🥔🧀 Loaded Cheesy Bacon Potatoes

Introduction

These Loaded Cheesy Bacon Potatoes are the ultimate easy comfort-food side dish! 🥓🧀🥔 Tender baby potatoes are coated in a creamy, cheesy mixture, loaded with crispy bacon, and baked until everything is hot, bubbly, and perfectly melted. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser for family dinners, game days, potlucks, or holiday gatherings!

🛒 Ingredients

Potatoes

2½–3 lbs baby potatoes, washed

2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

½ tsp paprika

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp salt

Cheesy Bacon Mixture

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup sour cream

1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese

8–10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

2–3 green onions, sliced

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp black pepper

Optional toppings

Extra shredded cheddar

Extra crispy bacon

Green onions

Fresh parsley

A sprinkle of paprika

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the potatoes
   Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly. If they are larger than bite-size, cut them in half so they cook evenly.
2. Season the potatoes
   Place the potatoes in a large bowl. Add olive oil or melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until every potato is well coated.
3. Cook the potatoes
   For softer potatoes and a shorter baking time, boil them in salted water for about 8–10 minutes, then drain well. They should be slightly tender but not falling apart.
4. Prepare the bacon
   Cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces. Reserve a little for the topping.
5. Make the creamy cheese mixture
   In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix until smooth.

Add:

1½ cups cheddar

1 cup Monterey Jack or mozzarella

Half of the cooked bacon

Green onions

Garlic powder

Black pepper

Mix everything together until creamy and well combined.

6. Combine everything
   Add the warm potatoes to the cheese mixture. Gently toss until the potatoes are completely coated. Be careful not to mash the potatoes.
7. Transfer to the baking dish
   Grease a large baking dish or disposable aluminum tray. Spread the potato mixture evenly inside.
8. Add MORE cheese 🧀
   Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top, followed by the remaining crispy bacon.
9. Bake
   Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.

10. Make it extra crispy 🔥
    For a more golden top, place the dish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch carefully so the cheese doesn’t burn.
11. Garnish and serve
    Let the potatoes rest for about 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh green onions or parsley.

Serve hot while the cheese is still gooey and stretchy! 🤤🥓🧀

💡 Pro Tips

Use baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the creamiest texture.

Softened cream cheese mixes much more easily.

Don’t overcook the potatoes before baking—they should still hold their shape.

For maximum flavor, use freshly cooked crispy bacon.

Add jalapeños or a pinch of Cajun seasoning for a spicy version.

Want it extra cheesy? Add another ½ cup of cheddar on top before baking.

⏱️ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 8–10