Potato slices with cheese and bacon is the dish that disappears before you even sit down. I make it on busy weeknights when I need something hearty that everyone will actually eat. The combo of crispy edges, gooey cheese, and salty bacon is pure comfort.
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I remember the first time I made this for my kids, they picked out every single bacon piece and left the potatoes. So I started chopping the bacon into tiny bits and mixing it right into the cheese layer. Now they eat every last slice, and my husband always asks for seconds.
What I love most is that it uses simple pantry staples, and you can prep it ahead. You don't need any fancy equipment, just a baking dish and a good knife. Let's get those potatoes crispy!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
Russets hold their shape and get crispy. Yukon Gold also work; no need to peel unless you prefer.
6 slices (about 150g) bacon, chopped into small pieces
Thick-cut bacon gives more smoky flavor. Turkey bacon works, but it won't be as crispy.
2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Sharp cheddar melts beautifully. Swap in Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different taste.
1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
Adds creaminess and tang. Greek yogurt is a lighter substitute.
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
Helps potatoes crisp up. Use olive oil for a dairy-free version.
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Adds savory depth. Fresh minced garlic (2 cloves) works too.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Gives a subtle smoky kick. Regular paprika is fine if you don't have smoked.
1/2 teaspoon salt
Adjust to taste, especially if your bacon is salty.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Freshly ground is best.
2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Adds color and freshness. Chives work too.
Tips & Tricks
- Slice potatoes evenly (about 1/4-inch) so they cook at the same rate. A mandoline makes this easy.
- Pat potato slices dry with a paper towel before mixing to help them crisp up.
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish—overlapping is fine, but a single layer is better for crispy edges.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking so the cheese sets and it's easier to serve.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray.
2. Cook the bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Leave a little bacon fat in the skillet if you like extra flavor.
3. Season the potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with melted butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
4. Layer half the potatoes
Arrange half of the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping. Sprinkle with half of the bacon and half of the cheese.
5. Add the sour cream layer
Spread the sour cream evenly over the cheese layer. This adds creaminess and helps the top layer stick.
6. Layer remaining potatoes
Top with the remaining potato slices, then sprinkle with the rest of the bacon and cheese.
7. Bake until golden
Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. A fork should easily pierce the potatoes. If you like extra crispy tops, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely.
8. Rest and garnish
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with green onions and serve warm.
Delicious Variations
Loaded potato slices
Add sautéed mushrooms and onions between the layers.
Spicy version
Add chopped jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese.
Herb twist
Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary over the top before baking.
How to Store Potato Slices With Cheese And Bacon
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze the baked dish (cooled) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes, sweet potatoes work, but they'll be softer and less crispy. Adjust baking time by 5-10 minutes.
Q: Why are my potatoes not crispy?
The potatoes are likely too thick or crowded. Slice them thin and avoid overlapping too much. Also, pat them dry before baking.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish (without baking) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10 minutes to the baking time.
Q: What can I use instead of sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche are great substitutes. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based sour cream.
Try this tonight with whatever cheese you have on hand—it's hard to go wrong. And if you make it, let me know how it turns out in the comments. Happy organizing!
Potato Slices With Cheese And Bacon
Crispy potato slices smothered in melted cheddar and smoky bacon, an easy family favorite ready in 50 minutes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 6 slices (about 150g) bacon, chopped into small pieces
- 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
📋 Instructions
- 1Preheat oven — Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray.
- 2Cook the bacon — In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Leave a little bacon fat in the skillet if you like extra flavor.
- 3Season the potatoes — In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with melted butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- 4Layer half the potatoes — Arrange half of the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping. Sprinkle with half of the bacon and half of the cheese.
- 5Add the sour cream layer — Spread the sour cream evenly over the cheese layer. This adds creaminess and helps the top layer stick.
- 6Layer remaining potatoes — Top with the remaining potato slices, then sprinkle with the rest of the bacon and cheese.
- 7Bake until golden — Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. A fork should easily pierce the potatoes. If you like extra crispy tops, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely.
- 8Rest and garnish — Let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with green onions and serve warm.
Marta writes about home organization and decluttering, focusing on simple systems that work for busy families. She shares practical tips for turning chaotic spaces into calm, functional areas.
