Name: Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared or homemade); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup milk; 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled; 3 green onions, sliced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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If you’re on the hunt for the most indulgent, crowd-pleasing side dish, look no further than Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole. This dish takes all the comfort of creamy mashed potatoes and piles on classic toppings like cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions for a bubbly, irresistible casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or any time you want a guaranteed hit. Every forkful is rich, creamy, and full of flavor, making this recipe a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how simple, familiar ingredients come together in this dish, each with a role to play in taste, texture, or pops of color. Every element is specially chosen so that Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole delivers comfort and excitement in every bite.

Mashed potatoes: Use homemade or store-bought; the creamier, the better for a fluffy casserole base.
Shredded cheddar cheese: This adds creamy, cheesy goodness both inside and on top for a melty finish.
Sour cream: Lends tang and added richness, making the potatoes ultra-creamy.
Milk: Brings even more silkiness and helps everything blend together smoothly.
Cooked bacon: Crumbled for salty, smoky crunch every time you dig in.
Green onions: These brighten the whole casserole with a pop of color and oniony bite.
Unsalted butter: Softened to meld into the potatoes and amp up the decadence.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle, savory warmth in every mouthful.
Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and bringing out all the cheesy, creamy goodness.
Black pepper: Just enough to give a gentle kick that ties all the flavors together.

How to Make Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by getting your oven ready. Set it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s piping hot and ready for that glorious cheesy bake. This is the key to melting the cheese on top and making everything hot and bubbly.

Step 2: Mix the Potato Base

In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, sour cream, milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a sturdy spoon or hand mixer to blend everything until smooth and creamy. This makes for the fluffiest, dreamiest base for your Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole.

Step 3: Add the Flavorful Fillings

Stir half of the cheddar cheese, half of the crumbled bacon, and half of the sliced green onions right into the potato mixture. This ensures every scoop is loaded with cheesy, savory surprises and little pops of freshness.

Step 4: Assemble in a Baking Dish

Transfer the creamy potato mixture into a greased baking dish. Smooth it out with a spatula so you get even layers and every bite cooks through perfectly.

Step 5: Top with More Goodness

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon all over the top. This gives your Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole that signature melty, golden finish with tempting pieces of crispy bacon for extra wow factor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges. The irresistible aroma and the molten cheese on top are your signals that it’s ready!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, shower the top with the remaining green onions. Their fresh bite and vibrant color are the finishing touch this casserole deserves before you dig in.

How to Serve Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of green onions adds not only a welcoming pop of color but also a bit of brightness that cuts through the richness. For even more flair, try a dusting of paprika or a handful of chives. If you’re feeling bold, a dollop of extra sour cream on each portion is always a winner!

Side Dishes

Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole pairs seamlessly with hearty mains like roast chicken, grilled steak, or even turkey on holidays. Balance its richness with a fresh salad, steamed green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping dinner, scoop individual portions into ramekins, or mold servings with a ring for restaurant-worthy presentation. You could also serve it family-style, straight from a pretty baking dish, or portion it out for brunch with a fried egg on top for an unexpected twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge! Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container; it’ll stay fresh for up to four days, making your weeknight dinners a breeze.

Freezing

This casserole is also freezer-friendly. Once baked, let it cool completely, then wrap it well and freeze for up to two months. For best results, freeze in individual portions for easy reheating and less waste.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a covered baking dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 20 minutes. For a quick fix, microwave individual servings in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot and creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! Instant mashed potatoes work great as a shortcut. Just prepare them according to package instructions, then continue with the recipe as directed. The creamy result will still make a delectable Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole.

What’s the best way to make it ahead for a party?

Assemble the casserole (but don’t bake) up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, let it sit out while the oven preheats, then bake as usual for fresh, bubbly goodness.

Can I add extra veggies?

Definitely! Chopped cooked broccoli, peas, or even sautéed mushrooms fold beautifully into this casserole and offer a boost of flavor, texture, and nutrition. Just make sure veggies are cooked and drained to keep everything creamy.

Is Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your ingredients (like bacon and sour cream) are certified gluten-free. It’s a deliciously safe choice for those avoiding wheat.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar cheese is the classic pick for its meltability and tangy flavor, but feel free to experiment with colby jack, pepper jack, or gouda for fun spins. Mixing in a little mozzarella can add extra gooeyness!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort food that doubles as a showstopper, Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole is a must-try. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet special enough for guests, and every forkful is guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. Go ahead—give this swoon-worthy casserole a spot at your next meal and watch it disappear.

Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole. Creamy mashed potatoes mixed with cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions, baked to perfection for a side dish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Mashed Potatoes:

4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared or homemade)

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
3 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, sour cream, milk, softened butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. Stir in half of the cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions.
Transfer to baking dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bacon.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with green onions before serving.