Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

Creamy cheesy Mashed potato casserole is like no other. This AMAZING side dish takes mashed potatoes to a whole new level!

This mashed potato casserole is a must-have at all holiday functions and is great for any potato lover who likes regular mashed potatoes! This reminds me of Twice Baked Potatoes, but a very flavorful, creamy and delicious cheesy potato casserole version.

Mashed Potato Casserole close up in a baking dish

easy, Cheesy Potato bake

Have I mentioned my love for potatoes?! The starchy vegetable is my favorite, and it’s probably a favorite of yours too since I haven’t met a person who doesn’t like potatoes. 😉

Mashed potatoes have been a favorite side dish but since we like all potato dishes, we wanted to make a Mashed Potato Casserole.

Not going to lie – this mashed potato casserole was PHENOMENAL!! In fact, I felt like it was a little easier than regular potatoes and that it was even more flavorful. It’s probably because there was cream cheese, butter, sour cream, more cheese and bacon to go with it.

Best potatoes for mashed potatoes are RUSSET. Red potatoes are more waxy, but russets break down much easier creating the creamiest potato casserole.

We love that this recipe feeds a lot. It’s great if you are having company over and like I mentioned before, it’s super easy!! If you love mashed potatoes as much as me this recipe is a MUST in the monthly rotation and especially for holiday meals. 😉

creamed potatoes in a glass bowl

How to Make Mashed Potato casserole

The awesome thing about these baked mashed potatoes is that you can make it ahead and refrigerate it. This is helpful if you’re making several dishes for a holiday meal or large family dinner.

POTATOES. To make, begin by peeling and cubing the potatoes, then place them in a pot and add enough water to just cover the potatoes. Bring them to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes.

MASH + SEASON. From there, drain the water and mash the potatoes using a masher, spoon or hand mixer. Add sour cream, butter, cream cheese and milk, then mix until until well combined. Add salt and pepper. Next, fold in half of the bacon, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and the parmesan cheese. Mix well.

BAKE. Then, spoon the potatoes into a lightly greased 9×13 pan. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and bacon and bake at for 20-25 minutes.

creamed potatoes topped with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon.

Recipe FAQ + Tips

Garnish: We like to add green onions or chives, along with more cheese and bacon crumbles on top! If you are not a fan of bacon there are several alternatives you can use such as cubed ham or sausage. You can also add more veggies like corn, peas, broccoli florets or diced bell peppers.

Make it ahead of time:  Since many main dishes need to be made in the oven it’s super convenient to make these ahead of time. We recommend making this no more than 48 hours in advance, covering and refrigerating. If still cold when putting it into the oven, bake for an extra 10 minutes.

STORE leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. You can also freeze them for later. Simply scoop into a freezer Ziploc bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. Freeze for 4-6 months.

TO REHEAT, let potatoes thaw in the fridge overnight. Place potatoes in a casserole dish and bake at 350 for about 25 minutes. Add additional cheese and top and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

HOW MUCH TO MAKE FOR THE HOLIDAYS? I guess that may depend on how much your family loves mashed potatoes. 😉 Here is a quick guide to help:

  • 10 people – 1 dish
  • 20-25 people – Double recipe
  • 35-40 – Triple recipe
Mashed Potato Casserole topped with melted cheese in a baking dish

For more mashed potato recipes:

Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

5 from 63 votes
Creamy cheesy Mashed potato casserole is like no other. This AMAZING side dish takes mashed potatoes to a whole new level!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 469 kcal
Author Lil’ Luna

Ingredients

  • 5 lb potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 1 c sour cream
  • 1/2 c butter
  • 8 oz cream cheese cubed
  • 1/2 c milk
  • 2 tsp garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
  • pepper to taste
  • 12 slices bacon cooked, chopped, and divided
  • 2 c cheddar cheese divided
  • 1/2 c parmesan cheese
  • green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Peel and cube potatoes.
  • Place in pot and add water until just covering potatoes. Bring to boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for 18-20 minutes.
  • Drain water and mash potatoes using a masher or spoon. Add sour cream, butter, cream cheese and milk until well combined. Add salt and pepper. Fold in ½ the bacon, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  • Spoon into lightly greased 9×13 pan. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and the rest of the bacon.
  • Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes. Garnish with green onions and ENJOY!

Video

Notes

If making ahead refrigerate until ready to bake, and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Recipe adapted from McCormick

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About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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Comments:

  1. 5 stars
    These are the best! I made them for Thanksgiving. Now I’m thinking we should have them again for Easter too!

  2. 5 stars
    I’m so very excited to try this recipe. I love mashed potatoes and the cheese and bacon on this one make it look so yummy instead of just the traditional gravy!

  3. 5 stars
    I love making casseroles. Saves time and they are delicious! My family loves mashed potatoe casserole. I have used many of your recipes since I joined.

  4. 5 stars
    I made this today for our lunch with my roast beef sandwich. My husband and I love this recipe!!! I enjoy getting your e-mails to see what I can make next. Keep sending those good recipes!!!!

  5. 5 stars
    I first made these at Thanksgiving. My picky family loved them so much more than twice baked. I love them because it was less fuss to make. So good.

  6. 5 stars
    This recipe is incredible to make and eat. Soo good. Leftovers, reheated in the microwave are fantastic, too.

  7. 5 stars
    I love mashed potatoes and this recipe is a great way to turn regular potatoes into something delicious!

  8. 5 stars
    This recipe had me at potato’s since I grew up in the Midwest and potatoes were a staple vThis recipe gives the comfort in food. Delicious, creamy and easy to assemble and make for company or pot luck. My family is excited when they see this as the side dish for dinner. I know everyone will eat it.

  9. 5 stars
    These are great. My family will love and I’m adding to my Easter menu! Thanks for another great casserole idea.

  10. 5 stars
    Great recipe, especially when I have leftover baked potatoes. Very simple to use them instead of cooking a fresh batch of potatoes. My family loves this recipe. Thank you for a delicious and quick recipe!!!

    1. You are so welcome!! And, you can definitely leave the bacon off & it will still taste great! Enjoy!

  11. 5 stars
    Girl thanks for these, with Easter coming up and needing to expand the table, these will come in handy and I KNOW that whatever I make from you will always be terrific! No guesswork or worry!
    I used many of your Fiesta recipes for our Anniversary celebration at church with 60 guests. It was again, what was that word…oh yeah, TERRIFIC!
    Thank you!

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