Irresistible Bacon Three Cheese Potatoes Casserole: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser Recipe
Are you searching for the perfect side dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone? Look no further than this incredibly delicious Bacon Three Cheese Potatoes casserole. This recipe brings together the creamy goodness of three distinct cheeses – sharp Cheddar, mellow Monterey Jack, and smoky Smoked Mozzarella – with tender, fluffy potatoes and crispy, savory bacon. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that creates an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you’re feeding a large family, hosting a dinner party, or need a show-stopping dish for a potluck, these cheesy bacon potatoes are your go-to solution. While this particular combination is a proven winner, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like nutty Gouda or a zesty Pepper Jack if you’re looking to add a little heat. This versatile baked potato dish is more than just a side; it’s a comforting classic redefined.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Three Cheese Potatoes Casserole
For years, the word “casserole” brought to mind dreary, uninspired dishes. But those days are long gone! I’ve learned to embrace the magic of a well-crafted casserole, especially when it involves three of my all-time favorite ingredients: bacon, cheese, and potatoes. This isn’t just any side dish; it’s a celebration of comfort food. The combination of creamy, rich cheese sauce blanketing tender potatoes, all crowned with irresistible crispy bacon, is simply divine. Whether you prefer to call it a “casserole,” a “baked potato dish,” or “cheesy potatoes,” one bite will convince you of its deliciousness. It’s truly a must-try recipe that will quickly become a staple in your home.
While these decadent potatoes aren’t the traditional “funeral potatoes” often associated with gatherings, they share a similar comforting quality and are absolutely perfect for sharing at any event or taking to a potluck. They bring warmth and joy to any table, making them ideal for holiday meals, family dinners, or casual get-togethers. The ease of preparation, combined with the incredibly satisfying flavor profile, makes this dish a standout.
Related Recipe: Master the art of perfectly crispy bacon with our guide on How to Cook Bacon in the Oven.
Essential Ingredients for the Ultimate Three Cheese Potatoes
Crafting the perfect Bacon Three Cheese Potatoes begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that rich, creamy, and satisfying flavor that makes this dish so popular. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why these choices work so well:
- 4 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces: Russet potatoes are ideal for this dish due to their high starch content, which results in a fluffy interior when cooked. Cutting them into uniform 1-inch pieces ensures even cooking. You can also opt for Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly creamier texture.
- 6 ounces medium Cheddar cheese: Cheddar is a classic for a reason. Its sharp, tangy flavor melts beautifully, contributing a quintessential cheesy goodness that forms the backbone of our cheese sauce. Medium cheddar strikes a perfect balance, offering robust flavor without being overpowering.
- 3 ounces Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack is known for its mild flavor and exceptional melting qualities. It adds a wonderful creaminess and a subtle, buttery note that complements the other cheeses without competing for attention.
- 3 ounces Smoked Mozzarella cheese: This is where the magic happens! Smoked mozzarella introduces a distinctive smoky depth that elevates the entire dish. Its creamy texture when melted and its unique flavor profile take these potatoes from good to absolutely extraordinary.
- 1 cup milk: Whole milk is recommended for the richest sauce, providing a smooth base that carries the cheese flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream: For an extra layer of decadence and an undeniably silky texture, heavy cream is essential. It ensures the cheese sauce is luxuriously creamy and perfectly coats every potato piece.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Salt is crucial for seasoning both the potatoes and the sauce, enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard: A secret weapon in many cheese sauces, dry mustard doesn’t make the dish taste like mustard but rather amplifies the savory notes of the cheese, making them taste even cheesier and more complex.
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika: Paprika adds a touch of subtle warmth and a beautiful hint of color to the cheese sauce.
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground pepper provides a subtle aromatic bite that rounds out the flavor profile.
- 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped: The star garnish! Crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky, and textural contrast that is simply irresistible. We recommend cooking your bacon until it’s perfectly crisp to maximize its impact.
- 2 tablespoons of chopped chives or scallions: Fresh herbs provide a bright, oniony finish that cuts through the richness of the cheese and potatoes, adding a lovely fresh element.
Helpful Kitchen Tools for a Smooth Cooking Experience
Having the right tools can make all the difference in the kitchen, turning a complex recipe into an enjoyable cooking process. For this Bacon Three Cheese Potatoes recipe, these items will prove invaluable:
- Casserole dish: A sturdy 2-quart or 9×9 inch casserole dish is perfect for baking these potatoes evenly and achieving that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Baking sheet: Placing your casserole dish on a baking sheet not only catches any potential spills but also ensures more even heat distribution and easier handling when transferring to and from the oven.
- Whisk: Essential for creating a lump-free, silky-smooth cheese sauce. A good whisk helps to thoroughly combine the milk, cream, and spices before the cheese is added, and then to melt the cheese seamlessly.
- Saucepan: You’ll need two saucepans: one for parboiling the potatoes and another, preferably a medium-sized one, for preparing the rich and creamy cheese sauce.
- Large knife and cutting board: For safely peeling and dicing the potatoes into uniform pieces.
- Box grater or food processor with grating attachment: While pre-shredded cheese can be used, grating your own cheese fresh will yield a much creamier sauce as it melts more smoothly without anti-caking agents.
Expert Kitchen Tips for Perfect Cheesy Potatoes Every Time
Achieving restaurant-quality results at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Customize Your Cheese Blend: The suggested blend of Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Smoked Mozzarella offers a fantastic balance of sharp, mild, and smoky flavors. However, don’t hesitate to personalize it!
- For a sharper, bolder flavor, use extra-sharp Cheddar.
- To introduce a nutty, slightly sweet profile, try adding some shredded Gouda or Gruyere.
