Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This casserole combines tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a creamy cheese sauce, creating a rich and satisfying meal that everyone will love. It’s easy to prepare and makes for a hearty side dish or even a main course.
Ingredients
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the saucepan. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Flour: Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste (roux).
- Add Cream and Milk: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to simmer.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Add salt, black pepper, and paprika. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer Potatoes and Sauce: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
- Top with Bacon: Sprinkle the chopped cooked bacon evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve Hot: Serve the cheesy bacon potato casserole hot, either as a main dish or a hearty side dish.
Cooking Notes
- Potato Type: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for this recipe. They hold their shape well and have a creamy texture when cooked.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to use different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Gruyere for unique flavors.
- Bacon: For extra flavor, you can use flavored bacon such as applewood smoked or peppered bacon.
Variations
Low-Carb Version:
- Substitute the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a low-carb alternative. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as cauliflower cooks faster than potatoes.
Gluten-Free Version:
- Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cheese sauce.
Vegan Version:
- Replace the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk, vegan cheese, and coconut cream. Use vegan bacon or omit it entirely.
Tips for Perfect Casserole
- Even Slicing: Slice the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. A mandoline slicer can be very helpful for this.
- Prevent Browning: If preparing the potatoes ahead of time, keep them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning. Drain and pat dry before layering.
- Check for Doneness: Pierce the potatoes with a fork to check for tenderness before removing the casserole from the oven.
Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy cheese sauce, tender potatoes, and crispy bacon creates a rich and comforting meal. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures in this hearty and satisfying dish!
Enjoy your Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole!
