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 68 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 pounds potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup butter
  • 8 ounces cream cheese cubed
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
  • pepper to taste
  • 12 slices bacon cooked, chopped, and divided
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese divided
  • ½ cup 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. Stir well.
  • Spoon into a lightly greased 9×13 pan. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and the rest of the bacon.
  • Bake at 350°F 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. I love potatoes too! Especially mashed potatoes and funeral potatoes and pretty much any kind of potato with sour cream involved. This recipe looks divine! Definitely going to try this one!

  2. 5 stars
    This dish was excellent!!! Everyone had seconds!! The only modifications I made was to go low fat……low fat sour cream, cream cheese and shredded cheese……I also used uncured bacon. ♡

  3. 5 stars
    Thank you for a wonderful recipe, I think the dish turned out just delicious, decoration is great, definitely try to cook.

    1. I haven’t tried it without it. The sour cream definitely makes it creamy and gives it a taste, but you could substitute it for something else, if you prefer something different. If you try it another way, let me know what you used or if you just left it out. Thanks!!

    1. I haven’t put it together that far in advance. The most is the morning of, but I’m sure it would be ok, since it’s in the fridge. Just cover it well! Let me know how it comes out. Thanks!!

      1. Thanks! Will do! I wanted to take it to a family reunion in a couple of weeks which about a 2 hour drive and is at mid day. Wanted to make it the evening before.

  4. 5 stars
    I’ve made these twice now. They’re delcious…I could live on these. Made as directed and added more salt….so good. Thanks for sharing this recipe.

  5. 5 stars
    I have 6 siblings and our families get together once a month for a large family dinner. This was the perfect side dish for our large crew. Also, thanks for the tip about baking it when it’s made ahead of time.

  6. 5 stars
    Theres nothing I like better than to make something stick it in the fridge and then bring it out to bake. Especially mashed potatoes. Its always one of those dishes that Im trying to keep warm. Love this recipe!

  7. 5 stars
    I love just about any type of potatoes, but these look especially good. You can’t go wrong with bacon and cheese in my book!

  8. Very good. I used slightly less than 5 lbs of potatos for 10 people and still had leftovers. Only used 1/2 c of sour cream which worked well. Cut the potatos in big wedges and cooked in the instant pot for 10 minutes on manual and let them do a natural release for 10 mins. Drained the water and then mashed them by hand. They were so light and fluffy could have used only a fork. Great recipe

    1. I’m so happy you liked it! Thanks for sharing what you do! I love your instant pot variation. 🙂

  9. 5 stars
    It is amazing and I had a lot of leftovers and I am freezing it for next time!!! I didn’t have bacon to add in it but still really good. Also didn’t have a mixer so used a wooden spoon lol. Thank you for this recipe I can’t wait to try more

  10. 5 stars
    Highly recommended! Thank you so much for sharing this amazing cheesy mashed potato casserole recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious!

  11. Made this for Thanksgiving and it was fantastic and everyone loved it! An excellent side and so yummy! Thank you so much! Excited to make again soon!

  12. Hi I plan to make this for Xmas..i do not plan on using bacon but was wondering if sauteed yellow onions can be added as well??

    1. I haven’t tried it with the sautéed onions, but I bet it would be a delicious swap for the bacon. You’ll have to let us know how the casserole turned out! 🙂

  13. 5 stars
    This was a huge hit at our Easter dinner with family. Even my 8 month old grandson loved it! I did cut about half of the garlic salt because most of my family isn’t a fan of too much garlic. We will definitely make this recipe again!! Thank you so much!

  14. This was a great recipe but I found it a bit too runny and salty. Better as leftovers for the texture but next time I will cut back on the parmesan cheese and even the bacon. I didn’t even use garlic salt, just garlic powder and only added bacon to the top, not mixed in with the potatoes. Lesson learned I guess. Still overall was decent the next day. I’ll try again soon.

  15. 5 stars
    Love this recipe! I used plain Greek yogurt, instead of sour cream/cream cheese, since I had it on hand and added some roasted Hatch green chile into the mix. Great side dish for ribs!

  16. 5 stars
    I love this casserole! The mashed potatoes make it different.
    I make Lil’ Luna recipes all the time!
    Just the best!

  17. 5 stars
    Thanks for sharing this excellent alternative way to make/serve twice baked potatoes. I love the casserole twist – so much easier to make (especially if you are prone to ripping potato skins) and so much easier to share too – a perfect potluck side that will never have leftovers!

  18. 5 stars
    These are the best! I made them for Thanksgiving. Now I’m thinking we should have them again for Easter too!

  19. 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!

  20. 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.

  21. 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!!!!

  22. 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.

  23. 5 stars
    This recipe is incredible to make and eat. Soo good. Leftovers, reheated in the microwave are fantastic, too.

  24. 5 stars
    I love mashed potatoes and this recipe is a great way to turn regular potatoes into something delicious!

  25. 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.

  26. 5 stars
    These are great. My family will love and I’m adding to my Easter menu! Thanks for another great casserole idea.

  27. 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!

  28. 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!