This Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is so hearty and delicious. A make ahead potato side dish that makes party planning and holidays so easy!
Scale
Ingredients
- 5 pounds Russet, Idaho or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 1/2 sticks butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup cooked, chopped bacon (about 8 slices)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into large cubes, roughly the same size. Place the potatoes into a large pot and then fill the pot with just enough cold water to cover the potatoes. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. Once the water comes to a boil, add kosher salt to season the water and then turn the heat down the a simmer. Simmer for 12-15 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender. Drain and return the potatoes to the same pot.
- Add the butter to the potatoes and then mash the potatoes with a potato masher until you have the consistency that you like. Alternately, you can pass them through a potato ricer for completely smooth mashed potatoes.
- Now add the milk, cream, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, pepper and 1 cup of the shredded cheese to the potatoes. Stir to combine and then pour into a buttered 9″ x 13″ baking dish, smoothing out into an even layer.
- Top the casserole with bacon and the remaining cup of shredded cheese and bake for 20 minutes until the potatoes are warm in the center and the cheese is melted.
Recipe Notes
To Make In Advance: Make the mashed potato casserole following the directions up until the point of baking. Cover the baking dish with foil and store in the refrigerator. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off.
Store: Store leftover potatoes in a container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat leftover mashed potatoes in the microwave with a splash of milk, cream or chicken broth to loosen the potatoes again.
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stove Top / Oven
- Cuisine: American
