Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Potato masher or fork
- Oven

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large pot, boil the diced potatoes until they are tender. Drain and mash them with a potato masher or fork.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, melted butter, sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

4. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.

5. Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

6. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
- 375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
- 6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 12g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of cheese you like instead of cheddar cheese.
- You can use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon instead of regular bacon.
- You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Variations:
- You can add chopped cooked ham or sausage to the casserole.
- You can add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for some extra flavor and heat.
- You can add a layer of sliced tomatoes or mushrooms on top of the casserole before baking.

Tips and tricks:
- You can make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it.
- You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes.
- You can use leftover mashed potatoes instead of boiling and mashing fresh potatoes.

Storage instructions:
- Store the leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish the casserole with chopped fresh parsley or chives.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives

Pairings:
- This casserole goes well with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
- Side salad
- Steamed vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the casserole is too dry, add more milk or sour cream to the mixture before baking.
- If the casserole is too wet, add more shredded cheese or mashed potatoes to the mixture before baking.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the potatoes are cooked all the way through before mashing them.
- Store the leftover casserole in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
- Reheat the leftover casserole to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Food history:
- Baked potato casserole is a classic American comfort food that has been around for decades.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, cheesy, and savory

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the casserole as a main dish for lunch or dinner.

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Taste: Savory, Creamy, Cheesy, Potato, Herby, Rich