There’s something magical about a bubbling, cheesy, and outrageously creamy Mashed Potato Casserole. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile, tempting them with its melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, savory bacon, zingy green onions, and plenty of decadent cheese. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday feast or cozy family dinner, this recipe transforms humble potatoes into a showstopping side that will leave your guests reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how approachable this ingredient list is—each component plays a starring role in flavor, texture, or that irresistible golden crust. When these simple items come together, they make every bite unforgettable.
- Russet Potatoes: The fluffy magic-maker—russets are ideal for mashing, creating a velvety smooth base.
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy richness, ensuring a luscious, cloud-like texture.
- Cream Cheese: Brings creaminess and just a touch of tang, making the casserole irresistible.
- Unsalted Butter: Melts effortlessly into the potatoes and brings out their earthy flavor.
- Whole Milk: Keeps everything silky and helps create that perfect mashed consistency.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor and not just the potatoes themselves.
- Black Pepper: Offers a gentle, peppery bite, rounding out the richness.
- Garlic Powder: Delivers a subtle, savory depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden topping and weaves cheesy goodness throughout.
- Bacon: Crispy, salty bacon bits add crunch and an extra layer of savory indulgence.
- Green Onions: Sprinkle in freshness and color, both inside and atop your casserole.
How to Make Mashed Potato Casserole
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Peel and chop your russet potatoes into even chunks for a consistent cook time. Boil them in generously salted water until they’re fork-tender, which usually takes about 15–20 minutes. This is the canvas for your Mashed Potato Casserole, so don’t rush—well-cooked potatoes are the foundation of dreamy mash.
Step 2: Drain and Mash
Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them right back to the pot while they’re still steaming hot (this helps any remaining moisture evaporate). Mash until smooth using a potato masher or ricer. If you like your casserole extra fluffy, don’t be shy about getting those lumps out!
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Additions
Now add the sour cream, softened cream cheese, melted butter, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir (or whip) everything until you have an irresistibly creamy mixture that you’ll want to sneak a spoonful from—this is the backbone of a memorable Mashed Potato Casserole.
Step 4: Stir in Cheesy & Savory Goodness
Fold in half the shredded cheddar, half the crumbled bacon, and half the green onions. This way, you get cheese, savory crunch, and freshness in every mouthful. Mixing some of the toppings in (instead of just layering) is the secret to extra-special flavor throughout.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Transfer your creamy mashed potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle over the rest of the cheddar cheese and bacon, creating a cheesy, bacon-studded crust that will turn golden and bubbly in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Mashed Potato Casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the cheese melted, the casserole heated through, and little pockets of golden deliciousness along the top. The aroma alone will bring everyone to the kitchen!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, scatter the remaining green onions over the casserole. This final touch of color and freshness balances out all that creamy, cheesy goodness and makes your dish look as special as it tastes.
How to Serve Mashed Potato Casserole
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! For an inviting pop of color and subtle bite, be generous with those reserved chopped green onions. If you want extra pizazz, try sprinkling on fresh chives, a dash of cracked black pepper, or even an extra ooze of melted butter right before serving.
Side Dishes
Mashed Potato Casserole is wonderfully versatile; it pairs as easily with a juicy roast chicken or a classic meatloaf as it does with holiday hams and festive turkeys. Serve it alongside crisp green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a zingy salad for balance. Dinner rolls for mopping up every last bit are also highly encouraged!
Creative Ways to Present
You don’t have to serve your casserole family-style every time. Spoon it into individual ramekins for an elegant dinner-party touch or pipe it onto plates in swirls for a restaurant-quality look. For potlucks or picnics, use disposable foil pans for easy sharing—just don’t expect any leftovers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? They store beautifully! Cool your Mashed Potato Casserole completely, then cover tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors only get better, and reheated portions are just as comforting.
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed (adding a few minutes to ensure it’s heated through).
Reheating
To reheat, cover your casserole with foil and bake at 350°F until warm, about 20–30 minutes. If you’re just doing single portions, a couple of minutes in the microwave will do the trick—just stir halfway through to keep it evenly creamy.
FAQs
Can I make Mashed Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to two days ahead and refrigerate it, unbaked. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven to reheat and finish melting the cheese.
What’s the best way to make this vegetarian?
Just skip the bacon! It’s still crazy delicious with all the cheese, onions, and creamy potatoes. Or swap in your favorite plant-based bacon for that classic smoky crunch.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Definitely—cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix things up! Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan are delicious alternatives. Customize it to fit your personal cheese preferences.
Will this work with low-fat dairy?
Yes, you can use low-fat versions of sour cream, cream cheese, and milk to lighten things up. The casserole will still be tasty, though full-fat ingredients give the richest, creamiest result.
How can I make my mashed potatoes extra smooth?
Use a potato ricer or food mill for the smoothest texture, and make sure your potatoes are drained thoroughly. Incorporating the dairy while the potatoes are still hot ensures a silky, creamy finish for your Mashed Potato Casserole.
Final Thoughts
If ever there was a side dish guaranteed to win hearts, it’s this Mashed Potato Casserole. Warm, flavorful, and spectacularly cheesy, it’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again—so go ahead, give it a try and watch your table light up with joy!
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Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Mashed Potato Casserole that’s loaded with cheese, bacon, and green onions. The perfect side dish for any occasion!
Ingredients
Potato Mixture:
- 4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Cook potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix in sour cream, cream cheese, butter, milk, seasonings, half of cheese, bacon, and green onions.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread mixture in a greased dish. Top with remaining cheese and bacon.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with remaining green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or use plant-based alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
