The Ultimate Loaded Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food indulgence, combining creamy mashed potatoes with all your favorite baked potato toppings in one irresistible dish.
Fluffy potatoes are blended with butter, sour cream, and cheese, then layered with crispy bacon, green onions, and even more melted cheese for a rich, savory bite in every forkful.
Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday feasts, this hearty casserole brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. Its combination of creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy—comfort food at its finest.
If you love comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and indulgent, this Ultimate Loaded Potato Casserole will become your go-to recipe. It combines tender, fluffy potatoes with rich sour cream, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions.
Imagine all the flavors of a loaded baked potato but baked into a bubbling, shareable dish. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or holiday feasts, this casserole is hearty enough to stand alone yet works beautifully as a side dish with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or holiday ham.
The Ultimate Loaded Potato Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish packed with rich flavors and creamy textures.
Tender, fluffy potatoes are baked with a luscious blend of butter, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese, then topped with crispy bacon bits, fresh green onions, and a sprinkle of extra cheese for irresistible gooeyness.
Each bite delivers the perfect balance of savory, smoky, and cheesy goodness, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday feasts.
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, ensuring convenience without sacrificing flavor.
It’s the ultimate side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any main course.
Start by peeling your russet potatoes. While you can leave the skin on for a rustic texture, peeling ensures a smoother casserole. Cut the potatoes into even chunks—about 1½-inch cubes—so they cook evenly.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining bacon and green onions over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot and watch it disappear quickly.Servings 8
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Loaded potato casserole is the kind of dish that wins hearts at family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with all the comfort food vibes, it’s essentially a baked hug on a plate. To make it truly “ultimate,” you’ll want to pay attention to the details—from potato choice to serving presentation.
Your choice of potato makes all the difference. Russet potatoes are starchy and fluffy, giving you a light, creamy texture. Yukon Golds are slightly waxy, creating a rich, buttery consistency. For the best of both worlds, try mixing half Russet and half Yukon Gold. Always peel if you want ultra-smooth casserole, but leave a few skins on for rustic charm.
Pro Tip: Cut potatoes into evenly sized chunks so they cook uniformly. Uneven pieces can leave you with undercooked bits that ruin the creaminess.
Don’t just rely on cheese and bacon to do all the work—season the potatoes generously when boiling them. Add salt to the water, a garlic clove or two, and even a bay leaf for subtle depth. This infuses flavor before you even mash.
When mashing, use warm milk or cream and softened butter. Cold dairy can cause the potatoes to stiffen.
A truly loaded casserole needs more than one cheese. Cheddar provides sharpness, mozzarella gives you stretch, and Monterey Jack melts beautifully. Shred your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded—it melts better and avoids the powdery anti-caking agents.
Layering Trick: Mix cheese into the potato base and sprinkle a generous amount on top before baking. This gives you gooey pockets inside and a golden crust on top.
Bacon should be cooked until crispy but not overdone—burnt bacon adds bitterness. Drain it well on paper towels to keep excess grease from making the casserole heavy. Sprinkle some inside the potato mixture and save extra for garnish right before serving.
Bake the assembled casserole at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese on top is golden brown—usually 20–25 minutes. If making ahead, allow extra baking time since cold casserole takes longer to heat.
Pro Trick: Cover loosely with foil for the first half of baking to prevent over-browning, then uncover for the last 10 minutes for that irresistible golden crust.
The best loaded casseroles are dressed like the perfect baked potato. After baking, add toppings such as:
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the refrigerator, tightly covered, and bake just before serving. Add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
This casserole is a year-round winner, but it shines during fall and winter when warm, hearty comfort food is most appreciated. It’s also a hit at spring potlucks and summer barbecues—because let’s face it, cheese and bacon never go out of season.
The Ultimate Loaded Potato Casserole is more than just a side—it’s an edible hug. Creamy, cheesy, smoky, and bursting with flavor, it captures everything people love about classic loaded potatoes but in an easy-to-serve casserole form.
Serve your Ultimate Loaded Potato Casserole alongside a crisp green salad to balance the richness, or pair it with grilled meats for a hearty meal.
With the right tips and a little extra care in seasoning, texture, and presentation, this dish will not just fill plates—it’ll fill memories.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a crowd, this dish will always earn you compliments (and requests for the recipe).
