Cheesy Bacon Potato Bake (Printable Version)

Tender potato slices with bacon, cheese, and cream baked until perfectly golden—savory comfort food made easy.

# What You'll Need:

01 - 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
02 - 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
03 - 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6–8 strips)
04 - 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
05 - 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing dish)
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 small onion, finely diced (optional)
08 - Salt and black pepper to taste
09 - ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
10 - Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish (9×13 inch or similar) with butter.
02 - Peel and thinly slice potatoes into even rounds (1/8-inch thick). A mandoline helps with uniform slicing. Place slices in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning and remove excess starch.
03 - In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. In the same pan (with some bacon drippings), sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant (about 2–3 minutes). Set aside.
04 - Drain and pat the potato slices dry. Layer ⅓ of the potato slices in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle with a little salt, pepper, sautéed onions, garlic, some bacon, and cheese. Repeat for 2 more layers: potatoes → seasoning → bacon/onion → cheese.
05 - Pour cream evenly over the layered potatoes. Sprinkle a pinch of paprika on top if using. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
06 - Remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly, and a knife easily pierces the potatoes.
07 - Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh touch.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Serve as a side with grilled meats, roast chicken, or even as a main with a fresh green salad. Great for potlucks, holidays, or comfort food nights.