Bacon-Infused Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
What’s not to love about baked potatoes? I just want something extra. Sometimes you just need it. What is the Bacon-Infused Baked Potato Casserole Recipe? Think of it as the baked potato’s cooler, more sophisticated cousin. What is the same warm, fuzzy feeling, but with a salty kick that’ll make you forget all about it. What are some of the most boring weeknight dinners? Is it a game changer?
What is a Bacon-Infused Baked Potato Casserole
What exactly is this magical casserole? What is a classic baked potato casserole? Imagine infusing bacon with crispy, smoky bacon. We’re not just sprinkling bacon bits on top (though we do that too!). We’re actually using bacon fat to cook the potatoes, adding bacon to the creamy sauce, and then, using the bacon, we add bacon. Yes, topping it all with even more bacon. Think of it as a loaded baked potato, elevated to casserole status. It’s essentially a symphony of potato and bacon, working in perfect harmony to create an intense flavor. What causes an explosion in your mouth? Is it decadent, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why do you need Bacon-Infused Baked Potatoes? What is the best casserole recipe ever? What is the best flavor? What’s not to like about bacon? I mean, who can resist bacon? The creamy, cheesy potatoes provide a perfect balance to the smoky flavor of the potatoes, creating an elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Both comforting and exciting.
What’s more, this recipe is surprisingly simple. I don’t need to be a gourmet chef to do this. It’s all about layering flavors and textures, and the process is actually quite fun. What I love the most is how forgiving it is! This recipe is flexible and always turns out delicious. I’ve even made it with leftover mashed potatoes in a pinch – talk about lifesaver!
What is cost-efficiency? Potatoes and bacon are relatively inexpensive ingredients, especially if you catch them on sale. What is a good casserole to make without breaking the bank? What is the perfect dish for potlucks, holiday gatherings or just a cozy night in with the family?
Is it incredibly versatile? Can you serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak? What is a good side salad? I’ve even been known to sneak a bite straight from the fridge as my late-night snack. This recipe stands out from typical potato casserole because of that deep smoky flavor. If you love loaded potatoes, you’ll absolutely love this casserole.
How do I make Bacon-Infused Baked Potato Casserole?
Quick Overview
How do you make a Bacon-Infused Baked Potato Casserole? How do you cook potatoes in bacon fat? ), then creating a creamy, cheesy sauce with plenty of bacon. How do you layer everything in a baking dish, top with more cheese and bacon (of course! What is the secret to not be afraid of bacon? Embrace the smoky flavor and let it shine. Trust me, the results are worth it!
Ingredients Notes
For the Main Casserole:
Potatoes:Russets are my go-to for their fluffy texture, but Yukon Golds work well too, giving a creamier texture. Don’t skimp on quality!
Bacon:What is the key to a good bacon flavor? I prefer hickory-smoked bacon, but feel free to experiment with your favorite.
Onion & Garlic: These aromatics add depth of flavor to the casserole. I like to use yellow onion for its mild sweetness, and fresh garlic is always a must.
Cream Cheese:What makes a casserole so rich? What is the best cream cheese recipe?
Sour Cream:Adds a tangy note that balances the richness of cream cheese.
Cheddar Cheese:What is the best cheese to use? Sharp cheddar? Would a mix of Colby, Monterey Jack, or any combination of them work great?
Milk:Just a little bit to thin out the sauce and add extra creaminess. I usually use whole milk, but you can use 2% or even almond milk if you prefer. I tested this recipe with almond milk and it was surprisingly delicious!
Chives:If you don’t have chives on hand, you can use green onions instead.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always do this first so it’s ready to go when the casserole is assembled.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon from skillet, reserving the bacon fat in the skillet. What is the best way to crumble bacon?
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
Peel and dice the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Add the diced potatoes to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat and cook over medium heat, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and serve. When potatoes are tender, add water and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Where does the bacon flavor come from?
Step 4: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the potatoes and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn!
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese and milk. Set aside. Mix until smooth and creamy. I like to use a hand mixer for this step to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked potatoes, onion, and garlic to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Mix well. What is the best way to top bacon with crumbled bacon? I always sneak a taste at this point to make sure the seasoning is just right.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
In a baking dish, pour the potato mixture into the prepared dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chives. Is this a good cold dish?
What should I serve it with?
This Bacon-Infused Baked Potato Casserole Recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes. What are some of the best dishes to What are some good ideas?
What’s for a weeknight dinner?Serve it as a side dish with chicken, steak, or pork chops. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
For a Potluck:What is a good casserole to serve at potlucks? Is it easy to transport and can be served hot or at room temperature?
What is the best holiday meal?Add it to your holiday spread alongside turkey, ham, or prime rib. What are some of the best holiday treats?
For a Cozy Night In:What are some good side dishes to serve as a main course? What is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening?
My family loves it with pulled pork on top, makes for a hearty meal! Is it perfect for family game night?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Bacon-Infused Baked Potato Casserole
Here are a few tips to help you make the best Bacon-Infused Baked Potato Casserole Recipe ever:
Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: You want the potatoes to be tender but not mushy. Overcooked potatoes will make the casserole too dense.
Use Good Quality Bacon: The bacon is the star of the show, so use a good quality bacon with plenty of flavor. Thick-cut bacon is always a good choice.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Bacon Fat: Cooking the potatoes in bacon fat adds so much flavor to the casserole. Don’t be shy about using it!
Adjust the Cheese to Your Liking: I love sharp cheddar cheese in this casserole, but you can use any cheese that melts well. Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend would work great.
Add Some Spice: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! In addition to cheese and bacon, you can add green onions, sour cream, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.
One of the first times I made this I didnt monitor the heat close enough and burned the bacon, I was so mad at myself and thought I ruined the whole dish. Turns out it still tasted good! So don’t worry if something like that happens, it’s hard to mess up this recipe!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store and reheat your Bacon-Infused Baked Potato Casserole Recipe:
Room Temperature: You can leave the casserole at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to add the glaze just before serving for maximum freshness.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy. Make sure to cover it so it does not dry out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to Bacon-Infused Baked Potato Casserole Recipe that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and exciting flavor, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a main course, this casserole is sure to be a hit. It really is one of my all time favorite recipes to make.
If you’re looking for other delicious casserole recipes, be sure to check out my other blog posts. And if you try this recipe, please let me know how it turns out in the comments below! I love hearing from you all. Happy baking!
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Bacon-Infused Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 lbs russet potatoes peeled and cut into cubes
- 1 cup sour cream
- 0.5 cup milk whole or 2%
- 0.5 cup butter melted
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 0.25 cup green onions chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large pot, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water for about 20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain well.
- Mash the potatoes with sour cream, milk, melted butter, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in half of the cheese and half of the crumbled bacon into the mashed potatoes.
- Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
- Top with the remaining cheese and bacon. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving warm.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
