Casserole with potatoes and bacon

A casserole with potatoes and bacon is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the crispy, savory goodness of bacon with tender potatoes and creamy cheese. Here's a simple and satisfying recipe:

Potato and Bacon Casserole

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
• 6-8 slices of bacon
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice, like Monterey Jack or Gruyère)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook Bacon:

   • In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces.

3. Prepare Potatoes:

   • Peel and slice the potatoes thinly (about 1/8 inch thick). You can use a mandolin slicer for even slices if you have one.

4. Cook Aromatics:

   • Heat olive oil or butter in the same skillet used for bacon over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

5. Prepare Sauce:

   • In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with the milk or heavy cream until smooth.
   • Stir in the cooked onion and garlic mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme or rosemary.

6. Assemble Casserole:

   • In a large baking dish, arrange a layer of potato slices on the bottom.
   • Sprinkle a portion of the crumbled bacon over the potatoes.
   • Pour a portion of the soup mixture over the bacon and potatoes.
   • Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese over the soup mixture.
   • Add another layer of potato slices, and repeat the process, ending with a final layer of cheese on top.

7. Add Topping (Optional):

   • For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.

8. Bake:

   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
   • After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Serve:

   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Choices: You can experiment with different cheeses or a blend of cheeses to customize the flavor.
• Vegetable Additions: Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Healthier Option: Use turkey bacon and low-fat cream of mushroom soup to make a lighter version of this casserole.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the soup mixture for some heat.

This potato and bacon casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that's perfect for a family meal or as a hearty side dish. Enjoy!