Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Bacon and Sausage-Stuffed Potato Loaf. Perfectly seasoned mashed potatoes are layered with a rich and savory mixture of crispy bacon and flavorful sausage, creating a hearty loaf that’s crispy on the outside and bursting with juicy flavors inside.
Whether you’re looking for an impressive dish for a family dinner, a potluck gathering, or simply a way to turn simple ingredients into something extraordinary, this stuffed potato loaf will never disappoint. It’s a beautiful fusion of creamy, meaty, and smoky tastes that satisfies every craving in a single, delicious slice.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 6 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a loaf pan with a little olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Place the peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes, then drain and mash them with milk, butter, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet, add the ground sausage and cook until it is browned and cooked through. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the sausage and continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Stir the crispy bacon back into the sausage mixture along with the smoked paprika, dried thyme, and fresh parsley. Mix well to combine all the flavors and then remove from heat.
- Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes and stir thoroughly. The cheese will melt into the potatoes, giving them a rich and creamy texture.
- Spread half of the mashed potatoes evenly into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan, pressing gently to create a firm layer.
- Spoon the sausage and bacon mixture over the potato layer, spreading it out evenly so that every bite will have a savory center.
- Cover the filling with the remaining mashed potatoes, smoothing the top with a spatula to seal the loaf completely.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the loaf, then lightly scatter the breadcrumbs over the cheese to add a crunchy topping.
- Brush a little olive oil over the top to help it achieve a golden, crispy finish while baking.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Let the loaf cool for about 10 minutes before carefully removing it from the pan. Slice gently using a sharp knife to reveal the delicious sausage and bacon filling inside each piece.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired, alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.