Description
Enjoy a comforting Loaded Mashed Potatoes Casserole, featuring creamy mashed potatoes blended with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. This delicious dish is perfect for gatherings and will delight your guests with its rich flavors and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds of russet potatoes
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup additional shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
- Start by peeling the russet potatoes using a vegetable peeler for quick and easy peeling.
- Cut the peeled potatoes into evenly sized chunks, about 1 to 2 inches, to ensure even cooking.
- Place the potato chunks into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them sit for a minute to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- Transfer the drained potatoes back into the pot or a large mixing bowl.
- Add the softened cream cheese and melted butter to the potatoes, allowing the warmth to help melt the cream cheese.
- Pour in the sour cream and milk for a creamy texture.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and a good amount of salt and pepper. Start with about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the potatoes to your desired consistency.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions into the mashed potatoes.
- Mix until well combined, allowing the heat from the potatoes to melt the cheese slightly.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Transfer the loaded mashed potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Add the additional shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is slightly golden brown.
- For a crispier top, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the toppings by adding your favorite ingredients such as jalapeños or different types of cheese.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes