Ultimate Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole: Your Go-To Recipe for Creamy, Cheesy & Bacon-Packed Comfort

This Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is the perfect side dish for any occasion. Rich, incredibly creamy, and generously loaded with crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese, and fresh green onions, it’s not only irresistibly delicious but also wonderfully easy to make ahead!

Are you searching for that perfect side dish that will steal the show at any dinner table, potluck, or holiday gathering? Look no further! This Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is exactly what you need. While we adore classic loaded potato skins, the intricate process of scooping out the pulp and keeping the potato skins intact can sometimes be a bit of a hassle. Frankly, I often struggle to keep those skins from falling apart – does anyone else share that culinary challenge?

That’s precisely how this incredible loaded mashed potato casserole came to be! It offers all the comforting flavors of traditional twice-baked potatoes or potato skins but with significantly less fuss. Instead of worrying about delicate skins, you get to dive straight into a glorious pan of fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes, generously mixed with all your favorite fixings.

Now, I’ll be honest, this dish is wonderfully decadent and not exactly light on the calories, but let’s be real – it’s not an everyday meal. I like to categorize this loaded mashed potatoes casserole as a “special occasion dish.” It’s absolutely ideal for the cozy end-of-year holidays, like Thanksgiving or Christmas, providing warmth and richness that everyone craves. But don’t relegate it solely to winter! It’s equally fantastic for a lively backyard barbecue in the summertime, serving as a hearty and crowd-pleasing accompaniment to grilled meats and other seasonal favorites. It’s truly a versatile dish that brings smiles year-round.

If you’re looking to round out your meal with more delicious sides, be sure to try my Lemon Parmesan Roasted Broccoli for a fresh touch, Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots for a hint of sweetness, or my Skillet Garlic Green Beans for a quick and flavorful veggie option.

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Mashed Potato Casserole

This isn’t just another potato dish; it’s a culinary masterpiece that consistently earns rave reviews. Here’s why this loaded mashed potato casserole will quickly become a cherished recipe in your collection:

• Effortlessly Delicious: Combining simple ingredients with straightforward steps, this casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s comfort food at its finest, guaranteed to satisfy.
• Perfect for Potlucks and Entertaining: With its crowd-pleasing appeal and ability to feed many, this casserole is a go-to for any gathering. It travels well and always disappears fast!
• Feeds a Large Crowd: This recipe makes a substantial batch, making it ideal for large family dinners, holiday feasts, or when you simply want leftovers for days.
• Simple Prep and Cleanup: Most of the work is upfront with the potatoes, and the baking dish handles the rest, simplifying your kitchen routine.
• Fantastic for Meal Prepping: One of its best features is how well it holds up. You can assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready, making entertaining stress-free.

Key Ingredients to Make This Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole Shine

The magic of this loaded mashed potato casserole lies in its harmonious blend of simple, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is essential for that perfect comforting flavor and texture:

• POTATOES – The foundation of our casserole! You can use either starchy Yukon Gold potatoes or russet potatoes. Both varieties are fantastic for mashing as they break down easily, creating that light, fluffy, and creamy texture we all love. While Idaho potatoes can work in a pinch, their texture might be slightly different. Remember to peel and cut them into uniform small chunks for even cooking.
• SOUR CREAM – This ingredient is crucial for adding a luxurious richness, essential moisture, and a delightful tang that cuts through the other rich flavors. For those looking for a slightly lighter option without sacrificing creaminess, a good quality Greek yogurt can be a surprisingly effective substitute.
• CREAM CHEESE – A secret weapon for ultimate creaminess! Cream cheese contributes a wonderful richness and a subtle tanginess that complements the sour cream, resulting in an incredibly smooth and velvety mashed potato base. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easier incorporation.
• MILK – I personally prefer using whole milk in this recipe to maintain a beautifully decadent and rich consistency. However, feel free to use whatever type of milk you typically have on hand. For an even more indulgent and ultra-creamy result, heavy cream is an excellent, albeit richer, alternative.
• GARLIC POWDER – For a consistent, mellow garlic flavor without any chunks or harshness. I opt for powder over fresh garlic here to ensure the mashed potatoes remain incredibly smooth, allowing the texture to be the star alongside the creamy goodness.
• CHEESE – This is a *cheesy* mashed potato casserole, after all! I use a winning combination of sharp shredded cheddar cheese for its classic melt and robust flavor, along with grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of salty, umami depth. Don’t hesitate to experiment with other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack or even Pepper Jack if you enjoy a little kick!
• BACON – Dare I say the absolute best part?! Crispy, salty bacon bits are non-negotiable for a truly “loaded” experience. Make sure to cook your bacon until perfectly crispy and then crumble it finely before you begin assembling the casserole. Reserve some for topping!
• GREEN ONIONS (SCALLIONS) – These are not just for garnish! Fresh green onions provide a vibrant pop of color and a crisp, sharp, oniony flavor that beautifully balances the richness of the potatoes, cheese, and bacon. They add a much-needed freshness to each bite.

