Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Casserole: 5-Ingredient Game Day Side
A creamy, cheesy, and crispy casserole made from roasted russet potatoes, sharp cheddar, bacon, and sour cream. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for game day, potlucks, or busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs large Russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup green onions (sliced)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Olive oil (for tossing potatoes)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash potatoes and cut into 1-inch chunks.
- Toss potato chunks with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- While potatoes roast, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
- In a large bowl, mash the hot roasted potatoes. Add butter and milk while hot; mash until smooth but not gluey.
- Stir in half of the cheddar cheese, half of the bacon, and the white parts of the green onions. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the potato mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Smooth the top.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese and bacon evenly over the top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onion tops.
Notes
Roasting potatoes instead of boiling them prevents a gluey texture and adds a nutty flavor. Shred your own cheese to ensure smooth melting. Let the casserole rest before cutting to allow it to set. For a spicy kick, swap cheddar for pepper jack and add jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: baked potato casserole, game day food, comfort food, cheesy potatoes, bacon casserole, easy side dish, russet potatoes