The Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Casserole: An Easy Family Favorite Recipe
Imagine the perfect baked potato: fluffy, tender, and piled high with all your favorite fixings. Now, picture that incredible flavor experience transformed into an easy, oven-baked casserole that feeds a crowd with minimal effort. That’s exactly what you get with this divine Loaded Baked Potato Casserole. It’s the ultimate comfort food, brilliantly designed to bring the joy of loaded baked potatoes to your dinner table without the need for a messy topping bar. Simple, satisfying, and undeniably delicious, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Sometimes, a recipe speaks for itself so eloquently that words feel almost redundant. “Potatoes, bacon, cheese. Make this for dinner now.” While tempting to leave it at that, a dish this utterly divine deserves a proper introduction. This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is a culinary marvel, taking the best elements of a classic baked potato – the creamy interior, the crispy bacon, the melted cheese, and fresh additions like broccoli and onion – and transforming them into a cohesive, flavorful casserole. It’s an ingenious solution for serving baked potatoes to a gathering, eliminating the fuss of individual preparations and creating a hearty meal or side dish that consistently earns rave reviews.
Why This Loaded Potato Casserole is a Must-Try
What makes this casserole so special? It’s more than just a convenient way to enjoy baked potatoes. It’s a celebration of textures and flavors that harmonize perfectly in every bite. Each spoonful delivers tender potato chunks, savory bits of bacon, gooey melted cheddar, and a fresh crunch from the broccoli and green onions. The beauty of the casserole format is that all these wonderful elements bake together, allowing their flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more integrated and deeply satisfying dish than individual potatoes can often achieve.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting but don’t have hours to spare. It’s also an excellent choice for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you need a reliable crowd-pleaser. Its robust flavors appeal to almost everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning foodies. Plus, it’s easily customizable, meaning you can adapt it to fit dietary preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
The Perfect Canvas: Potatoes and Toppings
Baked potatoes are renowned for their versatility, acting as a blank canvas ready to embrace an array of toppings. While some prefer a minimalist approach with just butter and a dollop of sour cream, many, myself included, revel in piling on the extras. Bacon, cheese, and broccoli form the core of my ideal “loaded” experience. Yes, broccoli on potatoes might sound unconventional to some, but trust me, its earthy notes and slight crunch are a fantastic counterpoint to the richness of the cheese and bacon. I’m a big fan of broccoli in general, especially when roasted, and it fits seamlessly into this casserole.
Interestingly, the original inspiration for this recipe included chicken. While chicken is a versatile protein, I personally haven’t encountered it as a typical baked potato topping. For this casserole, I decided to omit the chicken and let the potatoes, bacon, and cheese truly shine, elevating the dish with the fresh addition of broccoli. This small change makes a significant difference, leaning into the classic “loaded” profile while adding a touch of vibrant green goodness.
Essential Ingredients for Your Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
Crafting the perfect loaded baked potato casserole begins with a few key ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible:
- Russet Potatoes: These are the star of the show. Russets are ideal for baking due to their starchy texture, which becomes wonderfully fluffy and tender when cooked. Cubing them into half-inch pieces ensures even cooking and makes them easy to fork.
- Fresh Broccoli: Adds a delightful pop of color, a subtle earthy flavor, and a bit of nutritional goodness. Chopping it into small florets allows it to meld seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Cheddar Cheese: The quintessential cheese for a loaded potato. Shredded cheddar melts beautifully, creating a gooey, savory “sauce” that binds the casserole together and prevents it from drying out.
- Olive Oil: Used to coat the potatoes and vegetables, helping them brown slightly and crisp up, as well as carrying the flavors of the seasonings.
- Cooked Bacon: The crispy, salty, smoky hero that gives this casserole its signature “loaded” flavor. Crumbled bacon adds bursts of savory goodness throughout the dish.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the potatoes and bringing out all the natural flavors. Don’t skimp on the salt when it comes to potatoes!
- Green Onion (Scallions): A fresh, mild oniony garnish that adds a final touch of flavor and a vibrant green visual appeal.
Tips for Preparation and Cooking Success
While this potato casserole bakes for a little over an hour, there are several things you can do to ensure a perfect outcome and even speed up the process if you’re short on time:
- Pre-boiling Potatoes: If you’re in a hurry, you can boil the cubed potatoes for about 10 minutes before mixing them with the other ingredients. This significantly reduces the overall baking time, ensuring the potatoes are fork-tender without needing extended oven time. Just make sure to drain them thoroughly before adding them to the bowl.
