Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is the perfect side dish for any occasion. If you’re looking for a change from classic mashed potatoes, try this irresistibly creamy, loaded mashed potatoes recipe with cheese and bacon.
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Mashed potatoes are always a great side to serve for Meatloaf or any meal, because are effortless to make and so filling. However, at big parties like a Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas party, you tend to want to dress up plain mashed potatoes. That’s where this potato casserole comes to life! Creamy mashed potatoes topped with cheese, crispy bacon and chives.
This dish is everything you could ask for in a side dish. The best part – the dish may be prepared in advance making it the perfect side for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Winner!
How to Make Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole:
- Cook, drain and mash the potatoes
- Mash in the hot milk/butter/sour cream mixture until well incorporated
- Spread mashed potatoes into a baking dish and top with cooked bacon and cheese
- Cover dish with foil and bake until cheese is melty.
TIP: If you are not baking the casserole immediately, allow the potatoes to cool before adding the cheese.
Toppings for Loaded Mashed Potatoes-
Top potato casserole with fresh chives, green onions, parsley or cilantro for added flavor and appeal.
Though the loaded cheese and bacon is enough for the baked mashed potatoes. Serving them with a side of sour cream really is wonderful. It feels like you’re enjoying a loaded baked potato.
What cheese should be used for Loaded Potato Casserole?
You really can’t go wrong with any cheese for this potato casserole. Use your favorite cheese:
- Mexican Four Cheese
- Colby Jack
- or a combination of Mild Cheddar and Mozzarella
TIP: Cheese ALWAYS performs better when freshly shredded as it contains fewer preservatives. Purchase a block of cheese and grate it yourself.
Other SIDE dishes to try for the Holidays:
- Fried Zucchini– The mayo garlic spread is irresistible.
- Cranberry Sauce- Perfect side to go along with your Turkey.
- Creamy Green Bean Casserole– Classic dish for the Holidays.
- Egg Salad– the easiest side salad
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2" cubes
- 1 tsp salt , or to taste
- 3/4 cup milk, (whole or 2% milk)
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 8 oz Colby Jack cheese, freshly shredded
- 8 oz bacon, chopped
- 2 Tbsp green onion or chives , to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375˚F. Place potatoes in a pot, cover with enough water to submerge potatoes. Bring to a boil over medium/high heat then reduce heat to medium and season potatoes will 1 tsp salt. Cook until potatoes are easily pierced with a knife then drain well.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, add the butter and milk and cook until butter is melted. Turn the heat off, keep saucepan on the stovetop to keep the milk hot. Add the sour cream and whisk until combined.
- Mash or beat potatoes with a mixer until creamy. Add the milk mixture and continue mixing until well incorporated. Transfer potatoes to a baking dish.
- On a medium skillet, saute chopped bacon until golden brown. Sprinkle bacon over potatoes and top with shredded cheese.
- Cover baking dish with foil and bake at 375˚F for 25 minutes. Remove foil and cook an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese melts and potatoes are hot.
Nutrition Per Serving
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I hope your whole family will love this easy and delicious Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe!