Bring comfort food to a whole new level with this Loaded Scalloped Potato Casserole. This dish combines tender, thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich and creamy cheese sauce, then loaded with crispy bacon, green onions, and extra cheese. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that works well as a side dish for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any time you want to add a touch of indulgence to your meal. Let’s dig into this creamy, cheesy, and totally loaded scalloped potato casserole!

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Instructions
3. Cook Notes & Tips
4. Recipe Variations
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6. Conclusion

Ingredients

• 3 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
   • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and turns lightly golden.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture begins to thicken, about 4-5 minutes.
   • Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, the mozzarella cheese, salt, and black pepper. Continue to stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Casserole
   • Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly.
   • Layer the remaining potatoes on top and pour the rest of the cheese sauce over them, making sure all the potatoes are covered.
4. Bake
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
5. Add the Toppings
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Add the crumbled bacon and return to the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
   • Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
6. Serve
   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and fully loaded goodness!

Cook Notes & Tips

• Potato Slices: Use a mandoline slicer to get evenly thin potato slices, which will help them cook uniformly.
• Cheese Blend: Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend for extra flavor, such as Gruyère or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Cooking Time: Make sure the potatoes are fork-tender before removing the casserole from the oven. Depending on the thickness of your slices, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Recipe Variations

• Loaded Veggie Version: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the layers for a veggie-loaded version.
• Spicy Twist: Add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce for a bit of heat.
• Ham and Cheese: Replace the bacon with diced cooked ham for a delicious ham and cheese twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

Q: Can I use a different type of potato? A: Absolutely! Yukon Gold and russet potatoes work best, but you can also use red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

This Loaded Scalloped Potato Casserole is a rich, comforting dish that brings together tender potatoes, creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and a hint of freshness from green onions. It’s perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a hearty, delicious side dish. Make it your own by adding extra veggies or different cheeses—either way, this casserole is sure to be a hit at your dinner table!