Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Because this Cheesy Broccoli & Bacon Potato Casserole is about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise! We’re talking about an epic, insane, and absolutely legendary comfort food masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing for joy. Get ready to experience the ultimate in creamy, cheesy, bacony goodness – this dish is going to blow your mind!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Broccoli & Bacon Potato Casserole
This cheesy, bacon-loaded potato casserole is the ultimate in comfort food decadence. It’s the kind of dish that will have your friends and family begging you to make it again and again. The combination of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a creamy, cheesy sauce is simply out of this world. Plus, the addition of broccoli gives you a boost of nutrients to balance out all that epic indulgence. This casserole is the perfect way to turn an ordinary weeknight into a thrilling, mouth-watering food adventure!
Ingredients
To make this Cheesy Broccoli & Bacon Potato Casserole, you’ll need a delicious lineup of ingredients, including russet potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh broccoli, a creamy cheese sauce, and a few other simple pantry staples. The end result is an irresistible, explosive flavor combination that will leave you craving more.
- 5 lbs – Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 lb – Bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 4 cups – Fresh broccoli florets
- 6 tbsp – Unsalted butter
- 6 tbsp – All-purpose flour
- 4 cups – Whole milk
- 3 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp – Onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Potatoes: Sweet potatoes would make a delicious and nutrient-dense swap.
- Cheese: Feel free to use a blend of your favorite cheeses, like cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli & Bacon Potato Casserole
This Cheesy Broccoli & Bacon Potato Casserole comes together in just a few simple steps. Let’s get cooking and turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Peel and slice the potatoes, chop the broccoli, and cook the bacon until crispy. Crumble the bacon and set it aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, then gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, the garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the sliced potatoes, broccoli, and crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce, tossing gently to coat.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Spread the cheesy potato and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This Cheesy Broccoli & Bacon Potato Casserole is best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Protein Boost: Add in some diced ham or spicy Italian sausage for an extra protein boost.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle the top of the casserole with crushed crackers or fried onions for a delicious, crunchy topping.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese blends, like a mix of cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
- Veggie Swap: Try swapping the broccoli for another favorite veggie, like cauliflower or green beans.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a crisp white wine for the ultimate comfort food feast.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This casserole also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
Indulging in this Cheesy Broccoli & Bacon Potato Casserole is definitely a treat, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered on the nutritional front. With a generous serving of veggies, protein-packed bacon, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish packs a serious nutritional punch. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation and savor every insanely delicious bite!
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Protein: 23 g
- Carbs: 44 g
- Fat: 37 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of russet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes would make a delicious and nutrient-dense swap for the russet potatoes in this recipe.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
How do I get the topping extra crispy?
Sprinkle the top of the casserole with crushed crackers or fried onions for a delicious, crunchy topping.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, this Cheesy Broccoli & Bacon Potato Casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I swap out the broccoli for a different vegetable?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the broccoli for another favorite veggie, like cauliflower or green beans.
Try These Next
- Smoky Bacon Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites
- Cheesy Bbq Bacon Burger Sliders With Tangy Sauce
- Spicy Maple Glazed Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Cheesy Broccoli & Bacon Potato Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Comfort Food Favorites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Broccoli & Bacon Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and tender broccoli, it’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
– 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
– 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2. Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. 4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. 5. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs, if using.
6. 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. 7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce. This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: potato casserole, cheesy broccoli, bacon casserole