Brace yourselves, folks, because this Creamy Cheddar Bacon Potato Bake is about to rock your world! We’re talking ultimate comfort food perfection, with layers of creamy, cheesy goodness, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise and experience a dish so insanely delicious, it will have your friends and family begging for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cheddar Bacon Potato Bake
This dish is the ultimate in comfort food heaven. The combination of creamy cheddar, smoky bacon, and perfectly cooked potatoes is a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). It’s a crowd-pleasing, family-friendly recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or just craving a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
This Creamy Cheddar Bacon Potato Bake requires just a few simple, yet incredibly flavorful ingredients. You’ll need russet potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, heavy cream, butter, garlic, and a few seasonings to bring it all together. The best part? You can easily customize it to your taste by swapping in your favorite cheeses or adding in extra veggies.
- 3 lbs – Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 12 oz – Crispy bacon, crumbled
- 3 cups – Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups – Heavy cream
- 4 cloves – Garlic, minced
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Try pepper jack or gouda for a new twist on the classic.
- Veggies: Add in diced onions, bell peppers, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra pop of flavor.
How to Make Creamy Cheddar Bacon Potato Bake
Let’s dive in and turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise, y’all!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and slicing those potatoes into even, bite-sized pieces. Fry up that crispy bacon and set it aside, then grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and get ready to layer on the flavor.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Begin by creating a creamy, cheesy sauce that will act as the glue holding this epic dish together. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in the heavy cream and 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s smooth, rich, and irresistible. Now it’s time to start building those layers – arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish, then top with half of the bacon and half of the remaining cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with the cheese.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Pop that masterpiece in the oven and let the magic happen for 45-55 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The potatoes will become tender, the cheese will melt into creamy perfection, and the bacon will get even more deliciously crispy.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
When it’s hot, bubbly, and golden brown, you’ll know it’s time to pull it out and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Top it off with a sprinkle of extra bacon and chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Get ready to dive in and experience the ultimate comfort food bliss, y’all!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add Protein: Try adding in some diced ham or cooked sausage for a heartier protein punch.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with a mix of cheddar and Parmesan, or even a sprinkling of crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
- Make-Ahead: This dish reheats beautifully, so feel free to make it ahead of time and enjoy the leftovers all week long.
- Lighter Version: To lighten things up, you can use a lower-fat cheese, swap the heavy cream for a lighter version, and reduce the amount of bacon used.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that incredible flavor.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months for a quick and easy reheatable meal.
Reheat: Simply pop it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the dish up to 3 days in advance, cover, and refrigerate before baking.
Nutrition Information
This dish is a delicious indulgence, but it’s also packed with some serious nutritional benefits. The potatoes provide complex carbs and fiber, the cheddar cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, and the bacon adds a tasty punch of flavor and a bit of salty goodness. Just be mindful of portion sizes, and enjoy this dish as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the dish
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 34 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Creamy Cheddar Bacon Potato Bake is the perfect make-ahead meal. Simply assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled ingredients.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While we love the classic cheddar, this dish is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like Gruyère, Gouda, or even a blend of different varieties.
Can I add any extra veggies?
Absolutely! This dish is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Try adding diced onions, bell peppers, or even some steamed broccoli or cauliflower for a boost of color and nutrition.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten things up, you can use a lower-fat cheese, swap the heavy cream for a lighter version, and reduce the amount of bacon used. You can also try substituting some of the potatoes with roasted cauliflower or sweet potatoes.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this Creamy Cheddar Bacon Potato Bake freezes beautifully! Simply assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Try These Next
- Creamy Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake With Garlic Crunch
- Creamy Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake With Garlic Crunch
- Creamy Cheddar Garlic Bacon Dip
Creamy Cheddar Bacon Potato Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Mains
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Cheddar Bacon Potato Bake is a deliciously rich and comforting dish, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Loaded with crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes, it’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. 2. In a large bowl, combine sliced potatoes, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. 3. Layer half of the potato mixture in a greased baking dish.
4. 4. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and half of the bacon over the potatoes.
5. 5. Add the remaining potato mixture, then top with the rest of the cheese and bacon.
6. 6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. 7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
8. 8. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add some herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also substitute the cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: potato, cheese, bacon, bake