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Easy Loaded Bacon Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

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This easy loaded bacon mashed potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy Yukon Gold potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese come together in a dish that even self-proclaimed mashed potato haters love. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for boiling water
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Cook the bacon: Place bacon slices in a cold skillet, then turn heat to medium. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping once, until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble or chop into small pieces. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat.
  3. Boil the potatoes: Place peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about 2 inches. Add a generous pinch of salt (about 1 tablespoon). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender.
  4. Drain and steam dry: Drain potatoes in a colander and let sit for 2-3 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  5. Mash the potatoes: Return potatoes to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Mash with a potato masher until mostly smooth, with a few small lumps for texture.
  6. Add the creamy base: To the mashed potatoes, add reserved bacon fat, melted butter, warmed milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Fold in the mix-ins: Add 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, half of the crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions. Fold gently until evenly distributed.
  8. Transfer to the baking dish: Spread the potato mixture evenly in the prepared dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  9. Add the topping: Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese over the top, followed by remaining bacon and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
  10. Bake: Place dish on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are lightly golden. For a deeper golden crust, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  11. Rest before serving: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with additional sliced green onions and serve warm.

Notes

Don’t skip the steam-dry step after boiling potatoes to prevent a watery casserole. Use room-temperature dairy for best texture. Grate your own cheese for smooth melting. Season the boiling water generously. Avoid overmixing to prevent gluey potatoes.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded bacon mashed potato casserole, easy mashed potato casserole, bacon cheddar mashed potatoes, holiday side dish, comfort food casserole

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/easy-loaded-bacon-mashed-potato-casserole-recipe/