Dinner

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

ByLila Prescott December 4, 2025December 4, 2025

Introduction

This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish packed with all the classic flavors of a baked potato. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to please a crowd.

A white oval casserole dish filled with a baked layered dish sits on a white marbled surface with a blue-striped cloth underneath. The bottom layer shows soft, roasted potatoes with a slightly crispy texture, topped with a thick layer of melted bright orange cheddar cheese. Scattered on top are small dollops of white sour cream, crispy dark red-brown bacon bits, and finely chopped green herbs including chives and parsley, adding a fresh pop of color and texture contrast to the warm, hearty dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup milk (or more for desired creaminess)

2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Drain and return potatoes to the pot.

Step 3: Add sour cream, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until the mixture is well combined and creamy, leaving some chunks if you prefer textured potatoes.
Step 4: Transfer the potato mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for the milk.
Try adding chopped jalapeños or a pinch of smoked paprika for a spicy twist.

Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a vegetarian version.
Leftover casserole is great topped with extra cheese and reheated in the oven to restore crispness.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture creamy and avoid sogginess.

How to Serve

A white oval dish filled with a layered casserole starting with a base of golden brown crispy potatoes, covered by a thick layer of melted sharp orange cheddar cheese. On top, there are evenly spaced dollops of smooth white sour cream, scattered with small chunks of crispy dark brown bacon and finely chopped bright green scallions and parsley, adding fresh color. The dish rests on a turquoise fabric placed over a white marbled surface, showing a cozy and inviting meal. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?

While fresh potatoes are best for this recipe, you can use frozen diced potatoes if thawed and drained well. Keep in mind the texture might be a bit softer.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baked straight from the fridge.