If you’re dreaming of pure comfort on a plate, look no further than this Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole. Imagine fluffy, buttery potatoes swirled with tangy sour cream and sharp cheddar, crowned with crispy bacon, and bubbling hot from the oven. This is the side dish that disappears first at any gathering! Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a Sunday brunch, or just want a cozy weeknight treat, this casserole brings everyone to the table with its cheesy, savory goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the secret to this show-stopping side. Each one adds a layer of flavor, texture, or eye-catching color, working together to create a Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole that’s nothing short of irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need and how each ingredient shines in the dish:
- Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes (3 lbs, peeled and cubed): The starchy base creates a creamy, fluffy texture that’s perfect for a casserole.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and extra creaminess that lifts the flavors beyond basic mashed potatoes.
- Whole Milk (1/2 cup): Helps loosen up the potatoes for a soft, scoopable texture—don’t skip it!
- Butter (4 tbsp): The heart of comfort food, it melts into the potatoes, making them rich and irresistible.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 1/2 cups, divided): Melts into gooey bliss inside and finishes with a golden crust on top.
- Cooked Bacon (1/2 cup, chopped): Those crispy, smoky bits give savory crunch and serious loaded flavor.
- Green Onions (1/4 cup, sliced): Fresh, peppery, and a gorgeous pop of color right before serving.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning at each stage, making every bite sing.
- Nonstick Spray: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking, so every cheesy bit can be scooped out.
How to Make Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick spray with nonstick spray to make sure nothing gets left behind when scooping out the finished casserole—it makes cleanup a breeze too.
Step 2: Cook and Drain the Potatoes
Place the peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Toss in a generous pinch of salt—it seasons the potatoes from the inside out. Bring everything to a boil and let those potatoes bubble away for about 15 to 20 minutes, until they’re fork-tender and ready for mashing. Drain well, then return the potatoes to the pot to let any residual steam escape (dry potatoes make creamier mash).
Step 3: Mash and Mix the Goodness
Mash the potatoes until smooth and silky—you can use a classic potato masher or even a ricer for ultimate fluffiness. Now comes the fun part: stir in the sour cream, milk, butter, 1 cup of cheddar, half of the chopped bacon, and plenty of salt and black pepper. Mix until everything is creamy and completely combined. The cheese will start to melt into the potatoes at this point!
Step 4: Assemble the Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole
Transfer the glorious, loaded mash into your prepared baking dish. Smooth the top so it bakes evenly. Sprinkle over the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, followed by the rest of the crispy bacon. These layers will create that classic cheesy, bacon-studded topping everyone craves.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Bake the casserole for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly—look for golden edges and cheese happiness! Once out of the oven, top with sliced green onions for a fresh, colorful flourish. Serve hot and bask in the collective sigh of delight at your table.
How to Serve Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole
Garnishes
Finish your Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole with a sprinkle of extra green onions, a dusting of cracked black pepper, or even a little extra shredded cheese just before serving. For a hint of color and freshness, you can also toss on some chopped fresh parsley or chives. These little touches make every serving look incredible and taste unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with classic mains like roast chicken, glazed ham, grilled steaks, or even a big holiday turkey. For a lighter touch, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance out the rich creaminess. Either way, you’ll find it goes with just about everything and never steals the spotlight from your main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get playful, try baking the casserole in individual ramekins for personal mini-loaded mashed potato bowls—perfect for dinner parties! Or, use a piping bag to swirl mounds of the mash on a platter for a fancy twist. You can also scoop portions into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer. The possibilities for making this dish look as impressive as it tastes are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of your Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing, and keep that savory flavor locked in. The casserole’s creamy texture and cheesy top reheat like a dream, making next-day lunches feel extra special.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or have extra to save, Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole can be frozen. After assembling (but before baking), cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed. You can also freeze leftovers, though the texture might get slightly denser—still absolutely delicious!
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 20–25 minutes). If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just spoon out the desired portion, cover lightly, and heat in short bursts, stirring gently for even warmth. Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it moist and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in my Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for its melt and sharp bite, you can swap in Monterey Jack, Colby, gouda, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Feel free to mix and match according to what you love or have on hand.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, all the main ingredients in Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy option for guests with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check every ingredient you use, particularly packaged bacon or seasoning blends, to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.
Can I prepare Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just bake as directed—add a few extra minutes if it’s going into the oven straight from the fridge.
What’s the best way to make this dish extra creamy?
For an ultra-luxurious texture, try replacing some or all of the milk with heavy cream, or even add a bit of cream cheese for extra tang and richness. Just be sure to taste and adjust seasonings as you go!
Can I make this without bacon for a vegetarian option?
Absolutely—you can simply leave out the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or extra cheese for delicious flavor and texture. Smoked paprika or a pinch of liquid smoke can add that smoky vibe, too.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an unforgettable, crowd-pleasing side dish, Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole is the answer. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any meal. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can bring such big smiles!
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Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole. Creamy mashed potatoes mixed with sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions, baked to perfection for a side dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
3 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and cubed)
Cheese Mixture:
1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup whole milk, 4 tbsp butter, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Additional Toppings:
1/2 cup cooked bacon (chopped), 1/4 cup green onions (sliced), salt and black pepper to taste, nonstick spray for baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook the potatoes: Boil the potatoes until fork-tender, then mash them with sour cream, milk, butter, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, half of the bacon, salt, and pepper.
- Bake the casserole: Transfer the mashed potatoes to the baking dish, top with remaining cheese and bacon, then bake for 20–25 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with green onions before serving hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, replace some or all of the milk with heavy cream.
- You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or ranch seasoning for more flavor.
- This casserole can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
