Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes evoke the same warm, inviting feelings as a well-prepared casserole. Casseroles have long been a staple in many households, celebrated for their simplicity, heartiness, and ability to feed a crowd. Among the myriad of casserole options, the Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole stands out as a quintessential choice, merging the satisfying qualities of potatoes, the savory crunch of bacon, and the melty goodness of cheese into one delectable dish. This recipe is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole, a delicious blend that brings family and friends together. This hearty dish features layers of fluffy russet potatoes, crispy thick-cut bacon, and a gooey combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for potlucks or family dinners, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit any taste. Enjoy baking this crowd-pleaser that guarantees warm, satisfying meals and memorable moments!

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Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin

8 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup milk

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

½ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish lightly with cooking spray or butter.

Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and crumble it into small pieces, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.

Sauté Onions: In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Layer the Casserole:

- Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the greased casserole dish.

- Sprinkle half of the sautéed onions, half of the crumbled bacon, and half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the potatoes.

- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, bacon, and cheeses.

Mix Cream and Seasonings: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until well combined.

Pour Cream Mixture: Pour the cream mixture evenly over the layered casserole, ensuring it seeps down to the bottom.

Add Toppings: If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them over the top for an extra crunch.

Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

20 minutes | 1 hour 10 minutes | Serves 6-8