Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon

Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food that combines the richness of potatoes, the smokiness of bacon, and the creaminess of cheddar cheese. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy dinner at home. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

Before we get started, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need:

Directions

Now, let’s follow these simple steps to create your Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9″ x 13″ casserole dish.
2. Use a toothpick to poke a few holes in each potato.
3. Place the potatoes in the preheated oven and bake until they are tender, which should take about 1 hour. Allow them to cool for 15 minutes.
4. While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes beautifully browned, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Once done, drain the bacon strips on paper towels and break them apart.
5. After cooling the baked potatoes for 15 minutes, cut a thin slice from one side of each potato and carefully remove the meat, transferring it to a bowl. Discard the potato skins.
6. In the same bowl with the potato meat, mix in 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, melted butter, dried chives, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Combine everything well.
7. Spread the potato mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Top it with the remaining 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese and the crispy bacon bits.
8. Bake your casserole in the preheated oven until it’s bubbling and irresistible, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes. Allow it to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Baked Potato Casserole as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or on its own as a hearty main course. It’s perfect for any occasion.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is rare with this delicious dish), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven or microwave until heated through.

In conclusion, Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon is a delightful comfort food that brings together the best of both worlds: crispy bacon and creamy potatoes. It’s a recipe that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy this savory delight today!