- Proper Cubing: Aim for uniformly sized potato cubes (around 1/2 inch). This ensures that all the potatoes cook evenly, preventing some pieces from being undercooked while others are perfectly tender.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Use an appropriately sized casserole dish (a 1-quart dish or 6-inch pan works well for the recipe below). Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than baking, affecting the texture.
- Cover and Uncover: Baking the casserole covered for the initial period helps the potatoes steam and become tender. Uncovering it towards the end allows the cheese to get beautifully golden and bubbly, and any excess moisture to evaporate.
- Check for Doneness: The best way to know if your casserole is ready is to test the potatoes. They should be easily pierced with a fork without resistance.
Making it Your Own: Customization and Variations
One of the joys of this Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is how adaptable it is. While the classic combination is fantastic, feel free to unleash your creativity and tailor it to your preferences:
- Vegetarian Option: This is probably the most obvious modification, but simply omitting the bacon makes this casserole vegetarian-friendly. For added flavor and substance, you could consider adding other savory elements like smoked paprika, a dash of liquid smoke (if you miss the smoky flavor), or even some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy richness.
- Add More Vegetables: Beyond broccoli, consider adding other vegetables to boost flavor and nutrition. Cubed carrots, diced bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach (added in the last 15 minutes of baking) could be delicious additions, even if they’re not “traditional” baked potato toppings. Just ensure they are cut small enough to cook through properly.
- Protein Boost: If you prefer a heartier meal, you could easily incorporate cooked protein. Shredded rotisserie chicken, browned ground beef or turkey, or even cubed ham would be excellent additions. Just mix them in with the potatoes and other ingredients before baking.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is a classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheeses could add different flavor profiles and melting qualities. A touch of Parmesan could also add a salty, umami kick.
- Creamier Texture: For an even creamier casserole, you could stir in a spoonful or two of sour cream, cream cheese, or even a bit of heavy cream into the potato mixture before baking. This will add an extra layer of richness and moisture.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce can give your casserole a subtle kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
The core message here is to “have fun with it!” This recipe is robust enough to handle your culinary imagination.
Serving and Storing Your Casserole
This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It can stand alone as a satisfying main course, perhaps accompanied by a simple side salad to balance the richness. Alternatively, it makes an excellent, hearty side dish for grilled chicken, roasted pork tenderloin, or any other protein. Garnish with extra green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or even some extra crumbled bacon just before serving for that extra touch of perfection.
And what about leftovers? I admit, I’m generally not the biggest fan of leftover potato dishes, which can sometimes become dry and unappealing. However, this casserole is a wonderful exception! The generous amount of melted cheese acts as a natural “sauce,” keeping the potatoes moist and flavorful even after reheating. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for quick individual portions, or cover and bake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, which helps maintain a better texture.
Before we dive into the full recipe, if you’re a fan of comforting casserole dishes, you’ll definitely want to check out my lemon parmesan chicken rice casserole!
Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
4 servings
20 minutes
1 hour
1 hour 35 minutes
Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is an easy and crowd-pleasing way to serve up baked potatoes without needing to set up a topping bar.
Ingredients
- 1 pound russet potatoes, cubed into 1/2 inch pieces (roughly 2 large potatoes)
- 1 cup chopped fresh broccoli
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 strips cooked bacon, crumbled (roughly 2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 small green onion, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Have a 1 quart casserole dish or 6 inch pan ready.
- In a large bowl mix together potatoes, broccoli, 1/2 cup cheese, olive oil, bacon, and salt.
- Transfer to baking dish then top with remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Cover with a lid or foil and bake 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender. Garnish with green onion before serving.
Notes
- If you enjoyed this recipe, check out Lemon Chicken Rice Casserole, Green Bean Casserole Without Canned Soup, and Chicken Pot Pie Casserole.
Recommended Products
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- 1 Quart Casserole Dish
- 6 Inch Cake Pan
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Source: Adapted from Rachel Schultz
More Irresistible Potato Recipes to Add to Your Menu
If you’re anything like me, you can never have too many potato recipes! From comforting soups to refreshing salads and crispy snacks, potatoes are truly one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. If this Loaded Baked Potato Casserole has left you craving more spud-tacular delights, be sure to explore these other fantastic potato dishes:
Baked Potato Soup
Italian Potato Salad
Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Easy Cheesy Stovetop Scalloped Potatoes
Guinness Shepherd’s Pie For Two
Final Thoughts on This Comforting Casserole
Whether you’re looking for a fuss-free family dinner, a standout dish for your next potluck, or simply a comforting meal on a chilly evening, this Loaded Baked Potato Casserole delivers on all fronts. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create the most extraordinary flavors. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to be delighted by its ease, its incredible taste, and its undeniable ability to bring smiles to every face around the table. Enjoy!