Looking for the pinnacle of coziness and flavor at your table? Look no further than Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe. This dish celebrates creamy, buttery potatoes swirled with tangy sour cream, melty cheddar, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions for color and zing. It’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser that transforms a classic side into a star—perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just when you need a big bite of nostalgia.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish is thoughtfully chosen—each one brings its own magic to the texture, color, or irresistible flavor of the casserole. With the right lineup, making Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe couldn’t be easier or more rewarding.
- Russet potatoes (3 pounds, peeled and cut into chunks): Their starchy texture creates the fluffiest, creamiest base imaginable.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds silky richness and ties all the flavors together.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Brings tang and a decadent creaminess that takes mashed potatoes up a notch.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Loosens the mash to airy perfection while keeping it luscious.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, divided): The melty, savory glue that crowns every scoop with golden bliss.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (1/2 cup, divided): Pops of smoky, crunchy goodness throughout every bite.
- Chopped green onions (1/4 cup, divided): Adds fresh flavor and a lively green accent for color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The essentials to awaken every other flavor in the dish.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Subtle savory warmth for a little extra depth.
- Optional extra butter for greasing the baking dish: Helps prevent sticking and imparts one more layer of mouthwatering flavor.
How to Make Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter for easy cleanup and a hint of extra indulgence around the edges. This step sets the scene and means your casserole will slide out beautifully when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Place your peeled, cut potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water—this helps the potatoes cook evenly. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water, bring to a boil, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slips right in with no resistance.
Step 3: Mash and Mix
Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the warm pot. Add butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper right to the hot potatoes. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy. This warm mixture absorbs everything you add, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Stir in the Goodies
Fold in half the cheddar cheese, half the bacon, and half the green onions. This ensures those tasty surprises are layered throughout and not just on top, making every spoonful uniquely delicious.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese and bacon—a preview of the gooey, savory goodness that’s about to bubble and brown in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. As the cheese melts and begins to bubble, your kitchen will fill with comfort food aromas you can’t resist. Everything will come together in a golden, mouthwatering layer.
Step 7: Dress and Serve
Once out of the oven, finish things off by scattering the reserved green onions over the top. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up as they dig into your Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe.
How to Serve Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Garnishes
Try a final flourish of extra green onions, a little extra crispy bacon, or even some freshly cracked black pepper. Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for restaurant-worthy visuals and taste.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with simple roasted veggies, tangy coleslaw, a crisp salad, or classic grilled meats. Its comforting warmth and richness are the perfect complement to bright, fresh flavors or hearty main courses.
Creative Ways to Present
Scoop the casserole into individual ramekins for personalized portions, or shape the mashed potatoes into quenelles for an elegant dinner party. You could even serve scoops in a homemade bread bowl for a playful, edible presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to four days, making Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe an excellent make-ahead option.
Freezing
Once cooled, you can freeze the casserole in tightly wrapped portions or in a baking-safe container for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, so the texture stays creamy and smooth.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual servings until hot. A splash of milk stirred in can revive any leftovers, ensuring each helping stays as luscious as the first.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Yes! Yukon Golds are a great alternative for a naturally buttery flavor and a slightly smoother mash, but russet potatoes remain the classic choice for Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely—skip the bacon, and consider adding roasted mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes instead for a delightful twist and plenty of umami flavor.
Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare this dish right up to the baking step and refrigerate it, covered, for up to a day. Just pop it in the oven with a few extra minutes added to the baking time.
What other cheeses work well here?
Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or smoked gouda for a deeper, savory note. Mixing cheeses can create even more layers of flavor in your casserole.
How do I avoid gummy potatoes?
Be careful not to overwork the potatoes—mash just until smooth and creamy. Using a potato masher instead of a mixer keeps the texture light and fluffy, key for every bite of Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to turn every meal into a celebration of comfort, give this Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe a place at your table. Every spoonful is pure, cozy bliss that’s bound to earn rave reviews from everyone who grabs a serving—don’t be surprised if you’re asked for the recipe on the spot!
Print
Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this loaded mashed potatoes casserole. Creamy mashed potatoes blended with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions, baked to perfection for a side dish that will steal the show.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 3 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (divided)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional extra butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Potatoes: Boil potatoes until fork-tender, then drain and mash with butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add Mix-Ins: Stir in half of the cheese, bacon, and green onions.
- Bake: Transfer to baking dish, top with remaining cheese and bacon, bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, consider adding cream cheese to the mashed potatoes.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; adjust baking time as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
