Print

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

4.7 from 150 reviews

This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is a comforting and indulgent dish featuring tender boiled potatoes mixed with creamy butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and milk, then layered with savory cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. Baked to golden perfection and topped with fresh green onions, it’s a perfect side or hearty meal for gatherings or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes and Dairy

  • 6 large russet potatoes
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 2/3 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk

Seasonings and Toppings

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 1/2 cups bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup green onions, diced

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Potatoes: Wash, peel, and dice the russet potatoes. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Mash Potatoes with Dairy: Drain the potatoes well and return them gently to the now empty pot. Fold in the unsalted butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Season and Add Cheese & Bacon: Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of the cooked, crumbled bacon. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
  5. Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of the cooked bacon over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with the diced green onions. Serve hot for a deliciously hearty side or main dish.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, you can add a splash more milk if the potato mixture is too thick.
  • Use smoked or maple-flavored bacon for added depth of flavor.
  • This casserole can be prepared a day in advance; assemble, cover, and refrigerate, then bake right before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
  • To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: baked potato casserole, loaded potato casserole, cheesy potato casserole, comforting side dish, bacon potato casserole