Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Creamy, cheesy mashed potato casserole loaded with bacon and baked until golden — the ultimate comfort side dish for holidays or weeknights.
Print Recipe
Equipment
- Baking Dish 10.5 x 7.5-inch or any 8-cup Baking Dish (See notes for other sizes of baking dish or casserole dish)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 6 slices (about 60g total) cooked bacon, crumbled
- ⅓ cup (80g) sour cream
- 3oz (85g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp (45ml) milk
- 1⅓ cup (140g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- salt and black pepper to taste (I would start with ½ tsp each)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish or mixed in)
Instructions
- Cook the potatoes. Place 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes, peeled and chopped in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. While the potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mash it all up. Drain the cooked potatoes well and return them to the warm pot or a large mixing bowl. Add ⅓ cup (80g) sour cream, 3oz (85g) cream cheese, softened, 3 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter, and 3 tbsp (45ml) milk. Mash until smooth and creamy — you can leave a few small lumps if you like a rustic texture.
- Mix in the good stuff. Stir in half of the 1⅓ cup (140g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided and most of the 6 slices (about 60g total) cooked bacon, crumbled, reserving some for topping. Season with ½ tsp garlic powder, plus salt and black pepper to taste. At this stage, it's best to taste the mashed potato and add salt and pepper to your liking.
- Assemble the casserole. Lightly grease your 10.5×7.5-inch (2.7-quart) baking dish, then spread the mashed potato mixture evenly inside. Smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle with the remaining half of cheddar cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Finish and serve.Garnish with 2 green onions, sliced and reserved bacon before serving warm. Creamy, cheesy, and bacon-loaded — the ultimate cozy side dish!
