This AMAZING side dish takes mashed potatoes to a new level! Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole is filled with potatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, butter, cheese, bacon and more. No other casserole is as creamy, cheesy, and delicious as this cheese potato casserole!
Who can deny potatoes?! This mashed potato casserole is a must-have at all holiday functions and is great for any potato lover who likes regular mashed potatoes!
easy, Cheesy Potato Casserole
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 Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole.
How did they turn out?? 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.
In fact, this pretty much reminded me of Twice Baked Potatoes, but a very flavorful, creamy and delicious cheesy potato casserole version.
Best potatoes for mashed potatoes are RUSSET. Red potatoes are more waxy, but russets break down much easier creating the creamiest potato casserole.
How to Make loaded Mashed Potatoes:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Recipe FAQ + Tips
Which garnishes go best with this mashed potato casserole? We like to add green onions or chives, along with more cheese and bacon crumbles on top!
Can you make ahead of time? Of course! 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.
How to freeze baked mashed potatoes? Scoop into a freezer Ziploc bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. To reheat, let potatoes thaw in fridge overnight. Place potatoes in a casserole dish and bake at 350 for about 25 minutes. Add additional cheese and top and bake an additional 5 minutes.
Substitutions for bacon? Replace bacon with cubed ham or sausage. You can also add more veggies like corn, peas, broccoli florets or diced bell peppers.
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:
- For 10 people – 1 dish
- For 20-25 people – Double recipe
- For 35-40 – Triple recipe
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. 😉
For more mashed potato recipes:
- Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Classic Mashed Potatoes
- Garlic Red Mashed Potatoes
- Mashed Parmesan Potatoes
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
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
- 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 9x13 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
Recipe adapted from McCormick.
these are awesome and great even left over!
I am so glad you liked them!! Thank you for trying the recipe & for letting me know 🙂
Do you bake this covered or uncovered?
Uncovered 🙂 Enjoy!!
This is my new favorite way to make potatoes for family gatherings.