Bacon Scalloped Potatoes

Bacon scalloped potatoes have all the charm of traditional scalloped potatoes but with an extra boost in flavor from smoky, savory bacon.

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Table of Contents

Bacon Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes Ingredients
Ingredient For Loaded Scalloped Potatoes
How To Make This Bacon Scalloped Potato Recipe
Troubleshooting This Recipe
How To Serve Loaded Scalloped Potatoes
When To Serve Scallop Potatoes
Storing Bacon and Cheese Scalloped Potatoes
Why We Love This Bacon And Cheese Scallop Potato Recipe
FAQ About Cheesy Potatoes with Bacon
More Potato Recipes You’ll Love
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Comfort food doesn’t get better than these loaded scalloped potatoes. Imagine warm, tender potato slices coated in a flavorful, creamy cheese sauce and crispy pieces of bacon. It’s an irresistible side dish.

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes in a baking dish

Bacon Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes Ingredients

Bacon Scalloped Potatoes raw ingredients that are labeled

With layers of creamy potatoes topped with melted cheese and bacon, it’s no wonder loaded scalloped potatoes is quickly becoming a classic, baked side dish.

For this cheesy potato recipe, you’ll need:

½ pound (½ cup when cooked) of thick sliced bacon, cut into small diced pieces
3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
¼ cup of all-purpose flour
1½ cups of whole milk
1 teaspoon of salt
¾ teaspoon of onion powder
½ teaspoon of black pepper
½ teaspoon of garlic powder
4 cups (about 2 pounds) of Yukon gold potatoes, cut into ⅛-¼-inch thick slices
1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup of shredded Monterey jack cheese
1 tablespoon of chopped chives, optional garnish

Ingredient For Loaded Scalloped Potatoes

While these substitutions offer flexibility, they might alter the taste and texture of the original recipe.

Always use them at your discretion and adjust according to your personal preferences. Enjoy experimenting and making the dish uniquely yours.

INSTEAD OF BACON: If you’re looking to go meatless or simply want a different flavor, you can use turkey bacon or even vegetarian bacon. Both options provide a smoky flavor similar to traditional bacon.

INSTEAD OF CHEDDAR CHEESE: You can use a number of substitutions for the cheese.

Feel free to experiment with other hard cheeses such as gruyere, provolone, or smoked gouda. Each cheese will bring its unique flavor profile to the dish.

If you’re looking for a milder taste, consider using mild cheddar or Colby jack.

INSTEAD OF MONTEREY JACK CHEESE: For a spicy kick, you can substitute with pepper jack cheese. It has the creaminess of Monterey jack but with added spicy pepper bits.

If you’re looking for a more tangy flavor, try using white cheddar in its place.

INSTEAD OF WHOLE MILK: You can use 2% milk instead of whole milk if that is what you keep on hand in your refrigerator.

Don’t use low-fat or fat-free milk as the texture of the cheesy sauce will be too runny, altering the outcome of this dish.

INSTEAD OF YUKON GOLD POTATOES: While we recommend Yukon gold potatoes for this recipe, you can use russet potatoes.

Which Potatoes Work Best In A Scalloped Potato Recipe?

Using Yukon Gold potatoes is one of the secrets to getting the best flavor from this recipe. Their slight sweetness balances out the sharpness of the cheese and bacon in these scalloped potatoes.

The skin of the Yukon Gold is very thin, so it’s up to you if you want to peel them or not.

You can use russet potatoes for scalloped potatoes, make sure you peel them first as their skin can be a bit tough.

When slicing the potatoes, discard the end pieces. You can also use a mandoline to get even, thin slices.

How To Make This Bacon Scalloped Potato Recipe

Not only is this recipe easy enough to prepare on weeknights when time is tight, but it’s impressive enough to serve to guests.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8 (1.5-quart) casserole dish with cooking spray. Set aside.

STEP TWO: In a medium skillet, add the diced thick-cut bacon. Cook on medium heat for 8 to 9 minutes or just until the bacon crumbles are slightly crisped.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

You do not want to cook the bacon to the crispy stage. The bacon crumbles still need to be soft as they will continue to cook and crisp in the oven.

Transfer the bacon crumbles to a paper towel-lined plate and remove the bacon grease from the pan.

You can pour the hot bacon grease into a heat-safe bowl to cool it before discarding it.

PRO TIP:

While your bacon crumbles are cooking, you can slice your potatoes. Be sure you use a sharp knife to get nice thin slices.

STEP THREE: Add the unsalted butter to the skillet that you used to cook the bacon and melt butter over medium heat.

Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour until the melted butter has absorbed all the flour.

STEP FOUR: Slowly pour the whole milk into the skillet while whisking constantly. Be sure to whisk out all the lumps of flour to get a smooth sauce.

STEP FIVE: To the sauce, whisk in the salt, onion powder, black pepper, and garlic powder. Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken for 2 to 3 minutes.

Be sure to whisk often to prevent the sauce from clumping and burning. Remove from the heat.

salt, onion powder, black pepper, and garlic powder whisked together

STEP SIX: Peel the potatoes if desired. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, cut the potatoes into ⅛ to ¼-inch thick slices.

Discard the end pieces.

Layer half the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Be sure to fan them out and not pack them too tightly to allow the sauce to get between the slices when baked.

PRO TIP:

Make sure the potatoes are VERY thinly sliced, or you may have to increase the bake time to make sure they are soft and tender.

STEP SEVEN: Pour half the sauce over top of the potatoes and spread it out as evenly as possible. Try to push some of the sauce between the potatoes.

STEP EIGHT: Layer ½ cup of the sharp cheddar cheese and ½ cup of the Monterey jack cheese, and ¼ cup of the reserved crumbled bacon evenly over the sauce.

cheddar and jack cheese and bacon layered over the sauce

STEP NINE: Repeat with a final layer of sliced potatoes and sauce. Tightly cover the top of the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Put your baking dish onto a rimmed baking sheet for easy transport to and from the oven. This will also protect your oven if any of the sauce bubbles out, as this is a very full dish.

final layer of sliced potatoes and sauce repeated

PRO TIP:

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate.

Make sure to keep a close eye on your potatoes as the suggested baking time approaches.

STEP TEN: After the first 40 minutes of baking, remove the foil and top the potatoes with the remaining shredded cheddar and Monterey jack cheese.

Return to the oven to bake for another 30 minutes.

cheddar and jack cheese topped on top of the potatoes and bake

STEP ELEVEN: After your bacon scalloped potatoes have been baking for an hour, you can check them for doneness.

They should be fork tender.

If they are done, you can top the melted cheese with the remaining ¼ cup bacon crumbles.

Place your dish back into the oven for an additional 5 minutes to finish crisping the bacon and allowing the top layer of cheese to get lightly golden and bubbly.

STEP TWELVE: Allow the bacon scalloped potatoes to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This will give the creamy sauce time to thicken up slightly.

Troubleshooting This Recipe

Cooking is as much about intuition and understanding as it is about following a recipe.

If you encounter an issue, take a moment to analyze what might have gone wrong and adjust accordingly.

The Potatoes Are Undercooked

Solution: Extend the baking time, covering the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning.

In the future, ensure your potato slices are uniformly thin, as thicker slices take longer to cook.

The Sauce Is Too Runny

Solution: Allow the dish to sit for 10-15 minutes after baking; the sauce often thickens upon standing.

The Top Is Browning Too Quickly

Solution: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent further browning and continue baking until the potatoes are tender.

The Cheese Curdled Or Separated

Solution: This can happen if the sauce gets too hot. In the future, ensure you’re using cheeses that melt well (like cheddar or Monterey Jack).

The Potatoes Turned Grayish/Brown

Solution: This can happen if sliced potatoes are exposed to air for too long before baking. In the future, keep them submerged in cold water until you’re ready to assemble the dish.

How To Serve Loaded Scalloped Potatoes

Serving Tips

Ensure the potatoes are served warm. If they’ve cooled down, you can briefly reheat them in the oven before serving.
Use a wide spatula or serving spoon to scoop out the potatoes, ensuring you get both the creamy bottom layer and the crispy top in each serving.
If serving at a buffet or potluck, keep the dish covered with a lid or aluminum foil to retain warmth.

SERVE WITH A GARNISH: Fresh chopped chives, parsley, or a sprinkle of paprika all make great garnish options that will add color and flavor.

SERVE WITH MAIN COURSES: Loaded scalloped potatoes are a versatile side dish that complements a wide range of main courses.

For meat lovers, these potatoes pair beautifully roasted, grilled, or pan-seared meats. Favorites include steak (steak bites!), pork chops, ham, roast beef, and grilled chicken.

For those who prefer seafood, consider serving the potatoes alongside grilled salmon.

SERVE WITH COMPLIMENTARY SIDE DISHES: Lightly steamed or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or roasted broccoli, counterbalance these creamy scalloped potatoes.

For those seeking a lighter accompaniment, a crisp side salad drizzled with a ranch dressing.

