Creamy Gouda Bacon Potato Bake
Indulge in this decadent Creamy Gouda Bacon Potato Bake that brings together the creamy texture of perfectly mashed russet potatoes, the smoky essence of applewood bacon, and the rich flavor of smoked gouda cheese. This casserole not only makes a fantastic side dish for your favorite roasted meats, like pork loin or chicken, but it also stands out as a hearty meal on its own. The combination of crispy bacon, melty cheese, and buttery potatoes is irresistible, making this dish a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Thick cut applewood smoked bacon
6 slices (Cooked and chopped)
Green onions
3 (Chopped (green parts only))
Russet potatoes
3 lbs (Peeled and cubed)
Sour cream
3/4 cup (N/A)
Whole milk
1/2 cup (N/A)
Butter
1/4 cup (N/A)
Smoked gouda cheese
2 cups (Shredded, divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Grease a 13 x 9 x 2 inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the applewood smoked bacon until it's crispy and browned. Remove bacon from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop the bacon and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
4
Chop the green parts of the green onions and add them to the bowl with the chopped bacon.
5
Peel and cube the russet potatoes. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Sprinkle with salt, cover, and boil with the lid slightly ajar until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
6
Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add the sour cream, whole milk, and butter. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher until they're almost smooth and creamy.
7
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded smoked gouda cheese along with 1 cup of the chopped bacon and onions into the mashed potatoes until well combined.
8
Spread the creamy potato mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of smoked gouda cheese on top of the potatoes.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Once done, take the casserole out and top with the remaining bacon and green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is a Creamy Gouda Bacon Potato Bake, a decadent casserole featuring mashed russet potatoes, applewood bacon, and smoked gouda cheese.
What type of potatoes are best for this bake?
The recipe recommends using 3 lbs of russet potatoes for the best texture.
What kind of bacon should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 slices of thick-cut applewood smoked bacon.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 13 x 9 x 2 inch casserole dish is required for this recipe.
How should I prepare the casserole dish?
Grease the dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray before adding the potato mixture.
How long do the potatoes need to boil?
Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes for about 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender.
What dairy products are added to the mashed potatoes?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup whole milk, and 1/4 cup butter.
What type of cheese gives this dish its smoky flavor?
Shredded smoked gouda cheese provides the distinct rich and smoky flavor.
How much cheese is used in total?
A total of 2 cups of shredded smoked gouda cheese is used, divided between the mixture and the topping.
How do I prepare the green onions?
Chop the green parts of 3 green onions to be mixed in and used as a garnish.
When do I add the bacon to the dish?
1 cup of chopped bacon is stirred into the potatoes before baking, and the remaining bacon is sprinkled on top after baking.
How long does the casserole bake in the oven?
The dish should bake for approximately 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Should the potatoes be peeled?
Yes, the russet potatoes should be peeled and cubed before boiling.
How do I achieve the right potato texture?
Drain the potatoes well and mash them with a potato masher until they are almost smooth and creamy.
Can I add salt to the potato water?
Yes, the instructions suggest sprinkling salt into the pot when boiling the potatoes.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I cook the bacon?
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it is crispy and browned, then drain on paper towels.
What should I do after the potatoes are drained?
Return them to the pot and add sour cream, milk, and butter before mashing.
How much cheese goes inside the potato mixture?
Stir 1 1/2 cups of the shredded smoked gouda into the mashed potato mixture.
What serves as the final topping for the dish?
The remaining 1/2 cup of cheese is baked on top, and the remaining bacon and green onions are added after baking.
Is this dish considered a side dish or a main?
It works as both a fantastic side dish for roasted meats or a hearty meal on its own.
What meats pair well with this potato bake?
It pairs excellently with roasted meats like pork loin or chicken.
How should I season the mixture?
Season with salt and pepper to taste once the mixture is spread in the casserole dish.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: bacon, green onions, russet potatoes, sour cream, whole milk, butter, and smoked gouda.
Should the pot lid be fully closed while boiling potatoes?
The recipe recommends keeping the lid slightly ajar while boiling.
How many green onions are required?
You will need 3 green onions.
What makes this a 'comfort food' dish?
The combination of buttery mashed potatoes, melty smoked cheese, and crispy bacon creates a classic comfort food profile.
Can I use non-stick spray for the pan?
Yes, either butter or non-stick cooking spray can be used to grease the casserole dish.
What is the final step before serving?
After baking, top with the reserved bacon and green onions and serve warm.