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.

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole topped with cheese, bacon and chives

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Hey, hey! Valentina with Valentina’s Corner sharing a recipe for Mashed Potato Casserole!

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!

Loaded Mashed Potatoes in a Baking dish.

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.

step-by-step images how to make mashed potatoes.

TIP: If you are not baking the casserole immediately, allow the potatoes to cool before adding the cheese.

Three photos that show the process of making a Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

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.

Baked mashed potatoes topped with bacon and chives

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.

Loaded Baked Potatoes in a Casserole dish.

Other SIDE dishes to try for the Holidays:

Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

5 from 90 votes
Author: Valentina Ablaev
oaded Mashed Potato Casserole is the perfect side dish. These irresistibly creamy baked mashed potatoes are loaded with cheese and topped with crispy bacon.
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is the perfect side dish. These irresistibly creamy baked mashed potatoes are loaded with cheese and topped with crispy bacon.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 servings, as a side
  • 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

625kcal Calories37g Carbs19g Protein45g Fat23g Saturated Fat108mg Cholesterol899mg Sodium965mg Potassium2g Fiber3g Sugar975IU Vitamin A11.1mg Vitamin C336mg Calcium2.1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Amount per Serving
Calories
625
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
45
g
69
%
Saturated Fat
 
23
g
144
%
Cholesterol
 
108
mg
36
%
Sodium
 
899
mg
39
%
Potassium
 
965
mg
28
%
Carbohydrates
 
37
g
12
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Protein
 
19
g
38
%
Vitamin A
 
975
IU
20
%
Vitamin C
 
11.1
mg
13
%
Calcium
 
336
mg
34
%
Iron
 
2.1
mg
12
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Skill Level: Easy/Medium
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 625

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

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Easy mashed potato bake in casserole dish

I hope your whole family will love this easy and delicious Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe!

Valentina Ablaev

I am Valentina, the creator behind the food blog Valentina’s Corner where I share our family’s favorite recipes. When I am not in the kitchen, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and 5 children. We invite you to join us on our blogging journey!

Read more posts by Valentina

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Rose Ann
    December 22, 2023

    Do I have to use russet potatoes? I just got a veggie box with a 5 lb bag of all purpose potatoes.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 22, 2023

      I like using russet potatoes, I haven’t tried using all purpose potatoes to advice but feel free to experiment.

      Reply

      • Rose Ann
        December 24, 2023

        I will let you know. I can’t wait to try these. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

        Reply

  • Catherine
    December 6, 2023

    I made this tonight to take to a couple with a new baby. I served it as a side with pork loin, green beans, and rolls. I doubled the recipe for my family to have it for dinner as well, and we devoured it! Next time I plan to prep it in advance by making it ahead of time, storing in the fridge, and baking right before dinner. It was super easy and a great “comfort food”. Thank you!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 6, 2023

      You’re very welcome, Catherine! I’m so glad it was enjoyed.

      Reply

  • Diane
    November 3, 2023

    What size baking dish is recommended to be used with this? 8 ounces of bacon is how many slices? Thanks for any help because I’d love to make this for Thanksgiving.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 4, 2023

      Hi Diane, My pan was 9×9 but an 8×8 will also work if you have that on hand. 8 ounces is a weight measurement, I recommend using a kitchen scale to get the exact measurement. Since you’re topping the casserole with this you can also use more or less bacon based on your preference.

      Reply

  • Beth Hawkins
    November 3, 2023

    It looks mighty tasty to me!! I love bacon, I love cheese, and oh, how I love potatoes!!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 3, 2023

      This is delish! I hope you get to try the recipe!

      Reply

  • Regina
    April 8, 2023

    Hi Natasha!
    I love your recipes and often make them for Holidays and my family is always full of praise.
    I doubled this recipe and put it in a 9×13. Its going into the fridge overnight. I plan to leave the topping off to start with so I can stir it as I heat it in the oven and then add the remaining ingredients about half way through. However, I’m wondering if I should cover it to avoid it drying out until I add the cheese and bacon. Also how long do you think it will take? I planning maybe an hour all together, bit not sure.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 8, 2023

      Hi Regina! I have not tested that to give specific instructions. If you are starting out with refrigerated potatoes, they will likely need some extra time.

      Reply

  • Cyndie
    June 30, 2022

    In a quick last minute recipe, could I use store bought (refrigerated) mashed potato’s ? Add sour cream – nuke the. Add cheese bacon and place in oven to furnish?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 30, 2022

      Hi Cyndie, I haven’t tried those substitutions, so I can’t speak to that. Substitutions may hinder the recipe outcome.

      Reply

  • Shayna
    April 23, 2022

    I love this recipe! I made a few additions… I sautéed the white tops of the scallions and half of a Vidalia onion (chopped) in the leftover bacon grease, then added this and some of the bacon and cheese into the potatoes before spreading mixture into pan. Still topped with remaining cheese and bacon, but I enjoyed having a little extra in the potatoes!

    Thanks for the great recipe!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 25, 2022

      Hi Shayna! Thank you for the review and for sharing your experience. I’m so glad you enjoy this recipe.

      Reply

  • Norma Chirino
    December 27, 2021

    Natasha
    I love your recipes and try most of them .
    Do you do any cook books please

    Beast wishes for you and your family for 2022

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 27, 2021

      Hi Norma, I don’t have a cookbook out yet, but it’s on my list of life goals.

      Reply

  • Kathie Peffer
    December 25, 2021

    Loved this recipe. I added finely chopped green onions and sprinkled fresh chopped parsley on top right before serving.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 26, 2021

      Good to know that you enjoyed this recipe, Kathie!

      Reply

  • Diane Haines
    December 1, 2021

    I would love to make this for Christmas dinner, but all I have is Red potatoes; lots of them. Would these kind of potatoes work well for this recipe? Thanks so much.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 1, 2021

      Hello Diane, I think that will work fine since red potatoes have more moisture. If you give that a try, please share with us how it goes.

      Reply

  • Anna Krongart
    October 1, 2021

    Can I freeze this recipe?

    Reply

  • Randy
    June 22, 2021

    Love this recipe it is sooooo good! The first time I made them I went immediately to the oven, the second time I made them the day before and then put them in the oven the second day (same temp, but baked them for 50 minutes and 10 minutes uncovered). Both were equally yummy!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 22, 2021

      That’s so great, Randy! I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

  • Mary
    April 26, 2021

    My family loves these potatoes! What would be your advice to keeping them warm in a crock pot without drying out? Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 26, 2021

      Hi Mary, depending on how long they’re in there I would keep it on a warm or low heat setting.

      Reply

  • Brianna sullivan
    February 23, 2021

    hi, what if i dont have a electric mixer?? also what size baking dish did you use for this recipe?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 23, 2021

      Hi Brianna, you can mix it manually but it’s not going to be as smooth as when using an electric mixer. Mine was 9×9 but an 8×8 will also work.

      Reply

  • Nina Scheinhuette
    January 24, 2021

    It’s in the oven

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 25, 2021

      Sounds good, I hope you love it!

      Reply

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