- If you love a bit of heat, a touch of Pepper Jack or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the sauce will provide a delightful kick.
- Experiment with different smoked cheeses for varying depths of flavor. The key is to choose cheeses that melt well.
- The Art of Parboiling Potatoes: Don’t skip this crucial step! Partially boiling the potatoes before baking gives them a head-start, ensuring they become perfectly tender in the oven without turning mushy.
- You want them to be partially cooked and still firm to the touch – they should not be fully soft.
- This step also helps to remove excess starch, which can make the finished dish gluey.
- Rinsing the parboiled potatoes in cold water immediately after draining stops the cooking process and prevents them from overcooking before they hit the oven.
- Potato Selection Matters: While we recommend Russets for their fluffy texture, many types of potatoes will work beautifully in this recipe.
- Yukon Gold potatoes offer a creamier, buttery texture and hold their shape well.
- Red potatoes are waxy and will maintain a firmer bite, adding another textural dimension to your casserole.
- Avoid very waxy potatoes like new potatoes if you prefer a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Perfectly Crispy Bacon: Ensure your bacon is cooked crisp and chopped finely. This adds a delightful crunch and concentrated smoky flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes and cheese. You can even reserve a tablespoon or two of the bacon fat to lightly grease your casserole dish for extra flavor!
- Don’t Rush the Cheese Sauce: When making the cheese sauce, keep the heat on medium-low once the milk and cream begin to boil. Gradually add the shredded cheeses, stirring gently and frequently. This prevents the cheese from clumping or burning at the bottom of the pan, ensuring a smooth, luxurious sauce.
How to Prepare Your Divine Bacon Three Cheese Potatoes
Follow these simple steps to create a truly unforgettable potato casserole:
- Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Lightly spray the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 2-quart casserole dish or a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Place the prepared dish on a baking sheet; this not only catches any potential overflow but also makes it easier to transfer the hot casserole in and out of the oven. Set aside.
- Parboil the Potatoes: In a large saucepan, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your peeled and 1-inch diced Russet potatoes. Parboil them over high heat for approximately 6-8 minutes. The goal is for the potatoes to be partially cooked, still holding their shape and firm but not hard. They should not be fully soft as they will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander, then rinse them immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy. Ensure they are very well-drained after rinsing – excess water can thin out your cheese sauce. Transfer the drained potatoes directly into your prepared casserole dish, spreading them in an even layer.
- Craft the Silky Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, salt, dry mustard, paprika, and freshly ground black pepper. Place this saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the milk mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low. Gradually add all of your shredded cheeses (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Smoked Mozzarella) to the warm milk mixture. Stir gently and frequently with your whisk until all the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth, creamy, and luscious. Be patient during this step to avoid scorching the cheese. Once the cheese sauce is perfectly smooth, immediately pour the entire melted cheese mixture evenly over the potatoes in the casserole dish, ensuring every potato piece is coated.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the uncovered casserole dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned, bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The edges should be golden, and the cheese sauce should be thick and irresistible.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. For the ultimate finishing touch, generously sprinkle the cooked and chopped bacon bits and fresh chopped chives or scallions over the top. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the sauce set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy this fabulous side dish!
This dish is an absolute marvel for feeding a crowd or for serving your big family. Its hearty and satisfying nature makes it a perfect complement to almost any main course. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make a generous batch – leftovers are just as delicious, if not more so!
More Delicious Casserole Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the comfort and convenience of this Bacon Three Cheese Potatoes casserole, you’re in for a treat! Casseroles are fantastic for meal prepping, feeding a family, or bringing to gatherings. Here are some other delightful casserole recipes from our collection that you might enjoy:
- Macaroni and Cheese Casserole with Ham and Peas: A delightful twist on a classic, adding savory ham and sweet peas.
- Homemade Green Bean Casserole: Far superior to the canned version, this scratch-made casserole is a holiday favorite.
- Chicken Pot Pie Tater Tot Casserole: All the creamy goodness of chicken pot pie with a fun, crispy tater tot topping.
- Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole: An indulgent side packed with all your favorite loaded potato fixings.
- Broccoli Casserole: A cheesy and comforting way to get your greens in.
- Twice Baked Potato Casserole: The delicious flavors of a twice-baked potato in an easy-to-serve casserole form.
Bacon Topped Three Cheese Potatoes
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 4 pounds Russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 6 ounces medium Cheddar cheese
- 3 ounces Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 ounces Smoked Mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 slices bacon cooked crisp and chopped
- 2 tbsp chives or scallions chopped
Things You’ll Need
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2-quart casserole
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Baking sheets
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Whisk
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Saucepan
Before You Begin
- Try your favorite combination of cheeses to fit your family’s tastes.
- Partially boiling the potatoes gives your recipe a head-start. You want them partly cooked and still firm. They will finish cooking in the oven.
- While we’ve used Russets, any type of potato will work for this recipe.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 2 quart casserole or a 9×9 baking dish. Place dish on a baking sheet and set aside.
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Parboil potatoes in a saucepan over high heat for about 6-8 minutes. Potatoes will still hold their shape and only be partially cooked. Drain and rinse in cold water. Drain well after rinse then place potatoes into the casserole dish.
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Whisk together milk, heavy cream, salt, dry mustard, paprika and pepper. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring milk mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheeses. Stir gently and frequently until cheese is melted. Pour melted cheese mixture over the potatoes in the casserole dish.
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Bake uncovered in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until lightly browned.
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Remove from oven, sprinkle with bacon and scallions. Serve.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared here on Jan 28, 2014, and has been updated for clarity and expanded content.
Recipe adapted from 300 Best Casserole Recipes.