Winter Comfort: Just 5 ingredients. I don’t even bother switching this up.

Because this recipe is built on just five core ingredients, it’s an excellent base for experimentation. If you’d like a bit of color and freshness, you can stir in sliced scallions or chives after baking; they won’t count against your 5-ingredient list if you think of them as a garnish rather than a component. For a smokier profile, swap half the cheddar for smoked cheddar or gouda. If you prefer a slightly lighter casserole, use half sour cream and half plain Greek yogurt; the tang remains, but the dish feels a touch less heavy. You can also treat this as a full main dish by folding in cooked, shredded chicken or diced ham along with the cheese and bacon. For make-ahead convenience, assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; when you’re ready to bake, add an extra 5–10 minutes to the oven time, watching for bubbling edges and melted cheese. Finally, if you enjoy a crisp top, run the casserole under the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye so the cheese browns without burning.