Description
This cheesy baked potato casserole is the kind of easy recipe I turn to when I need a cozy side dish that doubles as one of my favorite dinner ideas. It is creamy, loaded with cheese, topped with crispy bacon, and baked until golden, making it perfect for holiday meals, easy dinner spreads, comfort food cravings, and family food ideas that everyone gets excited about.
Ingredients
4 pounds russet potatoes
6 tablespoons butter
4 ounces cream cheese
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped chives
Instructions
1. Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks, then boil them in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 to 18 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot while still warm.
3. Add the butter, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Mash and stir until creamy but still slightly textured.
5. Fold in 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, and most of the crumbled bacon.
6. Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and smooth the top.
7. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar, remaining mozzarella, and the rest of the bacon over the casserole.
8. Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
9. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes if you want a more golden top.
10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then finish with chopped chives and serve.
Notes
Do not overmix the potatoes after draining them, or the casserole can turn dense and gummy instead of creamy and fluffy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 62mg
Keywords: cheesy baked potato casserole, potato casserole, easy dinner, side dish, comfort food, holiday side dish, baked potatoes, cheesy casserole, food ideas, dinner ideas