When I’m craving pure comfort on a plate, nothing hits the spot quite like these Creamy Potatoes with Cheese and Bacon. They’re rich, cheesy, and full of crispy bacon goodness — the kind of side dish that always steals the show at family dinners, potlucks, or holiday tables. I’ve served this dish at everything from casual Sunday suppers to big celebrations, and there are never any leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor in every bite
- Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand
- Perfect side dish for grilled meats, roasts, or even as a main dish
- Crowd-pleaser that everyone will ask for again and again
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped chives or green onions (for garnish, optional)
How I Make My Creamy Potatoes with Cheese and Bacon
1. Cook the Potatoes
I start by boiling the diced potatoes in salted water until they’re tender but not mushy — about 10-12 minutes. Then I drain them well and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Creamy Mixture
In a saucepan over low heat, I melt the butter, then stir in the milk and sour cream until smooth. I add salt, pepper, and most of the shredded cheese (saving a bit for the topping).
3. Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, I gently fold the cooked potatoes into the creamy cheese mixture. Then I add the crispy bacon bits and stir just enough to mix without breaking the potatoes too much.
4. Bake to Perfection
I transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, I sprinkle chopped chives or green onions over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
My Tips for Next-Level Creamy Potatoes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the perfect creamy texture.
- Add a little garlic powder or onion powder if you like more flavor depth.
- If you love spice, stir in a pinch of cayenne or a handful of sliced jalapeños.
- For an extra indulgent version, mix in a few tablespoons of cream cheese along with the sour cream.
What I Love to Serve This With
- Juicy grilled steaks or chicken
- BBQ ribs
- A simple garden salad to balance the richness
- Warm, crusty bread on the side for scooping up every cheesy bite
FAQs From My Kitchen
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate. When you’re ready, just bake it before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes?
A: I prefer fresh, but frozen diced potatoes will work in a pinch — just thaw them first.
Why You Need This Dish in Your Recipe Rotation
Every time I make these creamy potatoes, I’m reminded why comfort food is so special. It’s warm, filling, and brings everyone to the table with a smile. Whether you’re serving it alongside a big roast or just want something cozy on a cold night, this dish delivers every time.
Let me know if you try it and how you make it your own — I love hearing how these recipes become part of your kitchen too!
Creamy Potatoes with Cheese and Bacon: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, boil the diced potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- In a large baking dish, layer the cooked potatoes, bacon bits, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the sour cream mixture over the top and mix gently to combine.
- Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
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