Cheesy Baked Potato and Bacon Casserole

This cheesy baked potato and bacon casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner or gathering. With layers of crispy potatoes, savory vegetables, and crispy bacon, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese, this casserole is sure to be a hit.

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 200 g hard mozzarella cheese
• 3 large potatoes
• Vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• 1 onion
• 1 carrot
• A bunch of spring onions
• 1/2 head of cabbage
• 150 g bacon
• Ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Cheese Base:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (355 degrees Fahrenheit).
2. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
3. Grate 200 g of hard mozzarella cheese.
4. Spread half of the grated cheese evenly on the baking tray.

Prepare the Potatoes:

1. Peel and slice 3 large potatoes.
2. Place the potato slices over the grated cheese on the baking tray.
3. Grease the potatoes with vegetable oil.
4. Sprinkle with salt to taste.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Vegetables:

1. Finely chop 1 onion.
2. Grate 1 carrot.
3. Finely chop a bunch of spring onions.
4. Thinly slice 1/2 head of cabbage.

Cook the Vegetables:

1. In a large pan, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and grated carrot, and cook until softened.
3. Add the spring onions and cabbage to the pan.
4. Cover and simmer until the vegetables are soft.

Add the Bacon:

1. Chop 150 g of bacon and add it to the pan with the vegetables.
2. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
3. Cook until the bacon is crispy and the vegetables are well mixed.

Assemble and Bake:

1. Remove the baking tray with the potatoes from the oven.
2. Spread the cooked vegetable and bacon mixture evenly over the potatoes.
3. Sprinkle the remaining half of the grated cheese over the top, leaving some cheese for decoration.
4. Increase the oven temperature to 200 degrees Celsius (390 degrees Fahrenheit).
5. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Serve:

1. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
2. Enjoy this delicious baked dish with potatoes, vegetables, and bacon!

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Pair with a glass of chilled white wine or a light beer.

Cooking Tips:

• Ensure the potatoes are thinly sliced for even cooking.
• For extra flavor, add garlic or your favorite herbs to the vegetable mixture.

Nutritional Benefits:

• This dish provides a good source of protein from the bacon and cheese.
• The vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and fiber.

Dietary Information:

• This recipe contains dairy and pork. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add more vegetables or a plant-based meat substitute.

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• The combination of crispy potatoes, melted cheese, and savory bacon makes this dish a comfort food favorite.
• Easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd.
• Versatile and can be customized with different vegetables or cheeses.

Conclusion:

This cheesy baked potato and bacon casserole is a delightful and satisfying dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it warm, straight from the oven, and savor the delicious blend of textures and tastes.