Dinner

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

ByGabriel Langdon December 28, 2025December 28, 2025

Introduction

This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy potatoes with savory bacon and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying main, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please family and friends alike.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered casserole, the base layer is creamy mashed potatoes with a smooth texture and off-white color. On top, there is a generous spread of melted cheddar cheese in bright orange patches, unevenly melted and slightly browned. Scattered over the cheese are small pieces of crispy cooked bacon, dark brown with a crunchy texture, and bright green chopped scallions evenly spread across the surface for freshness and color contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface next to a white and gray checked cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 large russet potatoes
1/4 cup unsalted butter
4 oz cream cheese
2/3 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup green onions, diced

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a 9×13 casserole dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and boil until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Gently fold in the butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and milk until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste, then fold in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of crumbled bacon. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Step 5: Top the casserole with the remaining cheese and bacon, then bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle with diced green onions, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, use half-and-half instead of milk.
Swap bacon for cooked sausage or diced ham for a different protein twist.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle heat.
Use sharp cheddar for a more robust cheese flavor or mix in some Monterey Jack for creaminess.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350-degree oven until heated through.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered casserole, topped with melted golden-yellow cheddar cheese and scattered crispy brown bacon bits. Small fresh green chopped scallions are spread evenly over the top, creating a contrast with the cheese and bacon. The base layer appears creamy and soft, showing bits of potatoes mixed in, with the bacon and scallions adding texture and color on top. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a white and grey checked cloth partly visible under the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to assembling it and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?

While fresh potatoes yield the best texture, you can use thawed frozen diced potatoes. Just be sure to adjust boiling time as needed to reach tenderness.