Potato and Bacon Casserole Recipe: A Comforting One-Pot Dish
Potato and bacon casserole, or Pasticcio di patate e pancetta, is a delicious and hearty one-pot dish that will surely become a favorite in your home. This savory casserole combines tender layers of sliced potatoes, crispy smoked bacon, and a rich, creamy béchamel sauce, all baked to perfection with a fragrant hint of thyme. It’s a perfect meal for cozy nights or gatherings with family and friends. This recipe is designed to serve four people, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner or a gathering with loved ones. Here’s how to make this comforting dish from scratch.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 1 kg |
| White onions | 400 g |
| Smoked bacon | 250 g |
| Asiago cheese (grated) | 200 g |
| Fine salt | A pinch |
| Black pepper | A pinch |
| Fresh thyme | 4 sprigs |
| All-purpose flour | 30 g |
| Butter | 30 g |
| Whole milk | 500 ml |
| Ground nutmeg | To taste |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon and Potatoes
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Start by cutting the smoked bacon into thin strips, approximately 2-3 mm wide. You can also use a mandoline slicer to achieve even cuts. Set the bacon aside for later.
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As you slice the potatoes, place them into a bowl of cold water to prevent them from turning brown. This will help maintain their fresh look while you work on other elements of the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
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In a non-stick pan, heat the bacon strips over medium heat. Allow the bacon to cook until it becomes crispy, rendering out some of its fat. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and avoid burning.
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Once the bacon is cooked, season it with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the fresh thyme sprigs, leaving one sprig aside for garnishing the final dish. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Remove the pan from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
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In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Carefully add the sliced potatoes and cook them for 3-4 minutes until they are just slightly tender but still firm.
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Once they are done, remove the potatoes from the pot and place them on a tray lined with paper towels or absorbent kitchen paper to dry. This helps remove excess moisture.
Step 4: Make the Béchamel Sauce
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While the potatoes are drying, it’s time to prepare the creamy béchamel sauce. In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat. In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, remove the pan from the heat.
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Gradually add the flour to the melted butter, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. Once the flour is incorporated, return the pan to the heat and cook the mixture for about 2 minutes.
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Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking to achieve a smooth consistency. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg to taste.
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Once the béchamel is smooth and creamy, remove it from the heat and set aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish or an oval casserole dish (30×22 cm) with a little butter.
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Begin assembling the casserole by spreading 1-2 tablespoons of the béchamel sauce on the bottom of the dish. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom and create a creamy base for the dish.
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Layer the first set of potato slices over the sauce, followed by an even distribution of the crispy bacon mixture. Pour some more béchamel sauce over the bacon and potatoes to create a creamy layer.
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Repeat these layers—potatoes, bacon, béchamel—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of béchamel sauce on top.
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Sprinkle the grated Asiago cheese evenly across the top layer. This will melt into the casserole, adding a rich, savory flavor.
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Garnish the top with fresh thyme sprigs to enhance the aroma and presentation.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
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Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The edges should be slightly crispy, and the cheese should have melted beautifully over the layers.
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Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
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Slice the casserole into portions and serve hot. The layers of creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, and rich cheese will surely impress your guests or family members.
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Garnish with additional fresh thyme sprigs if desired and enjoy this delicious, comforting one-pot dish.
Nutritional Information:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Cholesterol | 60 mg |
| Calcium | 150 mg |
This potato and bacon casserole, Pasticcio di patate e pancetta, is the ultimate comfort food that combines simplicity with flavor. The creamy béchamel, crispy bacon, and soft, layered potatoes create a dish that is both indulgent and satisfying. It’s the perfect meal for cozy family dinners or a special occasion. Make it ahead of time and bake it just before serving for a stress-free meal. Whether you’re enjoying it on a weeknight or serving it to guests, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
