There’s something incredibly comforting about a loaded baked potato casserole, isn’t there? I mean, who can resist those creamy layers of cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions all melted together? It’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening! I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; it was during a snowstorm, and we were all cozied up at home. The smell wafting through the kitchen was simply irresistible! By the time it was done, we couldn’t wait to dig in. Every bite was a delicious reminder of home and warmth. Trust me; this casserole is bound to become a staple in your home, too!
Ingredients for Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup sour cream, for that creamy goodness
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, because more cheese is always better!
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled for that smoky flavor
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped for a fresh crunch
- 1/2 cup milk, to make everything extra creamy
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, for a hint of savory goodness
- Salt and pepper to taste, to bring it all together
How to Prepare Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get it nice and warm while you prepare the casserole.
- Next, grab those diced potatoes and toss them into a large pot of boiling water. Cook them for about 15 minutes or until they’re fork-tender—just soft enough to mash but not mushy, okay?
- Once they’re done, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. This is where the magic starts to happen!
- Add in the sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mash everything together until it’s smooth and creamy—oh, it smells so good already!
- Now, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions. Make sure it’s well mixed; you want every bite to be loaded with flavor!
- Transfer your glorious mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle some more cheese and bacon on top.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s heated through and the cheese is all bubbly and golden. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Nutritional Information for Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
This loaded baked potato casserole is not just delicious; it’s also packed with some hearty nutrition! Each serving, about 1 cup, contains roughly 350 calories, 20g of fat, 10g of protein, and 36g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find about 4g of fiber and 600mg of sodium. Keep in mind these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the comfort you’re indulging in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying!
- Super easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
- Loaded with flavor from the bacon, cheese, and fresh green onions—every bite is a delight!
- Great for feeding a crowd or as a delicious side dish at gatherings.
- It’s customizable; add your favorite toppings or spices for a personal touch!
Tips for Success with Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
- Make sure your potatoes are fork-tender but not overcooked to avoid a mushy casserole.
- For extra creaminess, use full-fat sour cream and cheese; trust me, it makes a difference!
- Don’t skimp on seasoning; taste as you go for the best flavor!
- If you want a crispy top, broil it for a couple of minutes after baking—just keep an eye on it!
- Feel free to experiment with toppings like jalapeños or different cheeses for a fun twist!
Variations of Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
If you want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun variations you can try! For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or diced green chilies to the mix. You could also throw in some steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for a veggie boost. Feeling adventurous? Swap the cheddar cheese for pepper jack for that extra flavor punch. And don’t forget, you can always top it with crispy fried onions or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for that ultimate loaded experience!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
To store your delicious leftover loaded baked potato casserole, simply transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick fix—just be sure to cover it to keep it moist!
Serving Suggestions for Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
This loaded baked potato casserole is amazing on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! I love serving it alongside a simple green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the richness. You could also complement it with grilled chicken or steak for a heartier meal. And if you’re feeling indulgent, some crispy fried onions on top add a delightful crunch. Yum!
FAQ about Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
Can I use different types of potatoes?
While russet potatoes are best for texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly different flavor and consistency.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Sure! You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and reduce the cheese. Adding more veggies like spinach or broccoli will also boost nutrition.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This loaded baked potato casserole pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick snack!
For more delicious recipes, check out this loaded baked potato salad recipe or this loaded mashed potato casserole.
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Loaded Baked Potato Casserole: 7 Comforting Flavors Unleashed
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting loaded baked potato casserole with creamy layers of cheese, bacon, and green onions.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil the diced potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until smooth.
- Stir in cheese, bacon, and green onions.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with additional cheese and bacon if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for best texture.
- Can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Add more toppings like jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: loaded baked potato casserole, potato recipes, comfort food