LOADED CHEESY BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE (HOLIDAY RECIPE)

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: colby jack cheese

Colby jack is often less expensive and melts well.

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: pancetta

Turkey bacon is lower in fat, while pancetta can be a cost-effective alternative.

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat and can provide a similar texture.

Rinse the potatoes and place them in a pot covered with cool water.

Boil the potatoes for 25 to 30 minutes or until a fork goes straight through them.

Remove the potatoes from the hot water and let them cool.

Remove the skin from the potatoes (or leave them on if preferred).

Cut the potatoes into pieces.

Add small pieces of butter to a mixing bowl to help it melt faster.

Add the entire package of cream cheese to the bowl and mix.

Add sour cream to the mixture and stir.

Cook the bacon to your desired crispness and then crumble it.

Season the potatoes with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper (and seasoning salt if preferred).

Add regular milk (whole, 2%, evaporated, or heavy cream) to the mixture.

Taste the mixture to ensure it has enough salt and seasoning.

Add crumbled bacon and chopped green onion bottoms to the mixture (or substitute with onion powder if not an onion lover).

Stir the mixture to combine all ingredients.

Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.

Optionally, add some cheese into the casserole mixture before spreading it in the dish.

Spread the potato mixture evenly in the baking dish and top with more cheese.

Place the dish in a 350°F oven for 25 minutes.

Let the casserole sit for 10 to 15 minutes after baking before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens