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The Ultimate Creamy Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

A close-up serving of creamy mashed potato casserole topped with melted cheddar cheese and bacon bits.
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This mashed potato casserole recipe delivers rich, cheesy comfort. You get creamy mashed potatoes mixed with sour cream and cheddar cheese, baked until golden. It is a perfect make-ahead side dish for holidays or any family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz 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
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. 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.
  3. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the hot pot to dry out for one minute over low heat, shaking occasionally.
  4. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the warm milk and softened butter. Mash the potatoes until smooth.
  5. Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is fully combined and creamy. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the crumbled bacon.
  7. Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
  9. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese topping is melted and bubbly.
  10. Let the mashed potato casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions.

Notes

  • For a make-ahead mashed potato casserole, prepare the mixture up to the point of topping with cheese. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then add the cheese topping and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed.
  • If you want a twice baked potato casserole style, you can top the casserole with crushed butter crackers mixed with melted butter before baking for extra crunch.
  • You can use instant mashed potatoes for an easy potato casserole side dish, following package directions for the amount of liquid, but substitute some of the liquid with sour cream for extra richness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/mashed-potato-casserole-recipe/