While the potatoes cook, fry the bacon strips in a skillet until they reach that coveted crispy stage. Let them drain on a paper towel. The contrast between the soft potatoes and crunchy bacon is a signature of Baked Potato Casserole, so don’t skip this step.

Step 3: Layer Everything in the Casserole Dish

Drain the potatoes well and immediately transfer them to a casserole dish. While they’re still hot, pour the melted unsalted sweet butter all over. Now is the moment to season liberally with salt and pepper so every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Add Cheese, Bacon, and Chives

Generously top the potatoes with a blanket of shredded cheese—don’t be shy! Next, crumble your crispy bacon into small bits and sprinkle them evenly. Finish with dried chives for a pretty pop of color and subtle flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into your preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for roughly five minutes, just long enough for the cheese to bubble and melt. The aroma and sight of golden, gooey cheese over buttery potatoes will let you know Baked Potato Casserole is ready to steal the show.

How to Serve Baked Potato Casserole

Garnishes

This casserole loves a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives, a drizzle of sour cream, or even an extra pinch of black pepper on top. If you want to elevate the presentation, try adding a light dusting of paprika for color right before serving.

Side Dishes

Baked Potato Casserole plays well with almost anything. Pair it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken for a balanced meal. It’s also right at home alongside classic barbecue dishes or a holiday ham, making it endlessly adaptable for any table.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve this family-style right from the baking dish, or portion it out into individual ramekins for a more elegant touch. For brunch, top with a poached egg. Don’t hesitate to get playful—it can even shine as a main dish when loaded with extra veggies or ham!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Potato Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Simply cover the dish tightly or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. The flavors meld overnight, making next-day servings just as tempting.

Freezing

If you end up with extra or want to prep ahead, this casserole can be tightly wrapped and frozen for up to two months. For best results, freeze without the chives and add them fresh after reheating. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. For quick lunches, microwave portions with a splash of water to keep them from drying out—just enough time until everything is steamy and melty again.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in Baked Potato Casserole?

Absolutely! Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a bit of pepper jack for extra zing. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt smoothly for the creamiest results.

Is it possible to add extra vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, adding vegetables like steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers works beautifully. Fold them in before adding the cheese and bacon, and you’ve got a hearty, colorful version of Baked Potato Casserole.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Certainly! Simply omit the bacon or substitute it with your favorite vegetarian bacon or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a similar savory depth. The cheese, potatoes, and chives still deliver loads of flavor.

How can I make the casserole creamier?

If you’re after an ultra-rich and creamy texture, mash a portion of the cooked potatoes before layering. You can also stir in a few spoonfuls of sour cream or cream cheese with the butter for added decadence.

Is Baked Potato Casserole suitable for meal prepping?

It’s a meal prep superstar! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, just bake as directed and enjoy piping-hot, melty goodness with zero last-minute stress.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something warm, satisfying, and downright delicious, this Baked Potato Casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try next time you want to bring everyone together over food—they’ll be asking for the recipe before the last bite is gone!

Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and indulgent Baked Potato Casserole recipe that combines tender potatoes with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fragrant chives for a delicious side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

6 potatoes, peeled and cubed

Other Ingredients:

1/4 cup unsalted sweet butter, melted
1/2 cup shredded cheese
3 strips bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
Chives (dried)
Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare Potatoes: Peel and cube potatoes, then cook until tender for about 20 minutes.
Cook Bacon: Cook bacon until crispy, then set aside on a paper towel.
Assemble Casserole: Drain the cooked potatoes and place them in a casserole dish. Pour melted butter over the potatoes and season with salt and pepper.
Add Toppings: Top the potatoes with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and chives.
Bake: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American