Description
This Cheesy Baked Potato Casserole is a creamy, golden, comfort food side dish loaded with tender potatoes, melted cheddar, sour cream, bacon, and green onions. It is an easy recipe for family dinners, holiday meals, potlucks, cozy dinner ideas, and simple food ideas when you want something rich, warm, and satisfying.
Ingredients
3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup sour cream
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
1/3 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water and boil until fork tender, about 15 to 18 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes well and let them steam dry for 3 to 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, mix the sour cream, cream cheese, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
5. Add the potatoes and gently mash, leaving a few small chunks for texture.
6. Fold in 1 cup cheddar cheese, most of the bacon, and most of the green onions.
7. Spread the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.
8. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
9. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is hot, bubbling around the edges, and golden on top.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with the remaining bacon and green onions before serving.
Notes
Drain the potatoes very well before mixing so the casserole stays creamy instead of watery.
Shred cheese from a block for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
Add the crunchy topping right before baking if you assemble the casserole ahead of time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 62mg
Keywords: cheesy baked potato casserole, baked potato casserole, loaded potato casserole, cheesy potato casserole, easy side dish, comfort food casserole, dinner ideas, holiday side dish