This creamy baked potato dish has quickly become a favorite in my household. The combination of cream cheese, bacon, and melted mozzarella creates a rich and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to make this fantastic dish:
Ingredients:
- 6 medium potatoes
- 200 grams of cream cheese
- 150 grams of uncooked bacon
- 1 large onion, sliced into rings
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of oregano (optional)
- 100 grams of mozzarella cheese
- 50 grams of Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Start by peeling six medium-sized potatoes. Cut them into medium-thick slices.
- Place the potato slices in a pot and cover them with boiling water. There’s no need to preheat the pan; just pour the water over the potatoes and cook them for eight minutes.
- After cooking, drain the water and set the potatoes aside.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In a baking dish, spread a layer of cream cheese evenly on the bottom.
- Place a layer of cooked potato slices on top of the cream cheese. Be generous with the amount of potatoes.
- Add pieces of uncooked bacon on top of the potatoes. You can add the bacon unsliced, as it will cook in the oven.
- Add a layer of onion rings on top of the bacon. The amount of onion is up to you, depending on your taste.
- Repeat the Layers:
- Repeat the layering process with another layer of potatoes, followed by bacon and onions, until you’ve used all your ingredients.
- Finish with a final layer of potato slices on top.
- Season the Potatoes:
- Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top layer.
- Sprinkle with salt to taste and add oregano if you like. The oregano enhances the flavor but is optional.
- Bake the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Bake the potatoes for 20 minutes.
- Add More Cream Cheese and Cheese:
- After baking, add a small amount of cream cheese on top. Spread it evenly to make the dish nice and creamy.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top. You can also add Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. The amount of cheese is up to you, but adding more cheese will make the dish even more delicious.
- Final Baking:
- Return the dish to the oven and bake until the cheese melts and becomes golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Once the cheese is melted and the dish is hot, remove it from the oven.
- Serve immediately while it’s hot and bubbly. This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
- Invite your family to enjoy this rich and flavorful meal. The combination of creamy potatoes, savory bacon, and melted cheese is sure to please everyone.
Tips and Variations:
- Additions: You can add other ingredients like shredded chicken or different types of cheese to enhance the dish. Cheddar and Parmesan cheese work particularly well.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add a fresh touch to the dish.
- Cream Cheese Substitute: If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use sour cream or even a bechamel sauce for a creamy texture.
Detailed Steps:
- Preparing the Ingredients:
- Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Ensure that you have fresh potatoes, cream cheese, bacon, onions, and the selected cheeses.
- Peel and slice the potatoes into medium-thick slices. This size ensures they cook evenly and absorb the flavors well.
- Boiling the Potatoes:
- Place the potato slices in a pot and cover them with boiling water. The hot water speeds up the cooking process.
- Cook the potatoes for eight minutes. This par-cooking helps them to finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.
- Drain the potatoes well to remove excess water. This step is crucial to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
- Layering the Ingredients:
- Start by spreading a layer of cream cheese at the bottom of your baking dish. This creamy base adds a rich flavor and prevents the potatoes from sticking.
- Place a layer of the cooked potato slices over the cream cheese. Ensure they are evenly spread out.
- Add pieces of uncooked bacon over the potatoes. The bacon will cook and crisp up in the oven, infusing the dish with its savory flavor.
- Add a layer of onion rings on top of the bacon. Onions add a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the richness of the cream cheese and bacon.
- Repeating the Layers:
- Repeat the process of adding layers until all ingredients are used. Ensure that the final layer is potato slices.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and oregano. The oregano adds a nice herbal note but is optional.
- Initial Baking:
- Bake the dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. This step helps to blend the flavors and start the cooking process for the bacon and onions.
- Adding Cheese:
- After the initial baking, add more cream cheese on top and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. The cheese will melt and create a deliciously creamy and golden topping.
- Final Baking:
- Bake until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Keep a close watch to avoid overcooking.
- Serving:
- Serve hot and enjoy this delightful dish with your family. It’s perfect as a main course or a hearty side dish.
By following these steps, you will create a creamy, cheesy, and savory baked potato dish that will impress everyone at the table. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to include your favorite ingredients, making it a staple in your recipe collection.
