Ultimate Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Prepare this creamy, cheesy mashed potato casserole loaded with bacon and green onions. It is a comforting side dish perfect for holidays or family dinners and can be made ahead of time.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus 1/2 cup for topping
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well.
- Return the drained potatoes to the hot pot. Add the milk and butter. Mash until smooth.
- Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the potatoes. Mix until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is creamy.
- Gently fold in the crumbled bacon and half of the sliced green onions into the potato mixture.
- Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese topping is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with the remaining green onions.
Notes
- To make this dish ahead, prepare the casserole through step 5, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then proceed with baking as directed, adding 5 to 10 minutes to the bake time if necessary.
- For extra richness, substitute heavy cream for the milk.
- You can use pre-made mashed potatoes to save time, but adjust the added liquid slightly based on their consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 65