Print

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe with Bacon and Cheddar

loaded mashed potato casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A creamy, cheesy, and crispy mashed potato casserole loaded with smoky bacon and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for family dinners, holidays, or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200g)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or cream
  • 3–4 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel and cube the potatoes into roughly 1- to 2-inch pieces. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
  2. While potatoes boil, cook the bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Drain potatoes well in a colander, letting them sit a minute to dry out slightly. Return to the pot or place in a large mixing bowl. Mash the potatoes using a ricer or masher until mostly smooth but still a bit rustic. Avoid over-mashing.
  4. Add softened butter, sour cream, and milk to the mashed potatoes. Stir gently to combine until creamy and smooth. Fold in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Reserve about 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar and 1/4 cup of bacon for topping. Fold the rest of the cheese and bacon into the mashed potatoes along with sliced green onions. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mashed potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and bacon on top.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra green onions if desired.

Notes

Do not over-mash the potatoes to avoid gluey texture. Reserve some bacon fat to stir into the mash for extra smoky flavor if desired. Tent casserole with foil if cheese browns too fast. Rest casserole 5 minutes before serving for best texture. Can prepare ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed potato casserole, loaded mashed potatoes, bacon and cheddar casserole, comfort food, easy casserole, holiday side dish

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/loaded-mashed-potato-casserole-recipe-with-bacon-and-cheddar-easy-and-perfect/