Description

Creamy Potato Casserole with Crunchy Topping is a comforting, delicious dish featuring tender starchy potatoes enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce with smoked turkey bacon and melted shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). Topped with a golden, buttery panko breadcrumb crust, this casserole balances creamy, savory, and crispy textures perfectly. Ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or make-ahead meals, it is simple to prepare yet impressively flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes & Vegetables

4 cups peeled and chunked starchy potatoes (Russets or Yukon Gold)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Protein

4 strips smoked turkey bacon, chopped

Dairy & Creamy Elements

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
1 cup heavy cream or creamy substitute
2 tablespoons butter

Topping

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil

Herbs & Spices

1 teaspoon fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cut your potatoes into evenly sized chunks to ensure they cook uniformly. Boil them in salted water until just tender but not falling apart, about 10 to 15 minutes, then drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Aromatics: While the potatoes cook, chop smoked turkey bacon into small pieces and pan-fry them until crisp. Remove from the pan, then sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic in the rendered fat to infuse flavor into the base of your casserole.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same pan, add butter and heavy cream or your creamy substitute, warming gently. Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) until melted and smooth, then season with salt, pepper, and herbs. This savory sauce is key to the dish’s luscious texture.
Combine Everything: Return the drained potatoes to your pot or a mixing bowl, pour the creamy sauce over them, then fold in the smoked turkey bacon, sautéed onions, and some chopped fresh herbs. Mix gently but thoroughly to coat all potatoes.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the creamy potato mixture into a greased baking dish. Top generously with panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter or olive oil to ensure a perfectly golden, crunchy finishing touch.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling with warmth and flavor.

Notes

Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for the best fluffy, creamy texture.
Ensure potatoes are well drained to avoid sogginess in the casserole.
Do not skip the crunchy topping; it adds essential texture contrast.
Prepare the casserole up to step 5 the day before and bake fresh when ready to serve.
Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to settle and make serving easier.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: potato casserole, creamy potato dish, crunchy topping, smoked turkey bacon casserole, comfort food, baked potato casserole