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This hearty potato bake turns basic components into a luxurious side that's become my favorite for community dinners and family events. The rich, cheesy mixture combined with crunchy bacon makes an amazing comfort dish that gets gobbled up in seconds whenever I bring it.
I first whipped this up for our street's summer party when I wanted something that couldn't fail but would still wow everyone. By the end of the night, three different neighbors had asked me how to make it, and now it shows up at practically every get-together I host.
Ingredients
- Condensed cream of potato soup: Keep it undiluted for thickness and save yourself the trouble of making sauce from the ground up
- Sour cream: Gives that zippy flavor that cuts through the richness and keeps the dish from feeling too heavy
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers that must-have melty goodness; grab sharp cheddar for the biggest flavor punch
- Cooked bacon: Adds smoky crunch and deep flavor notes; go for thick-cut strips for better texture
- Shredded hash brown potatoes: Make up the main body of this dish; the frozen kind work great and cut down on prep work
- Seasonings: Such as garlic and onion powder, spread flavor all through without needing fresh ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get Your Dish Ready:
- Heat your oven to 400 degrees F and spray a 9x13 baking dish completely with nonstick spray. Don't skimp on covering all areas or you'll regret it when cleaning up later.
- Mix the Wet Stuff:
- In a big bowl stir the soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth. Make sure everything's blended with no white streaks of sour cream left.
- Put in the Main Parts:
- Carefully mix in 2 cups of cheddar and half the bacon bits, then add the hash browns. Don't stir too hard – just fold everything together so the potatoes stay in good shape.
- Start Baking:
- Pour everything into your greased dish and spread it out evenly. Cover with foil and pop it in the oven for 40 minutes so the potatoes cook through while staying moist.
- Add the Finishing Touch:
- Take it out, remove the foil, and sprinkle the last cup of cheese and remaining bacon on top. This makes that gorgeous melty layer and lets the bacon get extra crispy.
- Finish It Off:
- Put it back in the oven uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden at the edges. Keep an eye on it at this point so nothing burns.
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The first time I cooked this dish my son, who usually runs from anything potato-based, asked for more and then wanted it for his birthday dinner. The mix of crispy bacon and gooey cheese won him over right away, and now he calls it Mom's special potatoes.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
You can get this casserole ready up to a day before you need to bake it. Just do everything through Step 4, wrap it tight with plastic, and stick it in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, let it sit out for about 30 minutes first, and add around 10 extra minutes to the covered cooking time.
Any extras keep well in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm up single servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bigger portions in a 350 degree oven until hot all the way through, about 20 minutes.
Versatile Variations
What's great about this dish is how easy it is to change up. For a morning twist, throw in diced ham instead of bacon and put some eggs on the side. Make it a full meal by mixing in 2 cups of pulled rotisserie chicken before you bake it. If you don't eat meat, skip the bacon and add cooked mushrooms and peppers instead.
You can also play around with different cheeses. Try some pepper jack for spice, smoked gouda for richness, or monterey jack for super meltiness. The dish works with so many swaps, which makes it perfect for using whatever's in your fridge.
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Serving Suggestions
While this dish fits right in at holiday tables, it also goes great with simple proteins for everyday dinners. Serve it with some grilled chicken, a baked ham, or just a nice green salad for a complete meal.
For morning gatherings, match it with some cut-up fruit and mimosas. At community meals, this dish stays warm for ages, making it perfect for buffet setups. To make it extra special, put out some extra sour cream, fresh chives, and hot sauce so everyone can dress up their own portion.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I swap out the cheese type?
Absolutely, try some pepper jack to add a kick or go with mozzarella if you want something mellower.
- → What's a way to make this less heavy?
You can grab light sour cream and switch to turkey bacon, though it'll still be a rich dish overall.
- → Is making this ahead an option?
Sure thing, put it all together and stick it in the fridge overnight. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat.
- → What works instead of potato soup?
Cream of chicken or mushroom soup can step in and will give your dish a tasty twist.
- → Got ideas for making the top crunchy?
Crush up some Ritz crackers, mix them with melted butter, and scatter them on top before baking for that extra crunch factor.