Simple Steps to Make Your Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole

Creating this irresistible Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is easier than you might think! Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a perfectly creamy, cheesy, and bacon-packed side dish that everyone will adore. Remember, the key is good mashing and even mixing!

PREPARE THE POTATOES: Begin by cooking your peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are fork-tender. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly to prevent watery mashed potatoes, then mash them until smooth or to your desired consistency.

INCORPORATE THE OTHER INGREDIENTS: With your potatoes beautifully mashed, it’s time to fold in the magic! Add the specified amounts of cheddar and Parmesan cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together just a little bit more to ensure all the creamy ingredients are well-distributed. Finally, stir in a portion of the crispy crumbled bacon and additional cheese.

BAKE: Carefully spoon the cheesy, bacon-infused mashed potato mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly. Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is beautifully melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

GARNISH & SERVE: The grand finale! Once out of the oven, generously top your piping hot loaded mashed potato casserole with the remaining crispy bacon, a sprinkle of fresh green onions, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, a dollop of extra sour cream. Serve immediately and enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Mashed Potato Loaded Casserole Pro Tips for Perfection

Achieving the perfect loaded mashed potato casserole is all about technique and a few clever tricks. Follow these pro tips to ensure your dish is as flavorful, creamy, and irresistible as possible:

• Skip bagged cheese and opt for freshly grated cheese. This is a game-changer! Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting and sometimes impart a slightly grainy texture. Freshly grated cheese, especially sharp cheddar and Parmesan, melts much more beautifully and results in a creamier, richer casserole.
• Cut the potatoes into small chunks that are uniform in size before boiling. This seemingly small step is crucial for even cooking. If your potato pieces are of different sizes, some will be overcooked and watery while others remain hard, leading to an inconsistent mash.
• Bring the milk, sour cream, and cream cheese to room temperature before adding them to the hot mashed potatoes. While not strictly required, warm dairy products incorporate much more smoothly and easily into hot potatoes, preventing clumping and ensuring a velvety, uniform mash.
• Mash the potatoes with a traditional potato masher until they reach your desired texture. The beauty of mashed potatoes is that you can customize them! If you prefer a rustic dish with a bit of bite, leave some small chunks. However, for a truly luxurious and comforting casserole, I personally like my mashed potatoes very smooth and creamy, so I mash until almost lump-free.
• Bake uncovered for the best possible finish. Baking without a lid allows the top layer of your casserole to develop a gorgeous, golden-brown crust and ensures the cheese gets perfectly bubbly and melted. If you prefer a softer top, you can cover it for the first half of baking, then uncover for the last 10-15 minutes.
• Adjust the add-ins for some exciting variety! This recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to exchange green onions for milder chives or swap out cheddar for a different flavor of cheese like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoked Gouda. Don’t be shy about adding extra cheese or bacon if you’re a true indulgence seeker – more is often more in this dish! You could also add a pinch of paprika for color or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick.

This Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is not just a side; it’s a statement. It embodies comfort, generosity, and pure deliciousness. Whether you’re making it for a special holiday or a casual family dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

More Delicious Side Dish Recipes To Try

• Garlic Herb Potatoes Au Gratin
• Corn Casserole
• Easy Mushroom Risotto
• Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
• Simple Roasted Green Beans

Thanks so much for reading and exploring this incredible recipe! I truly hope you enjoy making and devouring this loaded casserole with mashed potatoes as much as I do. It’s a recipe born out of love for comfort food, designed to bring joy and deliciousness to your table. Please let me know what you think when you try it!

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