Loaded Baked Potato Casserole: Cheesy and Savory

Comfort food has a special magic. It warms your soul and recalls memories of family time, holidays, and cozy Sunday dinners. My Loaded Potato Casserole holds a big place in my heart. This dish combines a classic baked potato’s warmth with a cheesy casserole’s richness. It always brings smiles and fills the air with amazing smells.

Imagine layers of creamy cheese, savory bacon, and fresh green onions. It feels like a hug on a plate. Perfect for cool nights or special days, this casserole is comfort food at its best. I’m excited to share this recipe with you. It’s bound to become a beloved dish in your home.

Introduction to My Loaded Potato Casserole Delight

I started loving potato casserole through a dish called ‘funeral potatoes.’ This dish, often seen at funeral lunches in Utah, is creamy and cheesy. It stole my heart. Wanting to share that comfort and joy, I created a *cheesy potato delight* perfect for family dinners.

My creation is the *loaded potatoes* casserole. It has soft hash browns, melted cheese, and a crunchy top. It’s a new take on the classic recipe, with a special cheese sauce and lots of crispy bacon. It’s great for any occasion, making every meal feel like a warm, home-cooked gathering.

This dish mixes potatoes, cheddar, bacon, and green onions. It’s baked until it’s golden and crispy. It’s versatile, too. You can swap in sweet potatoes or lean turkey to fit your diet. This flexibility makes it a go-to recipe for dinners.

• 6 large potatoes (Russet or sweet potatoes)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cups cooked chili (your favorite recipe)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: scallions, cilantro, sour cream, jalapenos, pumpkin seeds, etc.

This mix of ingredients offers a hearty and comforting meal. It’s great as a main or side dish. The cheese sauce and crunchy topping make it irresistible.

It only takes 15-20 minutes to bake. This loaded potato casserole is simple to make and sure to win over any crowd.

Ingredients That Make It Irresistible

The Loaded Baked Potato Casserole’s appeal comes from its carefully chosen, rich ingredients. It begins with 3 pounds of russet potatoes that are peeled and chopped into small cubes. These potatoes are preferred for their mild taste and how well they can hold the other ingredients.

They are also packed with vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. This adds nutritional value to each bite.

Getting the seasoning right is crucial for flavor. The mix includes 1½ teaspoons of fine sea salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. A creamy mixture is made from 1 cup of warm half and half mixed with butter and sour cream.

This casserole wouldn’t be complete without cheesy elements. It includes 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, gooey texture. To add more taste, we throw in ⅓ cup of chopped bacon for a smoky flavor. The fresh green onions and parsley give a sharp, fresh contrast.

We use 6 large potatoes for their texture and compatibility with the filling. Also, 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter are included for extra creaminess. This ensures a rich flavor throughout the dish.

For a hearty touch, we add 4 cups of your favorite cooked chili, which brings protein and bold flavor. The dish is topped with 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Toppings like scallions, cilantro, and sour cream add freshness and complexity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Casserole

Are you ready to make this delicious comfort food recipe? Let’s start with how to make potato casserole. First, heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, get the potatoes ready. Peel and cut 3 lbs (1.3 kg) of russet or gold potatoes into pieces. Rinse them to remove extra starch.

Now, boil the potatoes until they’re soft enough to poke with a fork. After boiling, let them drain. Let them sit to dry off any water. Next, in a big bowl, mash the potatoes with milk, butter, sour cream or cream cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. If you like it cheesy, add shredded cheddar cheese to the mix.

After mashing, put it all in a casserole dish and spread it out. Sprinkle more cheese and crumbled bacon on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, bake uncovered for 15-20 more minutes, until it’s golden and bubbly.

For a final touch, add chopped chives or scallions on top. Enjoy your warm, tasty casserole. You can also prepare it two days ahead or freeze it for up to two months. Enjoy your cooking!

Vlad

Passionate about cuisine and IT!