Indulge in the 'Ultimate Cheesy Baked Potato Casserole' with bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and chives for a perfect family dinner delight! Cozy, creamy, and irresistible.
Ultimate Cheesy Baked Potato Casserole: Your Family Dinner Delight
Are you on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish to serve for dinner? Look no further! This Ultimate Cheesy Baked Potato Casserole is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and golden-brown crispiness. It’s a sure-fire way to bring smiles to your dinner table, and it's perfect for any occasion, from a casual family meal to a festive holiday gathering. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this irresistible dish that could easily become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 6 large russet potatoes
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- Additional shredded cheddar cheese for topping
- Additional green onions for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s nice and hot by the time your casserole is ready to bake.
Clean and Peel the Potatoes: Rinse the potatoes thoroughly. Peel them and then slice them into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds. This uniform thickness helps them cook evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- Fry the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it's crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Make the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, milk, melted butter, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir until well combined.
Layer the Ingredients: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the cheese mixture, and sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
Add the Topping: Remove the foil and sprinkle a generous handful of additional shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
Finish Baking: Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish: Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve: Scoop generous portions onto plates and watch the delicious cheesy strings pull from the dish. Enjoy!
Conclusion
This Ultimate Cheesy Baked Potato Casserole is not just a side dish but a centerpiece that can steal the spotlight at any meal. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and irresistible cheesy topping, it’s bound to make your family dinner a special and memorable occasion. Plus, with simple steps and common ingredients, it’s easy to make, ensuring you have more time to spend with your loved ones rather than in the kitchen. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become a beloved staple in your household! Bon appétit!