This cheesy and creamy Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is basically a loaded twice baked potato in casserole form. It can easily be made ahead of time and is always a crowd-pleasing side dish!
This is an easy casserole that is enjoyed year-round. It’s a hearty and filling side dish for summer cookouts, potlucks and holiday meals. I’ve made this casserole for years and it’s always a winner!
How I Came Up With This Recipe
Several years ago I had a couple of good friends to show up unexpectedly on a Sunday evening. I had just finished grilling steaks and had two baked potatoes that I had just removed from the oven.
I wanted them to stay for dinner, so I put the baked potatoes in a big bowl, chopped them up and added butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, mushrooms, sliced green onion, bacon pieces, salt and pepper. I combined all of the ingredients, transferred it to a casserole dish and baked until the cheese melted.
It was such a hit that I’ve been making it ever since and always get asked to bring it when a side dish is needed for a potluck or cookout.
Why I Bake Potatoes In Foil For This Recipe
Baking the potatoes in aluminum foil keeps the skin soft and the potato moister inside, which allows for the potato skin to be included in the casserole.
How to Make Ahead of Time
Cover and refrigerate the casserole until it’s ready to be baked. Remove from the fridge and allow to come close to room temperature before baking.
There’s nothing more comforting than buttery, creamy potatoes surrounded by melted cheese, bacon pieces, mushrooms and green onions. I eat leftovers for breakfast (if there are any leftovers!). It’s that good. Enjoy!
More Potato Side Dishes
Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 large baking potatoes about 2 ½ pounds
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt more or less, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper more or less, to taste
- 1 ⅔ cups sour cream
- 1 (4.5-ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1 green onion sliced (white and green parts)
- 1 (2.8 ounce) package bacon recipe pieces (real bacon, not imitation)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Thoroughly wash and scrub potatoes. Pierce potatoes with a fork. Wrap each potato tightly with foil.
- Place potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour and 25 minutes, or until tender and easily pierced with a fork (check after 1 hour – time will depend upon size of potatoes).
- Carefully remove potatoes from foil, place in a large bowl and coarsely chop potatoes with a knife (skin included).
- Add butter, salt, and pepper. Stir with a large spoon until butter is melted.
- Add sour cream. Stir well to combine.
- Add mushrooms, green onions and bacon pieces. Stir well.
- Add shredded cheeses last and stir well to combine.
- Transfer to a 2 quart baking dish, cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, or until completely heated and cheese is melted.
- Sprinkle evenly with paprika.
Nutrition
If provided, nutritional info is a courtesy, is not guaranteed and should only be considered as a guideline.
Originally published December 21, 2011. Updated with new photographs, recipe slightly revised and republished on August 8, 2019.
Tracey says
This dish sounds delicious! I plan on making it for Thanksgiving but was wondering if I could make and freeze it?
Amy says
Hi Tracey, I’ve never frozen this recipe so I can’t say with 100% certainty how it would turn out. Let me know how it turns out if you try it!
Rob Pate says
Loved it!!!
Amy @ The Blond Cook says
Thanks so much, Rob!
Ally-O says
If I make the day before, how long should I leave it out at room temp and how long should I bake it?
Thanks! Ally-O in NJ
Amy @ The Blond Cook says
It depends on how cold your refrigerator is when you take it out so I can’t give an exact time it takes to come close to room temp (typically it’s 20-30 minutes). Bake (covered with foil) as the instructions state at 375 degrees F for 15 minutes, or until hot and cheese is melted. I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Brenda says
Sounds so good. I was wondering if this be made ahead of time?
Amy @ The Blond Cook says
Hi Brenda, yes it can. I’ve never prepared it more than one day ahead of time, though. Hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Brenda says
Thank you Amy! I did make it the day before Thanksgiving and it was a huge hit yesterday! I will be making this again and again. Thanks for sharing.
Amy @ The Blond Cook says
Thanks, Brenda! I made it too the day before Thanksgiving (make it every year!). So happy to hear everyone enjoyed it. 🙂
Haley Ann says
Dear The Blond Cook,
DELICIOUS idea! It always hits the spot with some steak!!!!!