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Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe Easy Homemade with Sour Cream

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A creamy, cheesy baked potato casserole loaded with bacon, sour cream, and green onions, perfect for cozy family dinners or potlucks. This comforting dish combines tender potatoes with a crispy, cheesy topping for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup sour cream (full-fat preferred)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: diced jalapeños or paprika for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Peel and cube about 3 pounds of russet potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
  3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain well and return to the pot.
  4. Using a potato masher or hand mixer on low, mash the potatoes until mostly smooth but still a little chunky. Avoid over-mixing to keep some texture.
  5. Add 1 cup sour cream, 4 tablespoons melted butter, and 1/2 cup milk to the potatoes. Stir until well combined and creamy. Season with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  6. Fold in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 4 slices crumbled cooked bacon, and the sliced green onions (reserve some bacon and onions for topping). Mix gently to distribute evenly.
  7. Spoon the potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  8. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, 2 slices crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of green onions.
  9. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the potato base.
  10. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
  11. Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If the casserole looks dry during baking, tent with foil for the first 15 minutes then uncover to crisp the topping. Taste and season the mashed potatoes well before adding cheese. Warming milk and butter before mixing helps create a creamier texture. Bacon is best cooked slowly over medium heat for crispy bits. The casserole can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and baked before serving. Add 10-15 minutes to bake time if baking from cold and cover initially with foil.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked potato casserole, loaded baked potato, sour cream casserole, cheesy potato bake, comfort food, bacon casserole, easy casserole recipe