Easy and tasty Cheesy Potato and Bacon Tortilla Bake

Introduction: This Cheesy Potato and Bacon Tortilla Bake is a comforting, hearty dish that combines crispy tortillas, creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s easy to make, filling, and perfect for a casual dinner, brunch, or even a fun potluck dish. With minimal prep and a handful of ingredients, you can have a flavorful, cheesy casserole-style bake that will please everyone at the table.

The layers of crispy tortillas add a fun twist to this bake, making it like a Mexican-inspired casserole with a creamy potato filling. The bacon gives it a savory, smoky touch that perfectly complements the cheesy, potato goodness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

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Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas (about 8-inch size)
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 lb (450 g) bacon, diced
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
• Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Boil the potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
2. Mash the potatoes: Once the potatoes are drained, return them to the pot and mash them with a potato masher. Stir in the sour cream and milk to create a creamy, smooth mashed potato mixture. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel to drain the excess fat. Discard most of the bacon grease, but leave about a tablespoon in the pan for added flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Tortilla Bake

1. Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
2. Layer the tortillas: Start by placing one flour tortilla at the bottom of the greased baking dish. You may need to cut the tortilla to fit the shape of the pan, but it should cover the bottom entirely.
3. Add a layer of mashed potatoes: Spread half of the mashed potatoes evenly over the tortilla layer.
4. Top with bacon and cheese: Sprinkle half of the cooked bacon over the mashed potatoes, followed by half of the shredded cheese.
5. Repeat the layers: Place a second tortilla on top of the cheese layer, then repeat the layers of mashed potatoes, bacon, and cheese with the remaining ingredients. End with a final layer of cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake the Tortilla Casserole

1. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot throughout.
2. Crisp the top: After 20-25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. This will give the cheese a crispy, golden finish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Cool slightly: Once the bake is finished, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice.
2. Garnish: Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Serve: Cut into squares and serve hot. This cheesy potato and bacon tortilla bake pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, some fresh salsa, or a dollop of sour cream on the side.

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Notes:

• Tortilla alternatives: While flour tortillas are typically used for this recipe, you can also use corn tortillas for a more authentic Mexican flavor. If using corn tortillas, consider lightly frying them first to make them more pliable and prevent them from breaking apart during baking.
• Cheese variations: While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack (for a spicy kick), or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Add vegetables: You can add some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even spinach to the layers for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture from the vegetables before adding them to the casserole.
• Make it vegetarian: To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and substitute it with black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or a vegetarian meat alternative.
• Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

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Total Time:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 40-45 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour

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Conclusion: This Cheesy Potato and Bacon Tortilla Bake is a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With crispy tortillas, creamy mashed potatoes, savory bacon, and plenty of melty cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this bake offers a unique twist on traditional casserole recipes while still being simple and quick to prepare. Enjoy this delicious dish with your favorite sides or just as is for a comforting meal!