How to Make Potato Casserole with Mushrooms and Turkey Bacon

This Thanksgiving we had our own turkeys on the farm and lots of them so we could make our own turkey bacon! This recipe is also a great side to serve at Thanksgiving dinner.

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, reflecting on our blessings, and indulging in a feast of delicious dishes. This hearty casserole combines tender golden potatoes, savory turkey bacon, earthy mushrooms, and creamy goodness to create a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make this casserole and provide tips on making your own turkey bacon from a whole turkey butchered on your homestead.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this scrumptious casserole:

• 6-8 golden potatoes (peeled, sliced, and boiled)
• 6 oz. turkey bacon (fried)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 tbsp heavy cream
• 2 oz. cremini mushrooms (diced)
• 1 caramelized yellow onion
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 4 oz. shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Fresh or dried parsley for garnish
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Peel and Slice: Start by peeling the golden potatoes and slicing them into even rounds. This ensures they cook evenly in the casserole.
2. Boil: Place the sliced potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until they are just tender but not falling apart, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon

1. Fry the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the turkey bacon over medium heat until it is crispy. Remove from the skillet, drain on paper towels, and crumble into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

1. Caramelize: In the same skillet, add a bit of butter if necessary and cook the yellow onion over low heat until it is caramelized, which should take about 15-20 minutes. The onions should be golden brown and sweet. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms

1. Sauté: In the same skillet, add the diced cremini mushrooms and cook until they are tender and have released their moisture. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking pan with melted butter. Start by layering the boiled potato slices at the bottom of the pan.
2. Add Mushrooms, Bacon, and Onions: Evenly distribute the sautéed mushrooms, crumbled turkey bacon, and caramelized onions over the potatoes.
3. Top with Potatoes: Add another layer of boiled potatoes on top.

Step 6: Add the Creamy Mixture

1. Mix the Cream: In a bowl, combine the sour cream, heavy cream, and melted butter. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered potatoes and other ingredients.
2. Add Cheese and Parsley: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese generously over the top, followed by fresh or dried parsley.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve as a side dish at your Thanksgiving feast.

Making Turkey Bacon from a Whole Turkey

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to make your own turkey bacon from scratch like we did, here’s a brief guide to help you butcher a whole turkey and prepare turkey bacon on your homestead.

Step 1: Butchering the Turkey

1. Preparation: Ensure you have a clean, sanitized workspace and the necessary tools, including a sharp knife and a large cutting board.
2. Remove the Breast: Lay the turkey breast-side up. Using a sharp knife, carefully remove the breast meat from the carcass by cutting along the breastbone and rib cage.
3. Trim the Fat: Once the breast meat is removed, trim any excess fat. Turkey bacon is typically made from the breast meat, so you’ll want to use the leanest cuts.

Step 2: Curing the Turkey Breast

1. Prepare the Cure: In a bowl, mix together your curing ingredients. A basic cure might include salt, sugar, and spices such as black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Apply the Cure: Rub the cure mixture evenly over the turkey breast, ensuring it is well-coated. Place the turkey breast in a sealed container or plastic bag and refrigerate for 3-5 days, turning it occasionally to ensure even curing.

Step 3: Smoking the Turkey Breast

1. Smoke: After the curing period, rinse the turkey breast under cold water to remove excess cure. Pat it dry with paper towels. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) and smoke the turkey breast for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Slicing and Cooking the Turkey Bacon

1. Slice: Once the turkey breast is smoked and cooled, slice it thinly to create bacon-like strips.
2. Cook: Fry the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it is crispy and golden brown. Use this homemade turkey bacon in your Farmer’s Casserole or enjoy it on its own.

The combination of creamy potatoes, savory turkey bacon, and earthy mushrooms creates a comforting and flavorful side dish that complements any meal. Additionally, making your own turkey bacon from a whole turkey adds a personal and homestead touch to the dish. We hope you enjoy preparing and sharing this delicious casserole!