Mashed potatoes are a brilliant side dish for almost any family dinner, but when you want a bit more
punch on your dinner table, try this amazing loaded baked potato casserole. Chock-full of delicious baked potatoes, crumbly bacon, sour cream, cheddar cheese and an added kick of Ro-Tel tomatoes, this casserole is bound to leave you speechless.
Requiring only 15 minutes of prep time, this easy dish can be assembled with only a moment's notice. It's a perfect recipe for getting the little ones involved, so invite them to join you in the kitchen to mix together the milk and sour cream and sprinkle on the cheddar cheese. Kids will love this dish anyway, but having some ownership over the preparation will make it all the more delicious! If you don't have access to Ro-Tel tomatoes, you can make your own by following our recipe tip below.
Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4 to 6 as a side
Ingredients5 potatoes, quartered
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 10-ounce can Ro-Tel tomatoes
8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 bunch chopped scallions (green onions)
Directions1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 3-quart casserole dish or 9-by-13-inch casserole dish.
2. Parboil* the potatoes in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes; drain. Place the quartered potatoes on the bottom of the casserole dish.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the milk, sour cream, salt and pepper. Pour the mixture over the potatoes. Pour the Ro-Tel tomatoes on top, spreading evenly with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the tomatoes, and finish with an even layer of the shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Sprinkle the freshly chopped scallions over the top before serving.
Pro tip: If you can't find Ro-Tel tomatoes, make your own by placing 10 ounces chopped tomatoes in a saucepan with 1 chopped jalapeno. Simmer until the liquid has reduced by a third.
*Parboiling means cooking the potatoes partially, reducing the time they have to cook in the oven.
