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Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe Easy Comfort Food with Bacon and Cheese

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A cozy and indulgent casserole combining creamy mashed potatoes with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 large russet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cubed
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup whole milk, warmed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and cube the russet potatoes into roughly 1½-inch chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add a pinch of salt.
  2. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. While the potatoes cook, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon slices until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Drain potatoes well in a colander, then return them to the pot or a large bowl. Using an electric mixer or sturdy masher, begin mashing to break them down.
  5. Mix in softened cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, and warmed milk gradually. Keep mixing until the potatoes are smooth and creamy but still fluffy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more milk if mixture is too thick.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half the mashed potatoes evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the chopped bacon on top. Add the remaining potatoes, then the rest of the cheese and bacon. Sprinkle green onions and smoked paprika evenly over the top.
  7. Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling. If cheese browns too fast, loosely cover with foil.
  8. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to set and meld flavors. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not skip crisping the bacon first to add texture contrast. Add liquids gradually to avoid gluey potatoes. Preheat oven before baking. For extra crispy top, broil 2-3 minutes at the end watching carefully. Can assemble ahead and refrigerate; add 5-10 minutes to bake time if chilled.

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed potato casserole, loaded mashed potatoes, bacon and cheese casserole, comfort food, easy casserole recipe

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