Print

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon, Cheddar, Gruyère, and Smoked Gouda Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 61 reviews

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes is a decadent and flavorful casserole featuring thinly sliced Yukon gold or red potatoes baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce with crispy bacon, a blend of sharp and smoky cheeses, garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs. This comforting dish is perfect as a hearty side for holiday meals or special occasions, offering layers of tender potatoes and melted cheese with a crispy golden top.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 3 lbs. gold potatoes or red potatoes, peeled and sliced to 1/4 or 1/8 inch thick

Bacon and Aromatics

  • 8 strips bacon
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon roasted garlic base by Better Than Bouillon
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened

Cheeses

  • 4 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded (habanero cheddar recommended for a kick)
  • 4 ounces gruyere, shredded
  • 4 ounces smoked gouda, shredded

Seasonings and Garnish

  • 1/3 cup chives, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust carefully due to bacon and cheese saltiness)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the scalloped potatoes.
  2. Cook Bacon: In a large Dutch oven or 5-quart braiser, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the cooked bacon and crumble it. Drain most of the bacon fat, leaving about two tablespoons in the pan for flavor.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in the same pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, approximately five minutes.
  4. Make Roux and Add Dairy: Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream in increments while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in the roasted garlic base, fresh thyme leaves, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, dry mustard powder, cracked pepper, and salt carefully.
  5. Add Cream Cheese: Incorporate the softened cream cheese into the sauce, whisking continuously until completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Melt Cheese: Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then remove from heat. Stir in half of each shredded cheese variety (cheddar, gruyere, smoked gouda) until melted and combined.
  7. Layer Potatoes: Lightly grease a 3-quart casserole dish. Spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce evenly on the bottom. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes standing on their sides in stacks or rows across the dish. Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the potatoes, gently separating stacks to incorporate sauce between slices.
  8. First Bake: Place the uncovered casserole in the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are nearly fork-tender.
  9. Add Toppings and Finish Baking: Remove from oven. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fully tender and the top turns golden brown.
  10. Remove Excess Oil and Garnish: Using a folded paper towel, gently tap the casserole surface to absorb any excess oil. Sprinkle the minced chives evenly over the top.
  11. Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and set before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use Yukon gold or red potatoes instead of russets as they hold their shape better during baking.
  • Thinly slice potatoes to 1/4 inch or thinner (1/8 inch) using a mandoline for even cooking and stacking.
  • 4 ounces of shredded cheese is approximately equal to 1 cup.
  • Be cautious with salt since bacon and cheese already contribute saltiness to the dish.

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, loaded scalloped potatoes, cheesy potatoes, bacon scalloped potatoes, creamy potato casserole, holiday side dish, baked potatoes with cheese

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/loaded-scalloped-potatoes-with-bacon-cheddar-gruyere-and-smoked-gouda-recipe/