When you think of comfort food, the rich aroma of Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole wafts through your mind like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine creamy mashed potatoes, loaded with cheese, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of chives—each bite feels like a cozy blanket wrapped around your taste buds. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that brings people together around the dinner table and creates memories.
I recall the first time I made Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole for my family. Their eyes lit up as I pulled it from the oven, golden and bubbling. It became an instant favorite at every holiday gathering, where laughter and cheerful banter filled the air alongside the irresistible scent of this delightful casserole. Get ready to dive into a world of flavor and nostalgia!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is super easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions
- The flavor profile combines savory cheese with crispy bacon for a mouthwatering experience
- With its creamy texture and golden topping, it’s visually stunning on any dinner table
- Ideal for potlucks or family gatherings, it’s versatile enough to be a side or main dish!
The reactions from my family when they take that first bite are priceless—pure joy mixed with cheesy bliss!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Russet Potatoes: These starchy beauties yield fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes—perfect for our casserole.
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Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter; it adds richness without overpowering the flavors.
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Heavy Cream: This makes the potatoes irresistibly smooth and luscious; don’t skimp on it!
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Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar for a bold flavor that pairs beautifully with potatoes.
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Crispy Bacon Bits: Who doesn’t love bacon? It adds crunch and smoky goodness to each bite.
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Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a pop of color and mild onion flavor—definitely don’t skip these!
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all those comforting flavors in your casserole.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Potatoes: Start by peeling and chopping the russet potatoes into even chunks. Aim for pieces about 1-inch wide for uniform cooking.
Boil Until Tender: Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Mash with Love: Drain the cooked potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add unsalted butter and heavy cream; mash until creamy and smooth while whispering sweet nothings to your potatoes.
Add Cheese & Bacon: Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits into your mashed potatoes until every morsel is coated in cheesy goodness.
Transfer to Baking Dish : Spoon the loaded mashed potato mixture into a greased baking dish. Level it off with a spatula; sprinkle more cheese on top because why not?
Bake Until Golden : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Enjoy that heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen!
And voilà! You now have a Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds! So grab that spoon, dig in, and enjoy every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s perfect for gatherings
- The creamy texture combined with crunchy toppings creates a delightful contrast that everyone will love
- You can prepare it a day ahead for stress-free entertaining
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your potatoes until fork-tender; drain and mash them before mixing in your ingredients for an even blend.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the cheese for a dairy-free option or add crispy bacon bits for an extra savory punch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a creamier texture, use sour cream or Greek yogurt in your mashed potatoes
- Don’t skip seasoning—salt brings out all the flavors!
- And always let the casserole rest after baking; this allows it to set beautifully, making serving easier
The first time I made Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole, my friends devoured it within minutes. They begged me to make it again, promising they’d help with the dishes next time!
FAQ
Can I make Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day before and bake when ready.
What type of potatoes work best for this casserole?
Russet potatoes are ideal due to their fluffy texture after cooking.
Can I freeze Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole?
Absolutely! Just wrap well and freeze before baking for up to three months.
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the comforts of home with this Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole! Creamy russet potatoes are blended with rich unsalted butter, heavy cream, and sharp cheddar cheese, then topped with crispy bacon and fresh chives. This dish is perfect for gatherings, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will make every meal memorable. Whether served as a side or main dish, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crispy bacon bits
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the chopped potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Return the potatoes to the pot and mash them with unsalted butter and heavy cream until smooth.
- Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits until evenly mixed.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle more cheese on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider mixing in sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess. - You can prepare this casserole a day ahead; simply assemble and refrigerate until ready to bake.