Additionally, a refreshing cucumber salad or classic coleslaw can introduce a fresh contrast to the meal.

SERVE WITH BREAD: Serving crusty bread, dinner rolls, or garlic bread on the side is also a fantastic choice, especially for savoring any remaining creamy sauce from the potatoes.

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When To Serve Scallop Potatoes

Loaded scalloped potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served at any occasion when comfort food is cherished and a hearty, flavorful side dish is desired.

Here’s when they are most fitting:

HOLIDAYS: Cheesy potatoes with bacon, in general, are a staple at many holiday dinners, especially during Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter (birthdays and anniversaries, too!).

FAMILY DINNERS: For a hearty family meal, especially during colder months, loaded scalloped potatoes can be the star side dish alongside meats or vegetables.

POTLUCKS: Their ability to be prepared in advance and served in large quantities makes loaded scalloped potatoes a popular choice for potlucks.

BRUNCH: Paired with some eggs and bacon or sausage, this recipe is a yummy addition to a lavish Sunday brunch spread.

Storing Bacon and Cheese Scalloped Potatoes

One of the best things about this bacon scalloped potatoes dish is not just how great it tastes out of the oven, but also the flexibility it affords for later enjoyment.

Make Ahead Scalloped Potatoes

This bacon scalloped potatoes recipe is the perfect contender for making a day in advance.

To do so, simply follow the recipe through to the step of assembling the ingredients in your baking dish, but hold off on baking.

Instead, wrap your dish tightly with cling wrap or aluminum foil to seal in moisture.

This cheesy potato recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days ahead of time. When you’re ready to enjoy, remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while your oven preheats.

When you’re ready to serve, remove the wrapping and simply bake as directed.

Storing In The Fridge

Once your bacon scalloped potatoes have cooled down, transfer them to an airtight container or cover the baking dish with cling film.

They can be stored in your fridge for up to three days. The flavors should even meld and intensify over time.

Storing In The Freezer

Before freezing, allow the scalloped potatoes to cool completely to room temperature. This will prevent the formation of ice crystals, which can affect the texture of the dish.

Portion out any leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags. (If using bags, make sure to squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn.)

Label with the date. For the best quality, this recipe can be stored for up to two months.

For the best results, thaw the frozen scalloped potatoes in the refrigerator for 24 hours before reheating.

Reheating Bacon Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes

Whether you’re pulling your scalloped potatoes from the fridge or the freezer, reheating is straightforward.

For oven reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Transfer the potatoes to an oven-safe dish, if they’re not in one already, and cover with foil to prevent drying out.

Warm for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If the potatoes seem a bit dry after reheating, you can add a splash of milk or cream and stir to combine.

If you’re in a hurry, the microwave also works fine. Place your serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium for 2-3 minutes.

Check to make sure the potatoes are heated through, and if not, continue heating in 30-second intervals until piping hot.

Why We Love This Bacon And Cheese Scallop Potato Recipe

UNIVERSAL APPEAL: This side dish is a hit among diverse age groups, from kids who love its creamy sauce to adults who appreciate its rich flavors.

No matter if it’s a casual weekday dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe consistently emerges as a favorite.

ADAPTABILITY: Whether you’re in the mood for a sharp cheddar or a milder mozzarella, loaded scalloped potatoes can be tailored with various types of cheeses — allowing for different flavor profiles.

Moreover, the recipe’s scalability makes it suitable for both large gatherings and intimate family dinners.

TASTE AND TEXTURE: This recipe is so beloved because of its taste and texture. The crispy, golden-brown top provides a delightful contrast to the soft and creamy layers beneath.

FAQ About Cheesy Potatoes with Bacon

Can I make this loaded scalloped potatoes recipe the night before and keep it in the fridge until I’m ready to bake it?

You can definitely prepare this dish ahead of time. Store in the fridge covered in plastic wrap for up to 3 days before baking.

What are the best potatoes for this recipe?

Yukon gold or russet potatoes are traditionally used to make scalloped potatoes. This is because these types of potatoes hold their shape well when baked.

Why won’t my scalloped potatoes get soft?

Potatoes will not soften if they are cooked with something acidic. So if you have sour cream in your sauce, they may not soften properly.

This is why we recommend using milk or heavy cream in your sauce instead.

How do you know when cheesy loaded scalloped potatoes are done?

You’ll know that scalloped potatoes are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork.

With crunchy bacon on top, savory flavors, and the creamy interior of these bacon scalloped potatoes, this side dish is the epitome of comfort food.

A beloved dish that is irresistibly good, they will surely be a hit at your next holiday gathering or family dinner.

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