Few dishes are as comforting and satisfying as a warm, cheesy potato bake straight from the oven. This Bacon and Cheese Potato Bake combines creamy layers of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese into the ultimate comfort food. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or a holiday gathering, this recipe is sure to please. It's rich, hearty, and packed with flavors that will keep everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds)!
Let's jump right into making this irresistible dish.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 4-5 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat your oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will ensure your potato bake doesn’t stick and stays easy to serve.
Step 2 – Cook the bacon
Fry your bacon strips in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease, then crumble them into small pieces. Keep the bacon drippings—if desired, you can use some for extra flavor in the potatoes.
Step 3 – Slice the potatoes
Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly (about ⅛-inch thick). Thin slices help the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce.
Step 4 – Prepare the sauce
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk, then season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Heat the mixture gently, stirring occasionally, but don’t allow it to boil.
Step 5 – Assemble the layers
Spread a single layer of potato slices at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese and crumbled bacon over the potatoes. Repeat the process in layers—potatoes, cheese, bacon—until all your ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
Step 6 – Pour the sauce
Carefully pour the creamy sauce over the layered potatoes. Use a spoon or spatula to make sure it seeps evenly throughout the layers.
Step 7 – Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. After 35 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.
Step 8 – Garnish and serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Allow the dish to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Customization and Serving
- Add veggies: For extra texture and flavor, consider adding caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach between the layers.
- Swap the cheese: Experiment with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Make it spicy: Sprinkle a bit of chili powder or cayenne pepper into the sauce for a kick of heat.
- Serve as a side or main dish: This bake is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Prep ahead: You can assemble the dish a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, add 10–15 extra minutes to the original cooking time.
This Bacon and Cheese Potato Bake is everything great comfort food should be—rich, cheesy, savory, and completely irresistible. Whether it's for a casual dinner or a celebration, this dish will undoubtedly steal the show. Enjoy!
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