The Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion — whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning a cozy family dinner, or just in the mood for a decadent side dish. Imagine all the classic flavors of a loaded baked potato, but in a creamy, melty casserole packed with bacon, cheddar, green onions, and a dreamy richness that simply begs for seconds. Each bite delivers crispy, cheesy, and savory satisfaction, making this dish a guaranteed hit at potlucks, holidays, or your next game day gathering.

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe lies in its simple but incredibly flavorful ingredients. Each one has a role to play, from the creamy base to the smoky bacon and vibrant green onions that bring the casserole to life. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why it matters:

Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture makes the casserole dreamy and fluffy, absorbing all the creamy goodness.
Sour cream: Adds that signature tang and a luxurious creaminess to the casserole’s base.
Heavy cream: For richness that ties the flavors together and keeps every bite moist.
Shredded cheddar cheese (divided): The melty, sharp cheese throughout and on top is essential for classic loaded potato flavor.
Cooked and crumbled bacon: Provides that irresistible smoky, savory crunch in every forkful.
Finely chopped green onions: For a pop of freshness and a bit of bite that brightens up the dish.
Garlic powder: Infuses a gentle, garlicky note throughout.
Onion powder: Gives a mellow but crucial depth of flavor.
Salt and pepper, to taste: The backbone of seasoning—adjust to your favorite level.
Paprika (optional): Adds a gentle warmth and a touch of color to the golden, cheesy crust.
Butter, melted: The crowning touch of richness, ensuring the casserole is extra indulgent.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This gives you the perfect temperature for achieving that bubbly, golden top later. While the oven is heating, peel and dice your russet potatoes to bite-sized cubes for even cooking—and trust me, that little extra step makes for the perfect texture in your Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe.

Step 2: Boil the Potatoes

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your diced potatoes. Cook them until they’re fork-tender (about 10-15 minutes), then drain and let them cool slightly. This step ensures your potatoes will hold together in the casserole and soak up all those amazing flavors later on.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, heavy cream, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth. You’ll notice this mixture looks and smells amazing already!

Step 4: Fold in the Potatoes

Carefully fold the slightly cooled potatoes into your creamy cheese mixture. You want every piece evenly coated without mashing the potatoes too much—gentle is the way to go. This step is what transforms simple potatoes into the star of your Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the luscious potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pour the melted butter over the top to lock in moisture and add an extra layer of flavor. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly across the surface for that melty, irresistible finish. If you like a little extra flavor and color, this is the time to dust on some paprika too.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. The cheese will be irresistibly melty and the edges perfectly crisp—this is when the magic really happens and your Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe turns absolutely irresistible.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for several minutes so everything sets up a bit. Just before serving, shower the top with extra green onions for a burst of color and freshness, making each serving pop with flavor and visual appeal.

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Finish off your casserole by scattering more chopped green onions on top, a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits, or an extra pinch of cheddar for a gooey melt. Fresh parsley leaves can also provide a lovely contrast, both for flavor and for a pop of color.

Side Dishes

This Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe is wonderfully versatile—it pairs beautifully with almost anything! Serve it alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or barbecue ribs for a comforting main course. For a lighter touch, try it with a crisp garden salad or roasted veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive twist, scoop individual portions into ramekins or small bowls and top each with sour cream and a few bacon crumbles. Or, set up a baked potato bar with toppings like chives, diced tomatoes, and pickled jalapeños for guests to add their own final flourish. Kids especially love the idea of customizing their serving!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then cover your casserole dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, where it will stay tasty for up to 4 days—and that flavor only gets better as the ingredients meld!

Freezing

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe actually freezes surprisingly well. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating so the texture stays creamy and the cheese melts smoothly.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, until heated through and bubbly. For smaller portions or quicker turnaround, a microwave works in a pinch—just reheat in 60-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese or green onions before serving to wake everything up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Absolutely! Yukon Gold potatoes make a slightly creamier casserole, while red potatoes hold their shape a bit more. Just be sure to dice them evenly so they cook at the same rate.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

You can easily skip the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon substitute—there are even smoky tempeh strips or coconut bacon options. The dish is still rich and satisfying without the meat.

Can I prepare the Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the entire casserole the night before, keep it covered in the fridge, and just bake it off when you’re ready. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

What cheese works best if I want to change it up?

Cheddar is the classic, but feel free to experiment! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gruyère all melt beautifully and offer different flavor profiles—you can even mix two or three cheeses for extra depth.

How do I keep the casserole from getting watery?

Make sure to fully drain your cooked potatoes and let them cool a bit before mixing. Also, avoid using low-fat dairy products, which can release water during baking. This will help keep that classic Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe texture creamy and thick.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something hearty, irresistibly cheesy, and sure to get cheers at the dinner table, you simply have to give this Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed hit that blends all the best things about comfort food into one bubbling, golden dish—so go ahead, dig in and enjoy every bite!