Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together the rich flavors of baked potatoes and the indulgence of creamy toppings. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or as a fulfilling side dish, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With layers of flavor and the perfect creaminess, one bite will transport you to cozy dinners with loved ones.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 320
• Protein: 10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 36 grams
• Fat: 15 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Sodium: 450 mg

Why Make This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole combines the beloved flavors of baked potatoes with the delightful toppings we love. The creamy sour cream and melting cheddar cheese create a rich layer of flavor that perfectly complements the tender potatoes. With the addition of crispy bacon and fresh green onions, each bite bursts with savory goodness. It’s an easy, make-ahead dish that brings smiles at gatherings and is comforting enough to enjoy on a quiet night in.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). As the oven heats, bring a pot of water to boil and add the diced potatoes. Cook them until tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few moments.

• Step 2: Mixing

  In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Gently fold the ingredients together until well combined, being careful not to mash the potatoes too much.

• Step 3: Cooking

  Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top to create a golden, cheesy crust.

• Step 4: Finishing

  Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few moments before serving warm as a delightful side dish.

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Serve this casserole warm straight from the oven. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as a standalone vegetarian meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle a few additional green onions on top before serving for a fresh appearance and added flavor!

How to Store Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

Expert Tips for Perfect Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

• Ensure the potatoes are cut into evenly-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
• You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a gooey texture.
• Add more veggies by including bell peppers or corn for added color and nutrition.

Delicious Variations

• Tex-Mex Style: Add a can of diced green chilies or jalapeños into the mix for a spicy touch. Top with avocado or salsa when served.
• Loaded Veggie: Stir in steamed broccoli or spinach before baking to add a nutritious twist.
• Herbaceous Twist: Infuse flavor by adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use different types of potatoes?
  Absolutely! Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are great for this casserole, but feel free to experiment with red potatoes as well.

• Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
  Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

• Can I freeze loaded baked potato casserole?
  Yes! Wrap the assembled but unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

• What can I serve with this casserole?
  This casserole is delicious with grilled meats, chicken, or as part of a potluck feast. It pairs well with a simple salad for a balanced meal.

• Can I make it vegetarian?
  Of course! Simply omit the bacon or substitute it with a plant-based bacon alternative.

Conclusion

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is a wonderful way to enjoy the comforting flavors of a classic baked potato with delightful toppings. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture and cheesy goodness make it a dish worth trying. Whether for a family dinner or a festive gathering, this casserole will surely impress and keep everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy creating this lovely dish and watching the smiles it brings to your table!

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting, hearty dish combining the rich flavors of baked potatoes with creamy toppings, perfect for gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a pot of water to boil and add the diced potatoes. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and cool.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine cooled potatoes, sour cream, half the cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Gently fold until combined.
3. Transfer to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let cool for a few moments before serving.

Notes

Substituting sour cream with Greek yogurt makes for a lighter dish. Feel free to add vegetables or experiment with different cheeses.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 30mg