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Classic Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe Easy Crispy Bacon Herb Bake

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A comforting and easy cheesy potato casserole with crispy bacon and fresh herbs, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. This recipe combines creamy cheese sauce, tender potatoes, and crispy bacon for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups peeled and diced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then chop roughly. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat.
  3. Place diced potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until just tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain well.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  5. Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  6. In a large bowl, combine drained potatoes, cheese sauce, sour cream, half the shredded cheddar, chopped bacon, and fresh herbs. Stir gently to combine without mashing the potatoes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and extra bacon bits.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. If cheese browns too fast, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking.
  9. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook potatoes to avoid mushy texture. Reserve bacon fat for sauce depth. Use sharp cheddar for best flavor. Fresh herbs brighten the dish. Cover with foil if cheese browns too quickly. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free blend. For extra crispy topping, add breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy potato casserole, bacon casserole, comfort food, easy casserole, cheesy potatoes, crispy bacon, herb bake

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