Are you searching for the perfect side dish to accompany your next family dinner or potluck? Look no further than our Baked Potato Casserole With Bacon! This hearty and flavorful dish combines creamy mashed potatoes with crispy bacon, savory cheese, and fresh broccoli, creating a mouthwatering casserole that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore all the delicious details!
Ingredients:
Meat:
- 8 pieces crispy bacon or turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
Produce:
- 1 cup broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1 bunch chives, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped and sautéed onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 medium-sized potatoes, cooked and peeled
Baking & Spices:
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
Dairy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 10 ounces sour cream
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Cook Potatoes: Begin by boiling or baking the potatoes until they are fork-tender. Once cooked, allow them to cool slightly before peeling off the skins.
- Mash Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked potatoes until smooth and creamy. You can use a potato masher or a hand mixer for this step.
Step 2: Add Ingredients
- Mix In Ingredients: To the mashed potatoes, add the cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped broccoli, sautéed onion, minced garlic, chopped chives, salt, pepper, butter, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and sour cream. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Transfer the mashed potato mixture to the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with additional chopped chives or shredded cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the deliciousness!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Extra Cheesy: For an even cheesier casserole, add additional shredded cheese on top of the mashed potato mixture before baking. You can use your favorite cheese blend or experiment with different varieties like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gouda.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon to make this dish vegetarian-friendly. You can add extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and nutrients.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the dish from the fridge, uncover, and bake as directed.
Keto and Low Carb Version:
To make a keto or low-carb version of this recipe, you can make the following substitutions:
- Potatoes: Substitute cauliflower for potatoes to reduce the carb content. Steam or boil the cauliflower until tender, then mash it as you would the potatoes.
- Milk and Sour Cream: Use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of milk and sour cream for a lower carb option.
- Bacon: Ensure the bacon you use is sugar-free to keep the dish keto-friendly.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe. Simply thaw it before adding it to the mashed potatoes, or steam it briefly to cook it through.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Absolutely! This casserole can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to bake. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly if baking it straight from the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this dish? A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this casserole for future meals. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
In conclusion, our Baked Potato Casserole With Bacon is the ultimate comfort food dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck gathering, this creamy and flavorful casserole is sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of comfort with this delicious casserole!
