Loaded Potato Casserole - A Perfectly Delicious and Hearty Meal

Introduction

If you love baked potatoes, then you will definitely love this loaded potato casserole recipe. This dish is a combination of creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, all baked together in the oven until it's hot and bubbling. It's the perfect comfort food that's easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 6-8 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8-10 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, which should take about 15 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes and then mash them with the sour cream, milk, butter, salt, and black pepper until they are smooth and creamy.
4. Transfer the mashed potatoes into a large baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spoon or spatula.
5. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top of the mashed potatoes.
6. Layer the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the bacon, making sure it's spread out evenly.
7. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the casserole are golden brown.
8. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 8-10

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips to keep in mind when making this loaded potato casserole:

• Make sure to mash the potatoes until they are completely smooth and creamy to prevent any lumps in the casserole.
• If you're short on time, you can use frozen diced potatoes instead of fresh ones to save some time.
• You can also add in some diced onions or minced garlic for some extra flavor in the mashed potatoes.
• For a vegetarian version of the casserole, you can leave out the bacon and add in some sauteed mushrooms or diced bell peppers instead.
• If you like your casserole with a bit of crunch, you can top it with some panko breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips before baking.
• You can also add in some chopped cooked chicken or ground beef to make this casserole a complete meal.

Conclusion

This loaded potato casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that's perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how amazing it is?