Description

A rich, savory, and creamy potato casserole loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and tangy ranch seasoning. This comforting side dish is perfect for holiday gatherings, easy to make ahead, and feeds a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (1/8 inch thick)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice potatoes, dice onion, mince garlic, and grate cheese.
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sautéed onions and garlic.
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour half of the sauce over the potatoes. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon.
Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, sauce, cheese, and bacon. Press down gently to compact layers.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-30 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is golden and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives and extra bacon if desired.

Notes

For best results, slice potatoes thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife. Use sharp cheddar cheese grated from a block rather than pre-shredded to prevent graininess. This dish can be assembled the night before and refrigerated; add 10-15 minutes to baking time if baking from cold. Leftovers reheat best in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60-75 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 600
Fat: 28
Saturated Fat: 15
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 3
Protein: 12

Keywords: potato casserole, holiday side dish, bacon ranch, cheesy potatoes, make ahead side, comfort food, Thanksgiving side, Christmas dinner