Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Maple Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake, a decadent and refined dish that celebrates the flavors of elegant autumn. Featuring a harmonious blend of creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar, and the irresistible smokiness of crispy bacon, this casserole is a true culinary delight that will leave your guests feeling cozy and satisfied.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake
This Maple Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake is a true masterpiece of comfort and sophistication. The rich, creamy potatoes are perfectly complemented by the sharp cheddar cheese and the delightful smokiness of crispy bacon, creating a flavor profile that is both familiar and elevated. The addition of a touch of maple syrup adds a delicate sweetness that perfectly balances the savory elements, resulting in a dish that is truly irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply craving a satisfying and indulgent meal, this Maple Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake is sure to delight your senses and warm your soul.
Ingredients
Gather the finest ingredients to create this Maple Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake. You’ll need Yukon Gold potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, heavy cream, maple syrup, butter, and a few basic seasonings. The combination of these high-quality elements will result in a dish that is both elegant and comforting.
- 3 lbs (1.4 kg) – Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 lb (454 g) – Crispy bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups (240 g) – Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (240 ml) – Heavy cream
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) – Maple syrup
- 4 tbsp (57 g) – Unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 tsp – Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp – Ground black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Potatoes: For a more decadent twist, you can swap the Yukon Gold potatoes for buttery Russet potatoes.
- Cheese: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a blend of cheddar and Gruyère cheese.
How to Make Maple Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake
Follow these steps to craft this sumptuous Maple Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake:
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and thinly slice the Yukon Gold potatoes, ensuring they are all of a similar thickness for even cooking. Fry the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Shred the cheddar cheese, and prepare the heavy cream, maple syrup, butter, and seasonings.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Arrange the sliced potatoes in a large, greased baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Drizzle the heavy cream over the potatoes, then sprinkle with the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Dot the top with small pieces of butter, and finish with a light drizzle of maple syrup and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
Allow the Maple Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld and the dish to set up nicely. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired, for a beautiful and fragrant finishing touch.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Caramelized Onions: For a delightful twist, consider adding caramelized onions to the layers of the Maple Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake.
- Sautéed Mushrooms: You can also experiment with different additions, such as sautéed mushrooms, to enhance the dish’s depth of flavor.
- Cheese Blend: Try a combination of cheddar and Parmesan, or even a sprinkling of crumbled blue cheese, for a unique cheese profile.
- Crispy Topping: To make this dish extra indulgent, top it with a crispy breadcrumb or panko topping before baking.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: This Maple Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for serving as a main course or a side dish. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled salmon, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving. Simply prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This Maple Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake is a rich and indulgent dish, but it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when savored in moderation.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Maple Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving. Simply prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of potato?
While Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture, you can substitute Russet or even sweet potatoes if desired. Keep in mind that cooking times may need to be adjusted depending on the type of potato used.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions. You can also use a vegetarian-friendly cheese or a plant-based cheese alternative.
How can I make this dish healthier?
For a healthier version, you can use low-fat or skim milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of cheese and butter used. You can also consider using a mix of potatoes, such as a combination of Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes.
Can I freeze this potato bake?
Yes, this Maple Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake freezes very well. Prepare the dish as directed, then allow it to cool completely before covering and freezing. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.
Try These Next
- Cheesy Broccoli And Rice Sheet Pan Bake
- Apple Cider Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Bake
- Maple Bacon Peanut Butter Banana Stuffed Pancakes
Indulgent Maple Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A delightful blend of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and creamy potatoes, baked to perfection for a comforting yet elegant dish.
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, sour cream, milk, maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Fold in the crumbled bacon and half of the cheddar cheese.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving. Adjust the maple syrup to taste for a sweeter or more savory flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Sheet Pan & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg