Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
A comforting and hearty dish featuring creamy mashed potatoes topped with cheese, bacon, and chives, perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes Russet and Idaho also work
- 1 tbsp kosher salt divided
- 1.5 tsp ground black pepper divided
- 1 tsp granulated onion
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter room temperature, 1 stick
- 4 oz cream cheese room temperature, ½ brick
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1.5 cups half-and-half or heavy cream warmed slightly
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 lb crumbled cooked bacon divided
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives divided
Instructions
Preparation
- Spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Place the potatoes in a large Dutch oven and cover with 1 inch of water.
- Add 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp granulated onion, and ½ tsp garlic powder; stir well.
- Set over high heat and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the potatoes are fork tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the still hot pot. Set the pot over low heat to boil off excess moisture, about 1 minute.
- Mash the potatoes, then add the butter, cream cheese, sour cream, half-and-half, and 1 cup cheese. Stir well.
- Add half of the bacon and 1 tbsp chopped chives. Stir well and taste. Season with additional kosher salt and black pepper, if needed.
- Spread the mashed potatoes into the prepared baking dish.
Baking
- If baking immediately, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until heated through and the top is slightly golden.
- If making ahead, cover the dish with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
Serving
- Serve Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole hot from the oven! Top with the remaining bacon, cheese, and chives for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
Feel free to add other toppings like sour cream or green onions for extra flavor. If you want a crispy top, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.