If you are looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings all the creamy, cheesy goodness of mashed potatoes into an easy-to-share form, this Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with smooth, buttery mashed potatoes, melty cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a zing of fresh green onions, this casserole is the ultimate cozy side dish to brighten up any meal. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, this recipe delivers layers of flavor and a creamy texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe relies on simple staples that work together beautifully to create a rich and luscious dish. Each ingredient is selected to add creaminess, flavor depth, or a delightful crunch to the final result.
- Russet potatoes (4 pounds): The perfect potato to achieve fluffy and smooth mashed potatoes thanks to their starchy texture.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tanginess and extra creaminess that elevates the overall flavor.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Brings a silky richness and subtle tang that blends seamlessly.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Essential for buttery depth and smooth mouthfeel.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Helps loosen the potatoes slightly for luscious softness.
- Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances all the other flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild spice that balances the richness.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Offers a subtle, comforting garlicky background note.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully into the casserole topping and inside for gooey goodness.
- Bacon (6 slices, cooked and crumbled): Provides crispy, smoky bits that contrast the creamy potatoes.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds fresh color and a mild onion flavor that lifts the dish.
How to Make Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Boil and Prep the Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting your russet potatoes into chunks so they cook evenly and quickly. Boil them in a large pot of salted water until they’re fork-tender, which usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. This ensures your potatoes are soft enough to mash until perfectly smooth, the base of your hearty casserole.
Step 2: Mash and Mix
Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot to avoid any watery texture. Mash them thoroughly until there are no lumps. Then stir in sour cream, softened cream cheese, melted butter, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Each ingredient blends into the potatoes, creating a creamy and flavorful mash that’s anything but boring.
Step 3: Layer the Flavors
Fold half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half the crumbled bacon, and half the green onions into your mashed mixture. This mix-in step ensures every bite has a delicious surprise of cheese and smoky bacon. Once combined, transfer the entire mash into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing it out for an even bake.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the top to form a golden, melty crust. Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese topping bubbles and turns a beautiful golden brown, and the casserole is warm throughout.
How to Serve Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the remaining chopped green onions right before serving to add a fresh pop of color and a mild, crisp bite that perfectly contrasts the creamy texture. You can also add extra crumbled bacon on top if you want more savory crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham, enhancing the meal with its velvety richness. For a veggie boost, serve alongside roasted Brussel sprouts or steamed green beans, which provide a lovely textural contrast and brighten the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make this casserole stand out for a festive occasion, try serving it in individual ramekins topped with a sprig of fresh thyme or a dusting of smoked paprika. Another fun twist is to layer in other mix-ins like caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms to customize flavors to your liking while sticking close to the classic Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe base.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover casserole covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will stay perfectly creamy and flavorful for up to 2 days, making it easy to enjoy your creation again without losing quality.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Place cooled casserole in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain that silky texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through to preserve the cheesy topping and creamy interior. Alternatively, microwave portions covered loosely with a paper towel for a quicker option, stirring halfway for even heat distribution.
FAQs
Can I make this Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with your favorite plant-based bacon alternative. The dish will remain deliciously cheesy and hearty even without the meat.
What type of potatoes work best for this casserole?
Russet potatoes are ideal because their high starch content makes for fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes that hold together well during baking.
Can I use low-fat dairy instead of full-fat sour cream and cream cheese?
Yes, you can swap for low-fat varieties, but keep in mind that the casserole may be slightly less rich and creamy. To maintain flavor, make sure not to skimp on butter and seasoning.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Great news — this Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free, so no changes are necessary to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I prepare the casserole in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the dish up to 2 days before baking. Just refrigerate it tightly covered and bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe enough for anyone craving a soul-satisfying side that’s easy to make and endlessly comforting. It hits all the right notes with creamy, cheesy, and crispy elements all in one dish. Perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or anytime you want a little extra love on your plate. Give it a try, and I’m pretty sure it’ll earn a special spot on your recipe rotation!
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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: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy and cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole combines smooth mashed potatoes with sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions for a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Potatoes & Dairy
- 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
Seasonings & Toppings
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, divided
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Boil the peeled and chunked russet potatoes in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
- Add Dairy and Seasonings: Stir in sour cream, softened cream cheese, melted butter, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Mix in Half Toppings: Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the crumbled bacon, and half of the chopped green onions evenly into the mashed potato mixture.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mashed potatoes into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add Remaining Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the top of the mashed potatoes.
- Bake: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with the remaining chopped green onions before serving warm.
Notes
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to reheating.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute with plant-based bacon alternatives.
