Loaded Cheesy Potato Casserole with Bacon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A decadent, creamy potato casserole topped with crispy bacon and melted cheese — the ultimate comfort food side dish or main course. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 50 minutes pairs chopped bacon, chopped onion, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 8 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Boil 3 peeled and diced russet potatoes (1/2-inch cubes) in a pot of salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a skillet, cook 4 chopped bacon slices over medium heat until crisp (5 minutes). Remove bacon with slotted spoon and set aside, leaving 1 tbsp bacon grease in skillet.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup chopped onion to skillet with bacon grease and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp paprika until mixture thickens (3-4 minutes). Remove from heat.
  5. Step 5: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of drained potatoes, then 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the bacon. Repeat with remaining potatoes, cheese, and bacon. Pour sauce over top.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup breadcrumbs over the top if using. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Loaded Cheesy Potato Casserole with Bacon take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Loaded Cheesy Potato Casserole with Bacon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chopped bacon from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Loaded Cheesy Potato Casserole with Bacon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Loaded Cheesy Potato Casserole with Bacon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Loaded Cheesy Potato Casserole with Bacon?

American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes