Ultimate Bacon Three Cheese Potatoes: Your Go-To Comfort Food Casserole
There are some dishes that just speak to the soul, and this Bacon Three Cheese Potatoes recipe is undoubtedly one of them. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked potatoes enrobed in a rich, creamy sauce made with a trio of delectable cheeses – sharp cheddar, mild Monterey Jack, and smoky mozzarella – all crowned with crispy, savory bacon and fresh chives. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s an experience, a celebration of flavor and texture that transforms any meal into a special occasion.
This irresistible potato casserole is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering, bringing a crowd-pleasing dish to a potluck, or simply craving an indulgent weeknight meal, these three cheese potatoes deliver every time. While the classic blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and smoked mozzarella creates a wonderfully balanced flavor profile, don’t hesitate to experiment! A creamy Gouda would add a nutty depth, while a touch of zesty pepper jack could introduce a delightful kick for those who enjoy a bit of spice. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to tailor it perfectly to your family’s tastes.
The Undeniable Charm of Casseroles: Embracing the Baked Dish
For many years, the word “casserole” carried a certain stigma, conjuring images of bland, uninspired meals. However, I’ve come to not only accept but fully embrace the casserole, especially when it involves a heavenly combination of bacon, cheese, and potatoes. These three ingredients are, without a doubt, among my all-time favorites, and when they unite in a single dish, magic happens. So, whether you prefer to call this a Bacon Three Cheese Potato Casserole or a simply a baked potato dish, its deliciousness is undeniable, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try!
This recipe isn’t just about combining ingredients; it’s about crafting a dish that evokes warmth, comfort, and a sense of home. It’s the kind of food that brings people together around a table, perfect for sharing and creating lasting memories. While these aren’t traditional funeral potatoes, their comforting nature and portability make them an excellent choice for a potluck or any gathering where you want to share a dish that feels like a warm hug.
Related Recipe – If you’re looking for the best way to prepare your bacon for this recipe (or any recipe!), check out our guide on How to Cook Bacon in the Oven. It’s a game-changer for perfectly crisp bacon every time!
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Three Cheese Potatoes
Crafting the ultimate cheese potato casserole begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and the irresistible texture of this dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces: Russets are ideal for their starchy texture, which becomes wonderfully fluffy when cooked and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully. Cutting them into uniform 1-inch pieces ensures even cooking.
- 6 ounces medium Cheddar cheese: The backbone of our cheesy trio, medium cheddar offers a classic, sharp flavor that is beloved in potato dishes.
- 3 ounces Monterey Jack cheese: This mild, creamy cheese melts beautifully and adds a lovely smooth texture to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
- 3 ounces Smoked Mozzarella cheese: For that extra layer of complexity and a hint of gourmet flair, smoked mozzarella introduces a delightful subtle smokiness that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 cup milk: Forms the base of our luscious cheese sauce. Whole milk or 2% milk works best for richness.
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream: Adds an unparalleled creaminess and velvety texture to the sauce, making it truly indulgent.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning both the potatoes and the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard: A secret ingredient for many cheese sauces! Dry mustard doesn’t make the sauce taste like mustard but rather enhances the savory notes of the cheese, making it taste “more cheesy.”
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika: Adds a hint of color and a subtle sweet, peppery warmth.
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: For a fresh, aromatic spice that complements the cheese and potatoes.
- 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped: The star garnish! Crispy bacon adds a salty, savory crunch that perfectly contrasts the creamy potatoes.
- 2 tablespoons of chopped chives or scallions: For a final burst of fresh, oniony flavor and a pop of vibrant green.
Helpful Kitchen Tools for Your Cheese Potato Bake
Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are a few essentials for this recipe:
- Casserole dish: A 2-quart or 9×9 inch dish is perfect for baking these cheesy potatoes.
- Baking sheet: To catch any potential drips and ensure even cooking, especially if your casserole dish tends to bubble over.
- Whisk: Indispensable for creating a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
- Saucepan: For parboiling the potatoes and preparing the cheese sauce.
Pro Kitchen Tips for Outstanding Three Cheese Potatoes:
Achieving perfectly tender, cheesy potatoes is simple with these expert tips:
- Cheese Combinations Are Key: While our suggested trio (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Smoked Mozzarella) is fantastic, feel free to get creative! Gruyere offers a nutty flavor, Colby Jack is a great all-rounder, and a touch of Fontina can add extra creaminess. Always aim for a mix of cheeses with different melting properties and flavor intensities for the best results.
- The Art of Parboiling Potatoes: Don’t skip this step! Partially boiling the potatoes is crucial. It gives them a head start on cooking, ensuring they become tender in the oven without turning mushy. You want them partly cooked but still firm, as they will finish cooking and soak up all the delicious cheese sauce in the oven. This also helps prevent a watery casserole.
- Potato Variety Matters (But Not Too Much): We’ve specifically used Russet potatoes for their excellent ability to absorb liquid and create a fluffy interior. However, many other potato types will work! Yukon Gold potatoes will give a slightly firmer, buttery texture, while red potatoes can add a pleasant waxiness. Adjust cooking times slightly if using different varieties, as denser potatoes might need a little longer.
- Grating Your Own Cheese: For the smoothest, most flavorful cheese sauce, we highly recommend grating your own block cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting as smoothly and result in a slightly grainy sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Sauce: When melting the cheese into the milk and cream mixture, keep the heat low and stir gently but frequently. Overheating can cause the cheese to separate and become oily.
Step-by-Step: How to Make the Best Bacon Three Cheese Potatoes
Follow these simple instructions to create a mouthwatering potato casserole that will impress everyone at your table:
- Prepare for Baking: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). 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 to prevent sticking. Place this prepared dish on a baking sheet; this not only makes it easier to transfer but also catches any potential drips during baking. Set it aside.
- Parboil the Potatoes: Place your peeled and 1-inch diced Russet potatoes in a large saucepan. Cover them with cold water and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook the potatoes for approximately 6-8 minutes. The goal here is to partially cook them so they start to soften but still hold their shape and are firm to the bite. They will finish cooking in the oven, ensuring a tender, not mushy, result. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain exceptionally well after rinsing, then transfer the potatoes evenly into your prepared casserole dish.
- Craft the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, salt, dry mustard, paprika, and freshly ground black pepper. Place the 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 the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and smoked mozzarella cheeses to the saucepan. Stir gently and frequently with your whisk until all the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Immediately pour this luscious melted cheese mixture evenly over the parboiled 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 potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese sauce is bubbly, golden brown, and slightly caramelized around the edges. The aroma alone will be enough to make your mouth water!
- Serve with Flair: Carefully remove the baked potato casserole from the oven. For a beautiful presentation and an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle generously with the crisp, chopped bacon and fresh chives or scallions before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm.
This three cheese potato dish is a fabulous side dish, especially when you’re serving a crowd or if you have a big family to feed. It’s hearty, satisfying, and universally loved. Plus, it makes for fantastic leftovers, so don’t hesitate to make a generous batch!
More Delicious Casserole Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and comfort of this potato casserole, you’re in for a treat! Casseroles are perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and meal prepping. Here are some other delightful casserole recipes from our collection that you might enjoy:
- Macaroni and Cheese Casserole with Ham and Peas: A complete meal in one dish, combining creamy mac and cheese with savory ham and sweet peas.
- Homemade Green Bean Casserole: A classic holiday staple, but delicious any time of year, with fresh green beans and a creamy mushroom sauce.
- Chicken Pot Pie Tater Tot Casserole: All the comforting flavors of chicken pot pie, topped with crispy tater tots!
- Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole: Creamy mashed potatoes, loaded with cheese, bacon, and sour cream, baked until bubbly.
- Broccoli Casserole: A cheesy, comforting way to get your greens in, perfect as a side or light main.
- Twice Baked Potato Casserole: The indulgence of a twice-baked potato, made easy in a casserole dish.
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.
Recipe from 300 Best Casserole Recipes.