Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

If you’re ever craving the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Baked Potato Casserole. A pure crowd-pleaser, it combines the coziest flavors of a classic loaded baked potato—soft buttery potatoes, gooey melted cheese, savory bacon, and a confetti of chives—into one dreamy casserole. It’s perfect for both family dinners and friendly gatherings, because who doesn’t secretly wish for seconds when these flavors come together?

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it wonderfully straightforward, relying on a handful of kitchen staples. Each ingredient plays a star role: the potatoes create the satisfying base, while the bacon, cheese, and butter layer on unbeatable flavor and irresistible texture.

• Potatoes (6): Choose a starchy variety like Russets for a fluffier result—they soak up butter like a dream!
• Unsalted Sweet Butter (1/4 cup): Butter brings rich nostalgia and silky texture, tying every flavor together.
• Shredded Cheese (1/2 cup): Go classic with cheddar or try a blend for deeper flavor; this gives that money-melt layer everyone loves.
• Bacon, Cooked Crispy (3 strips): Bacon gives a salty, crunchy spark that makes each bite extra memorable.
• Chives (dried, to taste): Sprinkled over top, they add color and a gentle onion note that brightens the dish.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that let all the other flavors shine; season to taste!

How to Make Baked Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Potatoes

Start by peeling your potatoes and cutting them into evenly sized cubes—this ensures they all cook at the same pace and turn perfectly tender. Pop them into a pot of boiling, salted water and cook for about 20 minutes, just until they’re so soft you can pierce them easily with a fork. The smell of simmering potatoes is always the start of something good!

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon

While your potatoes are bubbling away, crisp the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until deeply golden and extra crunchy; then, transfer the strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. The anticipation of crumbling these over that hot casserole will have you sneaking a nibble for sure.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Drain the cooked potatoes well (you don’t want a watery casserole!), and transfer them straight to your favorite casserole dish. While they’re still hot, drizzle the melted butter over top and give a gentle toss to coat each bite. Season generously with salt and pepper—this simple step elevates everything.

Step 4: Top with Cheese, Bacon, and Chives

Now comes the magic! Scatter the shredded cheese evenly over the buttery potatoes, making sure every corner is covered. Crumble the crispy bacon over, letting little bits fall where they may, then finish with a generous sprinkle of dried chives. It starts looking like a baked potato celebration right in the dish.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Slide the whole casserole into a preheated 375 degree Fahrenheit oven. After about 5 minutes, the cheese should be completely melted and bubbly. Pull it from the oven and let it rest for just a minute or two—this helps everything settle before you scoop out those dreamy spoonfuls of Baked Potato Casserole heaven.

How to Serve Baked Potato Casserole

Garnishes

Once baked, a little flourish goes a long way! Fresh chives or scallions can be tossed on for extra oomph, or even a dollop of sour cream for that extra-classic finish. A twist of freshly cracked black pepper at the table never disappoints.

Side Dishes

This Baked Potato Casserole is all about versatility. Serve it next to juicy grilled chicken, a roast, or with a crisp green salad for balance. It steals the show without overpowering other parts of your meal, making it a welcome addition to almost any spread—from holiday feasts to everyday dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

Give it your own spin! Spoon individual portions into ramekins for an elegant dinner party starter, or serve family-style with extra toppings in little bowls for a funky “loaded potato bar.” For a brunch twist, serve as the anchor among eggs and fruit, letting everyone dig in family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any casserole left, spoon it into an airtight container as soon as possible. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days—just be sure to let it cool fully before sealing to keep everything nice and fresh.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Baked Potato Casserole freezes surprisingly well. Place portions or the whole cooled casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to two months. When the craving hits, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To recapture that magical, just-baked feeling, reheat portions in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until hot and bubbly. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven keeps the top a little crisper and the cheese extra gooey—totally worth the extra few minutes!

FAQs

What’s the best type of potato for Baked Potato Casserole?

Russet potatoes are usually the go-to for casseroles like this because they have the right amount of starch to become creamy yet sturdy when baked. Yukon Golds work too if you like a subtly buttery flavor and a slightly firmer texture.

Can I prepare Baked Potato Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Feel free to assemble everything the day before, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly—the flavors might even deepen overnight.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

You sure can. Just skip the bacon or swap for your favorite plant-based alternative. Some people like to add sautéed mushrooms or finely diced red bell peppers to keep things hearty and flavorful.

What cheeses can I use instead of cheddar?

Mix it up with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or any good melting cheese you love. Adding a touch of parmesan to the topping adds a lovely sharp bite, too. Don’t be shy about experimenting!

Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

This Baked Potato Casserole is perfect for scaling up! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a larger dish—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure everything melts through beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Potato Casserole is one of those recipes that turns even an ordinary day into a celebration. It’s pure comfort layered with flavor and a little bit of fun, and I can pretty much guarantee your family will want to see it in regular rotation. Give it a try—there’s nothing quite like sharing spoonfuls of happiness straight from the casserole dish!

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