Mashed Potato Casserole is a super creamy and cheese side dish that is ready in less than one hour. It is easily one of the best household favorites comfort food that goes well with just about anything!

If you like spuds as much as I do, then, this will not disappoint! Here are some of my spud recipes that you may also like: Hash Browns, Grilled Potatoes, and Tater Tots!

Bacon Mashed Potato Casserole

This Mashed Potato Casserole recipe will come in handy during the holiday season. It is easy to prepare with easy-to-find ingredients. And the best part is that this dish alone can feed a huge crowd during the Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. 

This recipe is very similar to my loaded twice baked potato one but in a casserole form. I am yet to meet a person who isn’t a fan of mashed potatoes. It goes well with meaty dishes, especially with beef and chicken.

Also, I like mine creamy and smooth, and with a crunchy topping thanks to the bacon. It is very versatile as well, so you can add pretty much anything to it. 

And with this recipe, you get to elevate it into another comfort food – a baked dish topped with your favorite crunchy bacon, cheddar cheese, and chopped chives. The flavor combination is a classic.

You can never go wrong with this side dish. Feel free to prepare it in advance so you will not be as busy on the day of the celebration. Impress your family and friends and make it a part of your holiday menu!

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Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole Ingredients:

• Russet potatoes: This variety is mealy and fluffy when baked.
• Milk: You can use 1%, 2%, 3%, or whole milk.
• Butter: I like mine loaded with it!
• Sour Cream: It adds richness, creaminess, and tartness.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: It adds richness. You can make yours as cheesy as you like, using your favorite cheese. 
• Crumbled bacon: For a savory and crunchy texture. Here are the steps on how to make your own bacon at home. 
• Chopped chives and parsley: Both add freshness and a pop of color that makes everything look so appetizing.
• Kosher salt and pepper: To taste
• Cooking spray

How to make loaded Mashed Potato Casserole?

1. Boil the potatoes: In a large pot, boil some salted water and the spuds. Let the spuds boil until they become tender after about 15 to 20 minutes. Then, drain.
2. Mash the spuds: Get a ricer or masher to mash the tender spuds. Then, put them back to the pot.
3. Season: Stir in the dairy ingredients as well as salt and pepper to taste. At this point, stir in only a cup of the cheese.
4. Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven. Transfer the mashed spuds into a baking pan greased with cooking spray. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
5. Bake: Next, cover the pan with foil then pop it in the oven for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and add the bacon. Bake it again until the cheese toppings become bubbly.
6. Serve: Garnish with the chopped herbs and serve!

Mashed Potato Casserole variations:

• Slow Cooker: Instead of cooking the spuds on the stovetop, you may use the crockpot. This gives you an option to utilize other kitchen appliances to focus on other dishes that will require your stovetop. This also becomes extremely helpful during the holidays.
• Instant Pot: Alternatively, you can make this dish in the Instant Pot, here is the Instant Pot version. 
• Swap the Cheese: Instead of cheddar, you can always use other types of cheese entirely, or a combination of a few. Gouda, Parmigiano, Asiago, Pepper Jack, Gruyere cheeses are a great alternative. Also, feel free to mix it with cream cheese
• Milk substitute: As a milk substitute, you can try using cream or creme fraiche.
• Toppings: Add more texture by topping it with a layer of panko crumbs, crushed crackers, or some crispy onion rings!

Best potatoes to use?

While I use russet here, other varieties work as well. For example, Yukon golds, King Edward have a creamy texture as well, making them a great alternative.

What to serve with Mashed Potato Casserole?

This hearty and comfort side dish goes well pretty much with anything meaty such as the following:

• Bacon-wrapped Meatloaf
• Pan-seared Steak
• Garlic Herb Buttered Roasted Chicken
• Beef Tips and Gravy
• Hamburger Steak with Mushroom Gravy
• Crockpot Corned Beef

Can I make Mashed Potato Casserole ahead?

Yes! Feel free to make it ahead by prepping the mashed spuds and assembling the casserole. Then, refrigerate the whole thing until you are ready to proceed with the rest of the recipe the following day.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, you can freeze it for months. And to reheat, you can simply bake it in the oven for an extended period to ensure that it is heated through.

More delicious side dishes:

• Southern Cornbread Dressing
• Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
• Caprese Salad
• Cauliflower Rice
• Homemade Coleslaw

Recipe Tips

• Out of russets? No problem! Try making this delicious sweet potato casserole instead.
• For extra flavor, add garlic powder, taco seasoning, or homemade ranch seasoning. 
• Drizzle the top with gravy to make it even better!

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5 from 6 reviews

Bacon Mashed Potato Casserole

Mashed Potato Casserole is a super creamy and cheese side dish that is ready in less than one hour. It is easily one of the best household favorites comfort food that goes well with just about anything!

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Author: Catalina Castravet Serves: 8 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Total time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• 3 pounds russet potatoes  (peeled and cut into cubes)
• 1 cup half and half 
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter  (melted)
• 1/2 cup sour cream 
• 1/2 cup cream cheese 
•  kosher salt and pepper to taste 
• 1 tablespoon Ranch powder 
• 2 cups cheddar cheese  (shredded and divided)
• 1 1/2 cups crumbled cooked bacon  (divided)
• 1/4 cup green onions  (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons parsley  (finely chopped)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add about 1-2 tablespoons of salt. Add the potatoes to the pot and boil for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
2. Drain the potatoes and mash.
3. Stir in the half and half, butter, sour cream, cream cheese into the mashed potatoes and stir until fully combined.
4. Add Ranch, stir and then add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and 2/3 of a cup of cooked bacon.
6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
7. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan, and transfer the potatoes into the casserole dish.
8. Top with remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
9. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes, until the cheese is nicely melted.
10. Remove the foil and add the remaining bacon; bake, uncovered for an additional 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.
11. Sprinkle the green onions and parsley on top and serve immediately.

Nutrition information

Calories: 429 Carbohydrates: 37 Protein: 20 Fat: 23 Saturated Fat: 12 Cholesterol: 66 Sodium: 830 Potassium: 956 Fiber: 2 Sugar: 2 Vitamin A: 594 Vitamin C: 12 Calcium: 221 Iron: 2

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