Fasten your seatbelts, y’all – we’re about to embark on a cozy, cheesy, and utterly EPIC food adventure! Get ready to transform your taste buds with the ultimate Cozy Cheddar Potato and Bacon Casserole. This dish is a flavor explosion that will have your family and friends begging for seconds (and thirds!).
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Cheddar Potato and Bacon Casserole
This casserole is the ultimate comfort food masterpiece – a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy potatoes, smoky bacon, and a mind-blowing crunchy topping. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have you closing your eyes and savoring every single bite, as the flavors and textures dance across your tongue. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Prepare to have your world rocked by this insanely delicious creation!
Ingredients
Get ready to stock up on some serious flavor bombs! You’ll need russet potatoes, cheddar cheese, bacon, sour cream, butter, onion, garlic, and a few other kitchen staples. The best part? This recipe is endlessly customizable, so you can make it your own.
- 5 lbs – Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 lb – Crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup – Sour cream
- 1/2 cup – Unsalted butter, melted
- 1 medium – Yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
- 1 cup – Panko breadcrumbs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Swap out the cheddar for pepper jack or smoked gouda for an extra flavor punch.
- Spice Level: Craving something spicy? Add in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne.
- Potato Type: You can even use sweet potatoes instead of russets for a vibrant twist.
How to Make Cozy Cheddar Potato and Bacon Casserole
Now, it’s time to assemble the EPIC flavor layers. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Peel, dice, and boil the potatoes until they’re fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. In a skillet, fry up that smoky, crispy bacon until it’s perfectly cooked. Sauté the onion and garlic in a bit of the bacon fat until they’re fragrant and golden, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, 2 cups of the cheddar cheese, sour cream, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Transfer this creamy, dreamy mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top it with the crispy bacon and sautéed onion-garlic blend.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Finish this masterpiece off with a generous sprinkling of the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and a final flourish of buttery Panko breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Prepare to have your taste buds completely SHATTERED. This casserole is an absolute flavor explosion that’s sure to leave your guests in awe. Serve it hot, fresh out of the oven, and get ready for the oohs, ahhs, and requests for seconds!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Veggie-Packed: Try adding in some sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Smoky Twist: Sprinkle in a bit of smoked paprika for a delicious depth of flavor.
- One-Dish Meal: Toss in some shredded chicken or ground beef to make it a complete and satisfying main dish.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Experiment with different cheese blends, like a mix of cheddar and Parmesan or a sprinkle of crumbled feta.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or a crusty loaf of bread for a complete and LEGENDARY meal.
Storage: Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to indulge in this epic dish again.
Make-Ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prepping. 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.
Nutrition Information
Brace yourself, because this casserole is about to blow your mind – in the most delicious way possible. Each serving is packed with 400 calories, 20g of fat, 40g of carbs, and a whopping 15g of protein. It’s the ultimate indulgence that’s perfect for satisfying your cravings and fueling your adventures.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Assemble the casserole, 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.
How do I get that crispy topping?
The secret is in the breadcrumbs! Toss them with melted butter before sprinkling them over the top of the casserole. This creates a deliciously crunchy and golden-brown finish.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! While russets are the classic choice, you can also use Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
With a few simple swaps, you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs, and double-check that all your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How can I make this casserole healthier?
To lighten things up, try using low-fat or nonfat versions of the sour cream and cheese. You can also reduce the amount of butter and bacon, or swap in turkey bacon for a leaner option.
Try These Next
- Cheesy Broccoli And Bacon Potato Casserole
- Cozy Cheddar Potato Bake With Crispy Bacon Topping
- Creamy Chicken And Bacon Pasta Bake For Cozy Nights
Cozy Cheddar Potato and Bacon Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Comfort Food Favorites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cozy Cheddar Potato and Bacon Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and rich cheddar cheese for a deliciously satisfying dish. Perfect for family gatherings and cold evenings!
Ingredients
– 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle half of the cooked bacon and half of the cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour half of the cream mixture over the potato layer.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, bacon, cheese, and cream mixture.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
9. Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh chives if desired.
Notes
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated. Just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. Use different types of cheese for added flavor!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: potato casserole, bacon, cheddar, comfort food