Description

This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish featuring tender russet potatoes mixed with sour cream, cream cheese, cheddar, and spices, baked to bubbly perfection and topped with extra cheese and optional bacon and green onions. Perfect as a hearty side or satisfying main course.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

3 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the casserole.
Boil Potatoes: Place the peeled and diced potatoes in a large pot, cover them with water, then bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, approximately 10-15 minutes. Drain the water and let the potatoes cool slightly.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend together the sour cream, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth.
Fold in Potatoes and Bacon: Gently fold in the cooked potatoes into the cheese mixture, ensuring they are well coated. If desired, fold in the chopped cooked bacon for added flavor.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a cheesy crust.
Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
Cool: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra chopped green onions and bacon if desired. Serve warm as a delicious side dish or main course.

Notes

You can omit bacon to keep it vegetarian.
Use reduced-fat dairy products to lower fat content if preferred.
Russet potatoes are best for their starchy texture that holds up well in casseroles.
Make sure potatoes are not overcooked to avoid a mushy texture.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Prep Time: 50 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: loaded baked potato casserole, cheesy potato casserole, baked potato side dish, comfort food casserole, potato bake with bacon