Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Loaded Cheese & Bacon Potato Casserole?
It is a comfort food dish made with au gratin potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a panko breadcrumb topping.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What oven temperature is needed?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
What is the main base of the recipe?
The base is one 5-ounce box of Betty Crocker au gratin potatoes.
How much boiling water is required?
You will need 2 cups of boiling water.
What type of milk product is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of half-and-half for a creamy texture.
How much butter is used in the potato mix?
2 tablespoons of butter are added to the initial potato mixture.
How much bacon is needed for the casserole?
The recipe calls for 6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon.
What kind of cheese is used in the dish?
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese is stirred into the mixture.
How much green onion is required?
You need 1/4 cup of sliced green onions.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
What is the initial baking time?
The casserole is first baked uncovered for 35 minutes.
How do I prepare the breadcrumb topping?
Mix 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
When do I add the breadcrumbs?
Add the breadcrumbs after the initial 35-minute bake time.
How long do the breadcrumbs bake?
Bake for an additional 8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
What is the final garnish for the dish?
The dish is garnished with 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley.
Is there a variation for the topping?
Yes, you can skip breadcrumbs and use extra bacon, cheese, and green onions on top instead.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 18.3 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 22.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 9.5 grams of protein.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A 2-quart casserole dish is best for this recipe.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
No, the casserole should be baked uncovered.
What type of breadcrumbs are specifically mentioned?
The recipe specifies panko breadcrumbs for the best crunch.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The liquid will have significantly reduced and the potatoes will be tender.
When should I add the parsley?
Add the chopped parsley after the casserole is removed from the oven and cooled slightly.
What is the total amount of butter used in the recipe?
A total of 4 tablespoons of butter is used (2 in the mix and 2 for the topping).
How should the green onions be prepared?
The green onions should be sliced before being added to the mix.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
It is savory, cheesy, and smoky due to the bacon and cheddar.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include potato, casserole, cheese, bacon, au gratin, and comfort food.