Loaded Baked Potato Casserole:

How to make Loaded Baked Potatoes:

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  In a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat 4 Tbsp of oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, sliced mushrooms, and cubed chicken breast. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, and the onions and mushrooms are tender and slightly caramelized (this should take approximately 10 minutes). Once cooked, remove the mixture from the pot and set it aside.
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  In the same pot (or a separate large skillet if your first pot isn’t oven-safe), add 3 Tbsp of oil. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the cubed golden potatoes and sear them, tossing occasionally, until they start to develop a light golden-brown crust and release a little “sweat,” indicating they are partially cooked (this usually takes about 15 minutes). This searing step is key for flavor and texture.
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  Once the potatoes are seared, return the reserved chicken and mushroom mixture to the pot with the potatoes. Add the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, mayonnaise, garlic salt, and ground black pepper. Toss all the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined and the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy, cheesy mixture. Cover the pot tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, comforting casserole!

Nutrition per serving

A loaded baked potato casserole is a hearty and comforting potato dish where potatoes are combined with a variety of delicious ingredients, typically including cheese, meats, and creamy elements, then baked to perfection. While the classic version often features bacon, cheddar cheese, and sometimes sour cream and scallions, this particular recipe offers a delightful and innovative twist. Instead of bacon, we use tender, savory chicken, and we incorporate plump, earthy mushrooms to create a distinct and incredibly flavorful potato concoction that’s both satisfying and unique.

It’s essentially a deconstructed and reimagined baked potato, with all the best toppings mixed in and baked together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This makes it an excellent choice for feeding a family or a crowd, as it’s simpler to serve than individual baked potatoes and ensures every spoonful is packed with flavor.

Since loaded baked potatoes are already quite hearty and substantial on their own, pairing them with a lighter side dish or a simple crusty bread can create a wonderfully balanced meal. The richness of the casserole is perfectly complemented by fresh, vibrant flavors or something that can sop up the delicious sauces. Here’s a list of recipes that would pair nicely, offering a contrast in texture and taste:

• Greek Salad: The crisp freshness and tangy dressing of a Greek salad cut through the richness of the casserole beautifully.
• Tomato and Cheese Appetizer: A simple, fresh tomato and cheese dish offers a light, bright counterpoint.
• Cabbage and Cucumber Salad: Crunchy and refreshing, this salad provides a cleansing palate experience.
• Carrot Salad: A sweet and tangy carrot salad can add a lovely crunch and a pop of color.
• French Bread: Perfect for soaking up any delicious juices from the casserole, adding a satisfying chewy texture.
• Sauerkraut: The fermented tang of sauerkraut provides a sharp, flavorful contrast that many people enjoy with hearty potato dishes.

Potatoes are incredibly versatile, serving as a blank canvas for countless flavor combinations. You can dress them up in so many different ways, making them adaptable to almost any taste preference or what you happen to have on hand. While bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and scallions form the classic loaded potato quartet, don’t limit yourself!

Consider incorporating various vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, spinach, or corn for added nutrients and color. Different cheeses, from sharp cheddar to smoky Gouda or creamy havarti, can totally change the profile. Protein options are abundant too – think diced ham, shredded pork, ground beef, or even vegetarian options like black beans or lentils. Canned condiments such as diced green chilies, pickled jalapeños, or even a dollop of chili can add a spicy kick. A good rule of thumb for choosing toppings is to ask yourself: “Do I enjoy these ingredients on their own, and would their flavors complement potatoes?” Don’t be afraid to experiment; you might discover that an unexpected ingredient, like a dash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, transforms your potato dish into a new favorite!

Yes, absolutely! Searing the potatoes before baking is a technique we highly recommend and is a cornerstone of this recipe’s success. This step isn’t just about enhancing the visual appeal of the cubed potatoes, giving them a lovely golden-brown crust; it profoundly impacts their texture and flavor. Searing creates a slightly crispy exterior that holds up beautifully during baking, preventing the potatoes from becoming mushy. More importantly, it helps partially cook the potatoes, giving them a significant head start in the cooking process. This means a shorter baking time in the oven and ensures that your potatoes are perfectly tender on the inside while retaining a delightful bite on the outside, contributing to the overall fantastic texture of the casserole.

Whether to peel potato skins is largely a matter of personal preference, but for this casserole, we encourage leaving them on! Potato skins are packed with valuable nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. So, if you’re aiming for a healthier dish, keeping the skins on is a smart choice. Beyond the nutritional benefits, leaving the skins on also saves you precious time and effort in the kitchen, making the preparation process much quicker and easier. Plus, they add a rustic texture and slightly earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients in the casserole wonderfully. Just be sure to give your potatoes a good scrub before cubing them!

Yes, you can certainly adapt this loaded potato casserole to be finished entirely in a skillet rather than the oven, provided your skillet is oven-safe for the initial steps. If you plan to finish it on the stovetop, a sturdy, heavy-bottomed skillet is essential. For proper cooking and steaming of the potatoes, a tight-fitting lid is highly recommended. The lid will trap the steam, allowing the potatoes to cook through evenly and become wonderfully tender. Furthermore, a lid is crucial for achieving that perfectly smooth and melted cheese topping, as it creates a warm, enclosed environment that encourages even melting without drying out the dish. Finishing in a skillet can be a great option for those without oven access or who prefer a one-pan cooking method after the initial searing.

For potatoes, the simplest seasonings are often the most effective: salt and pepper are always a fantastic starting point. However, to truly elevate the flavor of this loaded potato casserole, spices like dried garlic and onion powder are excellent choices, providing a foundational savory base. Herbs such as dried parsley, chives, or a touch of thyme can also add aromatic complexity. Liliya, who originally shared this wonderful recipe, used Old Bay seasoning and Goya Adobo seasoning in her version. While these spice mixes are delicious, they might not be readily available in every pantry. This is why our adapted recipe focuses on more staple spices that most home cooks are likely to have on hand, ensuring accessibility without compromising on flavor. Paprika is another versatile spice that not only adds a mild, peppery note but also imparts a beautiful golden-orange hue, as seen in our baked potato wedges. Feel free to adjust seasonings to your personal taste – a pinch of cayenne for heat, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for depth, can all create wonderful variations!

The core components that bring this ultimate comfort food dish to life include:

• Golden Potatoes: Chosen for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape when cubed.
• Mushrooms: Adding an earthy, umami depth that truly elevates the flavor profile.
• Chicken Breast: Providing lean, tender protein, a delightful alternative to traditional bacon.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Selected for its superior melting quality, creating a smooth, gooey, and irresistible topping.
• Seasoning: A blend of garlic salt and black pepper forms the savory backbone, easily adaptable to your taste.
• Onion: Essential for aromatic sweetness and flavor development when sautéed.
• Mayonnaise: Acts as a creamy binder, adding richness and helping to moisten the casserole.

Absolutely, and this recipe is a delicious testament to that! Chicken is a fantastic protein choice for loaded potato casseroles, offering a leaner and often more universally appealing option than bacon. Cubed chicken breast, as used here, cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients beautifully, contributing tender bites throughout the dish. Beyond chicken, other proteins like shredded pork, ground turkey, or even lean ground beef would work wonderfully, providing endless possibilities for customization. So, don’t feel limited to bacon when thinking about potato dishes; the versatility of loaded potato casseroles allows for a wide array of protein choices to suit any preference or dietary need.