Mashed Potato Casserole

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2 mins read
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The creamiest, cheesiest mashed potatoes EVER!  This easy to make LOADED POTATO CASSEROLE is topped with extra melty cheese, crispy bacon, and chives.  The best part?  You can make this dish ahead of time and then just pop it in the oven to heat back up!  This dish will end up being the highlight of any meal! 

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All about this Mashed Potato Casserole…

This mashed potato casserole is melt in your mouth creamy and smooth, loaded up with tons of melty cheese, crunchy panko bread crumbs, topped with crisp salty bacon, and bits of chives for color and a pop of fresh flavor.

Here’s just some reasons why this will be your new favorite:

  • Smooth & creamy
  • Totally decadent
  • Flavor & texture in every bite
  • Buttery and cheesy mashed potatoes
  • Salty crumbled bacon
  • Easy to prepare
  • The perfect side dish for Holiday meals

Ingredients:

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Notes on some ingredients:

  • Potatoes: this recipe calls for russet potatoes. Yukon gold potatoes would also be a good option. 
  • Cheese: mild cheddar cheese goes nicely with this casserole. However, you can substitute for any cheese of preference. 
  • Sour cream: adds a creaminess and a tang to the mashed potatoes. 

How to Make (step-by-step):

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  • Step 1: Prepare the potatoes, peel, chop and boil until they are fork tender and easily mashed. 
  • Step 2: Add in the butter, sour cream and milk and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with garlic powder and salt to taste. Be careful not to over mash the potatoes to give them a gummy texture. 
  • Step 3 & 4: Add the cheese and stir to combine. This makes the entire dish extra cheesy.
  • Step 5 & 6: Add the potatoes to a baking dish, top with the toasted panko. This gives a wonderful toasty taste, plus some added texture to the finished dish. Then top with additional shredded cheddar cheese. Bake this until warmed through and the cheese on top is melted. 
  • Step 7: Top with crumbled bacon and chives.
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Expert Tips:

  • Add toppings after baking. This ensures the bacon doesn’t burn and the chives stay nice and fresh to give a pop of flavor. 
  • Shred your own cheese. Cheese always melts better when shredded off the block, pre-shredded bagged cheese has preservatives added that can hinder the melting. 
  • Don’t overmix your potatoes, or they will have a gummy texture. Check out my post on making Perfect Mashed Potatoes for more tips and information. 

FAQ’s:

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare this dish the day before, cook the potatoes and mash them, then add to the casserole dish. Cover and bake the next day and add all the toppings. 

What is the best potato for this casserole?

Russets are the standard potato used, however, Yukon Golds are another great option. Red potatoes could also be used.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! This is an easy variation. Simply leave off the bacon or top with another favorite topping of your choice.

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More Side Dish Recipes to Try:

If you tried this recipe please leave a comment and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below! Thank you so much!

Recipe first published October 28, 2016. Updated November 12, 2021 with new images.

Photography done by the talented @KJandCompany.co

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Source:

https://houseofyumm.com/mashed-potato-casserole/

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