Looking for the ultimate comfort food that'll have everyone asking for seconds? This loaded mashed potato casserole is about to become your new go-to dinner side dish. Creamy mashed potatoes meet crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, tangy sour cream, and fresh green onions in one irresistible baked dish.
This loaded mashed potato casserole takes everything you love about loaded baked potatoes and transforms it into an easy-to-serve casserole that feeds a crowd. Whether you're planning a holiday feast or just craving serious comfort food, this loaded mashed potato casserole delivers every time with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Why This Casserole Beats Regular Mashed Potatoes
There's something magical about turning simple mashed potatoes into a show-stopping casserole. This loaded mashed potato casserole takes the classic side dish and gives it a serious upgrade with layers of flavor and texture that regular mashed potatoes just can't match. The crispy cheese topping alone is worth making this recipe.
What really sets this loaded mashed potato casserole apart is how well it works for gatherings and meal prep. You can make it ahead, refrigerate it, and bake it when you're ready; no last-minute mashing required. Plus, everyone loves the combination of bacon, cheese, and potatoes. It's basically comfort food royalty, and it pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to grilled steak.
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Ingredients
For the Mashed Potato Base
- Russet potatoes
- Sour cream
- Butter
- Whole milk
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
For the Loaded Toppings
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Bacon
- Green onions
- Additional sour cream
Optional Add-ins
- Cream cheese
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Jalapeños
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Fill a large pot with cold water and add your cubed russet potatoes.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Test doneness by piercing with a fork; they should be completely tender.
- Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the hot pot.
- Let them sit for 2-3 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Mashed Potato Base
- Add softened butter to the hot potatoes and let it melt completely.
- Pour in the warmed milk gradually while mashing with a potato masher.
- Fold in sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and half the crumbled bacon.
- Mix in half of the chopped green onions for flavor throughout.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before transferring to baking dish.
Step 3: Assemble the Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly in the prepared dish.
- Dollop the additional sour cream across the top in small spoonfuls.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over everything.
- Add the rest of the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese layer.
- Finish with remaining green onions for color and fresh flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Place the casserole on the middle rack of your preheated oven.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a crispy top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes while watching carefully.
- Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with extra green onions or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Expert Cooking Tips
Getting the perfect loaded mashed potato casserole comes down to a few key techniques:
Potato Preparation
- Start potatoes in cold water for even cooking throughout
- Cut into uniform 1-inch cubes so they cook at the same rate
- Always drain thoroughly and let steam escape before adding dairy
Texture Secrets
- Warm your milk before adding; cold milk makes potatoes gummy
- Use a hand masher for fluffy texture; mixers can make them gluey
- Don't over-mix once dairy is added; stop when just combined
Flavor Boosters
- Add cream cheese along with sour cream for restaurant-quality richness
- Use freshly shredded cheese; pre-shredded doesn't melt as smoothly
- Reserve some bacon fat and drizzle it over the top before baking
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
This loaded mashed potato casserole is incredibly versatile and adapts easily to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some delicious ways to customize it:
Protein Variations
- Loaded Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole: Layer seasoned ground beef or turkey between the mashed potato base and toppings for a complete meal
- Loaded Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole: Add cooked ground beef, BBQ sauce, and top with crispy fried onions
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and smoked paprika for depth
Cheese Options
- Replace cheddar with Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier result
- Mix in blue cheese crumbles for a sophisticated twist
- Try pepper jack cheese if you want a spicy kick
- Use a blend of three cheeses; cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan
Dietary Modifications
- Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce butter to ¼ cup
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream and vegan cheese, use olive oil instead of butter
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written
- Lower Carb: Replace half the potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter version
Creative Topping Ideas
