Baked Potato Casserole Recipe with Crispy Bacon Topping
Baked potato casserole with bacon combines all the comfort of a classic side dish with the convenience of feeding a crowd in one pan.
Creamy potatoes meet crispy, savory pieces that add just the right amount of smoky flavor to every bite.
It's exactly what potlucks, holiday dinners, and weeknight meals call for when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
The beauty lies in how it comes together with minimal fuss yet still feels special enough for company.
When you need something that will have everyone coming back for seconds, few dishes deliver quite like this one.
It's time to fill that baking dish and watch it become the star of any table.
Why Baked Potato Casserole With Bacon Shines
Bacon Baked Potato Casserole Ingredient List
Main Potato Base:Protein and Crunch:Vegetable Components:Creamy and Binding Ingredients:Cheese and Seasoning:Garnish:Bake at 375°F for 45 to 60 minutes.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Bacon Potato Casserole
Directions for Baking Loaded Potato Casserole
Prepare Potatoes
Wash 6 medium potatoes and bake at 425°F for about 1 hour until completely soft. Let them cool slightly so you can handle them comfortably.
Crisp the Bacon
Cook 8 pieces of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until they’re perfectly crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.
Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, sauté the aromatics:
Cook until the onions turn translucent and become fragrant.
Prep Broccoli
Chop 1 cup of broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces.
Mash the Potatoes
Peel the baked potatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl. Mash thoroughly with a fork until mostly smooth.
Combine Ingredients
Mix the potato base with the following ingredients:
Stir everything together until well combined.
Bake the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Cover and bake at 375°F for 45 to 60 minutes.
Final Touches
Remove from the oven and top with reserved:
Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, loaded potato goodness.
Smart Kitchen Notes for Bacon Potato Casserole
Flavor Options for Baked Potato Casserole
Serving And Pairing Ideas For Baked Potato Casserole
Storage And Reheating Notes for Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon
Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon Helpful FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Frozen broccoli works perfectly! Just thaw and drain it completely before mixing into the potato casserole to prevent extra moisture.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar cheese delivers the most robust flavor, but a blend of cheddar and monterey jack creates delicious results.
How do I know the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is ready when it’s heated through and slightly bubbly around the edges, with a golden top.
Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. Just add 10-15 minutes to baking time.
What if I want to make this vegetarian?
Simply skip the bacon and add extra cheese or some sauteed mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
Are red potatoes okay to use?
Russet potatoes work best because they’re starchier and create a creamier texture for your casserole.
Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Potato lovers rejoice with this baked potato casserole with bacon that brings serious comfort to your dinner table. Crispy bacon, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese combine for a hearty side dish that delivers pure satisfaction.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 6 Medium sized potatoes
- 8 Pieces of bacon
- ½ Cup shredded cheddar cheese
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 Cup chopped broccoli
- ¼ Cup chopped onion
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic
- 10 ounces sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
Seasoning:
- ½ tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- Chives
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish for the casserole.
- Pierce 6 medium potatoes with a fork and bake at 425°F for 45-60 minutes until completely tender.
- Remove potatoes from oven and carefully peel off their skins while still warm.
- Mash the peeled potatoes in a large mixing bowl using a fork until they’re slightly chunky.
- Cook 8 bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- Crumble the bacon into small pieces, reserving 2 tablespoons for final garnish.
- Sauté ¼ cup chopped onions and 2-3 minced garlic cloves in the same skillet until onions turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Chop 1 cup of broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Add 2 tablespoons milk, 2 tablespoons butter, 10 ounces sour cream, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sautéed onions and garlic, ½ tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and chopped broccoli to the mashed potatoes.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 45-60 minutes until heated through.
- Remove from oven and top with reserved bacon crumbles, additional cheese, chopped chives, and a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Notes
- Potato selection matters, so choose starchy russet potatoes for the best creamy texture and easy mashing.
- Crisp bacon beforehand and drain on paper towels to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Cutting broccoli into small, uniform pieces helps it blend smoothly and cook evenly throughout the dish.
- For a lighter version, swap full-fat dairy with Greek yogurt, turkey bacon, and reduced-fat cheese without losing flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 312 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg

Isabella Romero
Hospitality & Beverage Editor
Expertise
Cocktail Culture, Tequila and Mezcal Knowledge, Guest Experience Writing, Restaurant Trends, Event Dining Guides
Education
- Program: B.A. in Hospitality Management
- Focus: Studied hospitality through a program built around theory and application, with practical preparation for restaurant and guest-experience careers in Chicago’s hospitality industry.
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)Isabella brings together cocktails, food culture, social dining, and the thoughtful details that make a meal feel memorable. Her content blends atmosphere, flavor, and hospitality in a warm, polished style that helps readers connect with the full dining experience, from the first sip to the last bite.