LOADED BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE Recipe

If there’s one dish I keep coming back to when I want something heartwarming, utterly satisfying, and bound to please a crowd, it’s the LOADED BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE. This bubbly, cheesy, savory classic is packed with chunks of tender potatoes, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a blanket of oozy cheddar — all finished with bright green onions for an irresistible finish. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a potluck with friends, or simply craving something indulgently delicious, this casserole has a special way of turning any meal into a celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This casserole proves you don’t need a long ingredient list to create something truly magical. Each component plays a key role in adding crunch, creaminess, or deep flavor, so using quality ingredients really does make a difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Russet potatoes (or golden potatoes): The base of the casserole, russets give creamy centers and golden edges, while using gold potatoes offers a buttery twist.
• Olive oil: Helps potatoes roast up with a beautiful, delicate crisp and enhances the depth of flavor.
• Salt: Seasons every layer, bringing out the earthy flavor of the potatoes and balancing other rich elements.
• Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and a slight kick to wake up all the flavors.
• Bacon crumbles: Salty, smoky bites deliver that signature “loaded” essence and extra crunch.
• Chicken breasts: Their juicy, hearty pieces make this casserole a complete meal while soaking up surrounding flavors.
• Butter: Luxurious pats melt down to keep everything moist and add a delightful, rich taste.
• Grated cheddar: A double helping blankets the casserole, providing melty, golden goodness in every bite.
• Green onions: Sliced and scattered on top, these fresh pops of color and flavor balance the cheesy richness perfectly.

How to Make LOADED BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Start by cubing your russet or golden potatoes into even, bite-sized pieces. Toss them right in your 9×13 baking dish with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Giving them an even coating ensures each potato caramelizes and roasts up beautifully as the base of your LOADED BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE.

Step 2: Layer on the Good Stuff

Next comes the fun part: building those bold flavors. Scatter the bacon crumbles evenly over the potatoes, followed by your pieces of chicken breast. Dot the casserole with slices of butter so it melts into every nook and cranny. Finally, shower the top with that glorious grated cheddar — don’t skimp! It’s the secret to the casserole’s signature blanket of gooey, golden cheese.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pop your assembled casserole into a preheated 350-degree oven. Let it bake for a full hour, giving all the flavors time to mingle and the cheese to turn bubbly and irresistibly golden. You want those potatoes tender, the chicken juicy, and the top melted to stringy-cheese perfection.

Step 4: The Finishing Touch

As soon as your LOADED BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE comes out of the oven, shower the hot, melty top with a generous handful of sliced green onions. Their fresh crunch and mild bite brighten up every forkful, making the entire dish come alive.

How to Serve LOADED BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE

Garnishes

This casserole loves a finishing flair! Besides the classic green onions, try adding a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even an extra dash of black pepper right before serving. Each garnish brings out new layers in the LOADED BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE and lets everyone customize their plate.

Side Dishes

Because this dish is hearty all on its own, light sides are perfect. A crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette will cut through the richness, or go for simple roasted vegetables to add color and balance. Soft dinner rolls or crusty bread are great for scooping up every cheesy bite as well!

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress at a party? Serve your LOADED BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE in mini ramekins for individual portions, or scoop it onto baked potato skins for an extra fun (and edible) serving vessel. Starring it at a potluck? Sprinkle on extra bacon and fresh green onions just before you put it on the buffet for maximum wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Beyond delicious the next day, leftovers should be cooled completely, then transferred to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days, letting you enjoy LOADED BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE whenever you need a comfort-food fix.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool fully, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will stay tasty for up to 2 months. Be sure to label it so you can find your ready-made dinner for busy nights!

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop larger servings back into a 350-degree oven, covered with foil, until warmed through. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese or green onions if you want to revive all the original flavors.

FAQs

Can I make LOADED BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and store it unbaked in the fridge. When you’re ready, just bake as directed, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I use leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken?

Yes! If you already have cooked chicken, simply cut it into bite-sized pieces and scatter it over the potatoes as directed. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and makes the LOADED BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE even quicker to throw together.

What’s the best way to get super crispy bacon crumbles?

For extra-crispy bacon, cook slices in the oven or a skillet until almost overdone, then drain on paper towels before crumbling. This ensures the bacon stays crisp even after baking in the creamy casserole.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Definitely! Just skip the bacon and chicken, and add sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli for heartiness. A generous helping of extra cheese delivers that same comfort-food satisfaction in your vegetarian LOADED BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE!

What cheeses work best if I want to change things up?

While cheddar is classic, feel free to mix in Monterey Jack for a milder melt, or add pepper jack for a spicy kick. Smoked gouda or fontina would also bring extra depth and elegance to your LOADED BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that brings everyone running to the table, this LOADED BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE is pure magic. Give it a try the next time you need a truly comforting, crowd-pleasing meal — I promise you’ll want to make it again and again!

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