Warm, creamy, and delightfully cheesy, Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family dinners. This rich and satisfying dish takes inspiration from the French gratin Dauphinois but adds a smoky twist with bacon and a generous layer of Swiss cheese. Every bite delivers melt-in-your-mouth potatoes layered with savory goodness, making it a crowd favorite that never disappoints.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty side dish or a comforting main course, this casserole delivers. If you’ve tried our Creamy Scalloped Potatoes or Cheesy Hashbrown Bake, this elevated version is a must-make. Let’s get layering and turn those humble potatoes into something truly indulgent!
What is Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon?
Think of it as the French classic potato gratin, but better. Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon features thinly sliced potatoes layered with Swiss cheese, bacon, and onions, all baked to golden perfection in a warm cream bath. The result? A savory, creamy, cheesy masterpiece. As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this casserole is love at first forkful. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This:
There’s plenty to adore about this comforting casserole:
- Classic meets indulgent: French-style gratin gets an upgrade with bacon and cheese.
- Hearty and satisfying: Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or serving as a main dish.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it ahead of time and bake when ready.
If you love our Loaded Mashed Potato Bake, this version is equally rich and satisfying but with that added crispy bacon flavor. Ready to dig in?
How to Make Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon
Quick Overview
With just 20 minutes of prep and a bit over an hour in the oven, this dish is straightforward yet impressive. The key is slicing the potatoes thinly and layering everything evenly. The warm cream pulls it all together for a luscious, comforting bake.
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups grated Swiss cheese
- 6 slices bacon, diced and cooked
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 lb. potatoes, very thinly sliced
- 2 cups 15% cream, warmed
Step-by-Step:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter an 8-inch square baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the chopped onion, Swiss cheese, cooked bacon, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Layer one-third of the potato slices on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Sprinkle one-third of the cheese and bacon mixture over the potatoes.
- Repeat the layering two more times, ending with the cheese mixture.
- Pour the warm cream evenly over the top layer.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
What to Serve Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon With:
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, pork, or beef. It’s also great with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a lighter contrast. For a more indulgent spread, serve it alongside creamy soups or crusty bread.
Top Tips for Perfecting Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon
- Use a mandoline: To slice the potatoes evenly and thinly for even cooking.
- Warm the cream: This helps it absorb more quickly and evenly into the potatoes.
- Let it rest: Give the casserole 10 minutes to set before serving for clean slices.
- Add herbs: A sprinkle of thyme or rosemary adds a lovely earthy flavor.
- Swap cheese: Try Gruyère or cheddar for a different flavor twist.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings. This casserole can also be frozen before baking—just thaw and bake as instructed when ready to enjoy.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of cream? Cream provides the best texture, but whole milk can be used for a lighter version.
Can I prep this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
What’s the best potato to use? Yukon Gold or Russets work well for their creamy texture and structure.
Can I make it vegetarian? Absolutely! Just omit the bacon or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for a flavor boost.
Is this good for a holiday dish? Yes! It’s a crowd-pleasing side perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinners.
Conclusion
Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon is everything you want in a comfort dish—rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory bacon flavor. With easy prep and irresistible results, it’s a perfect addition to your cozy meal lineup. Whether you serve it as a side or main, it’s sure to warm hearts and fill bellies. Bake it up and enjoy the comfort in every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups grated Swiss cheese
- 6 slices bacon, diced and cooked
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 lb. potatoes, very thinly sliced
- 2 cups 15% cream, warmed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter an 8-inch square baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix onion, Swiss cheese, cooked bacon, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Layer 1/3 of the sliced potatoes in the dish.
- Top with 1/3 of the cheese and bacon mixture. Repeat layers twice more.
- Pour warm cream evenly over the top layer.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, until top is golden and potatoes are tender.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use a mandoline for even potato slices. Swap Swiss for Gruyère or cheddar if preferred. Add thyme or rosemary for an herby touch.