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Loaded Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe Easy Comforting Sour Cream Chives

loaded cheesy potato casserole - featured image

A comforting loaded cheesy potato casserole with sour cream, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh chives. This easy, hearty dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup whole or 2% milk
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice the potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Rinse under cold water to remove excess starch.
  2. Place diced potatoes in a medium saucepan, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook about 8 minutes until just tender but still firm. Drain well.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, melted butter, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Add drained potatoes to the bowl and gently fold to coat evenly. Toss in 1½ cups shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon (reserve some for topping), and chopped chives. Mix carefully to keep potato chunks intact.
  5. Spread the potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar and reserved bacon on top.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly and casserole is heated through. For a crunchier top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Parboil potatoes just until tender to avoid a gluey casserole. Use shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting. Cook bacon separately for crispiness. Fold in chives last minute to keep fresh flavor. Place casserole on center oven rack for even cooking. Can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato casserole, cheesy casserole, sour cream casserole, loaded potato casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, bacon casserole, chives, weeknight meal