- Add crushed potato chips or fried onions for extra crunch
- Drizzle with garlic butter before the final broil
- Top with a layer of crispy pancetta instead of bacon
- Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning for a fun twist
Equipment Recommendations
Having the right tools makes preparing this loaded mashed potato casserole so much easier:
- Large Stock Pot (8-quart): Essential for boiling potatoes; needs to hold at least 5 pounds of potatoes plus water
- Quality Potato Masher: Hand-held masher gives you control over texture without over-working the potatoes
- 9x13-inch Baking Dish: Glass or ceramic works best; provides even heat distribution and looks great at the table
- Sharp Chef's Knife: Makes quick work of cubing potatoes and chopping green onions cleanly
- Colander: Large colander drains potatoes quickly and efficiently
- Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for folding in ingredients gently
- Grater or Food Processor: For shredding cheese fresh; pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt as well
Budget-Friendly Alternatives: A regular fork can substitute for a masher in a pinch, and an 8x11-inch baking dish works if you don't have the exact size.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
This loaded mashed potato casserole is perfect for make-ahead meals and stores beautifully.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers covered for up to 4 days in the refrigerator
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes
- For best results, reheat the whole casserole covered at 350°F for 20 minutes
Freezer Storage
- Freeze the assembled but unbaked loaded mashed potato casserole for up to 3 months
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance
- Assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake
- Add 5-10 extra minutes to baking time if starting from cold
The Secret to Restaurant-Quality Results
Want to know what separates a good loaded mashed potato casserole from an absolutely incredible one? The secret is in the layering technique and temperature control. Professional chefs know that building flavor in layers creates depth that you just can't get by mixing everything together at once.
Here's the game-changer: after spreading your creamy mashed potato base in the baking dish, create small wells with the back of a spoon before adding the sour cream. This allows the sour cream to sink slightly into the potatoes, creating pockets of tangy richness throughout. Then, when you add your cheese and bacon, press them gently into the surface so they meld with the potatoes as they bake. The result? Every single bite of your loaded mashed potato casserole has perfect balance, with crispy edges, creamy centers, and flavor in every layer instead of just on top.
FAQ
What is potato casserole?
Potato casserole is a baked dish with potatoes, cheese, and cream. A loaded mashed potato casserole adds bacon, sour cream, and green onions on top.
What is a common mistake when making mashed potatoes?
Over-mixing creates a gluey texture. For the best loaded mashed potato casserole, mix just until combined with a hand masher.
What is John Wayne's casserole?
John Wayne's casserole is a Tex-Mex dish with biscuits and beef. It's different from loaded mashed potato casserole, which focuses on creamy potatoes.
What goes in loaded mashed potatoes?
Loaded mashed potatoes include bacon, cheese, sour cream, and green onions. In a loaded mashed potato casserole, these are baked until golden.
Wrapping Up This Comfort Food Classic
This loaded mashed potato casserole proves that the best recipes bring people together around the dinner table. With its creamy texture, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fresh green onions, this loaded mashed potato casserole delivers pure comfort in every bite.
Whether you're serving it alongside your favorite main dish or making it the star of the meal, this loaded mashed potato casserole never disappoints. Try pairing it with our Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe for a complete comfort food feast, or serve it next to our Swiss Chicken Casserole Recipe for an elegant dinner spread.
Comfort food made easy; that's what we're all about! 🥔— Ashley
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole recipe:
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Potato masher
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish
- 1 Colander
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Grater
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 pounds Russet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 cup Sour cream full-fat or Greek yogurt substitute
- ½ cup Butter softened, unsalted
- 1 cup Whole milk warmed
- 2 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper freshly ground
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
- 1 pound Bacon cooked crispy and crumbled
- 4 Green onions chopped
- ½ cup Sour cream for topping
- 1 cup Cream cheese optional, for extra creaminess
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix optional
- 1 Jalapeños diced, optional
Instructions
- Boil potatoes until tender, then drain.
- Mash potatoes with butter, milk, sour cream, and seasonings until creamy.
- Stir in 1 cup cheese, half the bacon, green onions, and any optional mix-ins like cream cheese or ranch seasoning.
- Transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bacon.
- Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
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