Loaded Baked Potato Casserole (A Family Favorite!)

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I love making this loaded baked potato casserole for my family. It tastes just like loaded baked potatoes, but way easier to make. The creamy potatoes mix with crispy bacon and lots of cheese.

My kids ask for this dish every week. It reminds me of Sunday dinners at my mom’s house. You can make it ahead of time, too. Now let’s start to make this together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This dish has all your favorite loaded potato stuff together.
You can make it early and bake it when ready.
Kids and grown-ups both love this cheesy potato dish so much.
It tastes even better when you eat it the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Russet potatoes: I use these because they get fluffy and creamy when you mash them up.
Thick-cut bacon: This gives you that smoky taste and crispy bits that make everything better.
Sharp cheddar cheese: My favorite cheese for this dish because it melts perfectly and tastes amazing.
Sour cream: This makes everything creamy and adds a little tangy flavor that cuts the richness.
Cream cheese: I add this to make the texture extra smooth and rich like restaurant food.
Butter: You need this for flavor and to help the top get golden and crispy.
Green onions: These add fresh taste and a pretty green color that looks really nice on top.
Salt and pepper: Basic stuff that makes all the other flavors pop without being too strong.
Garlic powder: I use this instead of fresh garlic because it mixes in better.
Paprika: This gives a little smoky flavor and makes the top look really pretty.

Equipment You’ll Need

9×13 baking dish: This size feeds my whole family and cooks evenly without burning the edges.
Large mixing bowl: You need room to mix everything without making a huge mess on your counter.
Potato masher: I use this to get the right texture without turning potatoes into baby food.
Sharp knife: Essential for cutting bacon and onions into pieces that cook properly and look nice.
Measuring cups: I always measure everything so it turns out the same delicious way every time.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Casserole?

I’ll walk you through each step so your casserole turns out perfect every single time you make it.

Step 1: Bake your potatoes at 425°F for 45 minutes until they feel soft when you squeeze them.

Step 2: Fry the bacon in a big pan until crispy, then crumble into small pieces on paper towels.

Step 3: Mash everything together with the potato flesh, butter, sour cream, and cream cheese until smooth.

Step 4: Stir in half the cheese, half the bacon, chopped green onions, salt, pepper, and garlic powder gently.

Step 5: Put the mixture in your greased dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese, bacon, and paprika on top.

Step 6: Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until bubbly, then add paprika and remaining green onion on top.

Tips for the Best Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Don’t mix too much or the potatoes get sticky instead of light and fluffy.
Cook bacon until extra crispy so it stays crunchy after you bake it.
Use warm cream cheese and sour cream so they mix more easily and smoothly.
Save some stuff for the top layer to make it look like loaded potatoes.
Let it sit for 5 minutes after baking so it sets up nicely before eating.

Variations and Substitutions

Throw in jalapeños if you like spicy food that makes your mouth tingle nicely.
Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream if you want something healthier with more protein.
Try Monterey Jack cheese or Swiss for different flavors that taste really good too.
Mix in broccoli pieces for extra veggies that even my kids will actually eat.
Use turkey bacon if you want less fat but still want that smoky taste.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Put it together 2 days early and keep it cold until you’re ready to bake.
Freeze the whole thing for up to 3 months, wrapped really well in foil.
Keep leftovers in your fridge for four days in a container with a tight lid.
Warm up portions in the microwave or oven until the cheese starts melting again.
Sprinkle fresh toppings like green onions when you reheat, so it looks and tastes fresh.

Serving Ideas

Sunday brunch: I love serving this with scrambled eggs and fresh berries for a meal everyone remembers.
BBQ side: This goes perfectly with grilled chicken and corn on the cob for summer fun.
Party food: I bring this to get-togethers and watch it go away faster than anything else.
Easy dinner: Pair it with a simple salad for an easy weeknight meal that feels special.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This dish has lots of calories and fat, but also gives you good stuff like protein, calcium, and vitamins from potatoes.

Russets work best because they get fluffy and light when you mash them up right

Yes, try crispy fried onions or cooked mushrooms for the same crunch and taste.

Oh yes! Steamed broccoli or corn would be very yummy mixed in with the potatoes for extra flavor.

You will see the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges might be a little brown and tasty.