Enjoy your favorite comfort side as a meal with this cheesy, hearty Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole!
As a kid, mashed potatoes were a family favorite. My Irish grammy from Brooklyn would make them for Sunday dinners, and my cousin and I would pile on the toppings—lots of cheese, extra butter, and a heaping spoonful of sour cream. It is crazy how smells, especially those of home-cooked meals, bring on such fond memories. Is there a recipe that brings on this nostalgia for you? Think about it and smile.
Anyway, potatoes as sides are a tradition all around the world. We have everything from twice-baked potatoes to creamy summer classics like potato salad. But this recipe for loaded mashed potato casserole turns one of my favorite sides into a hearty meal.
This casserole is easy to make and includes all the signature toppings of a baked potato: bacon, cheese, butter, sour cream, and chives. Sounds like mashed potatoes, right? Instead, we mash the potatoes and serve it as a casserole. I love this recipe because it is simple to whip up and can be served on a weeknight, dinner party, or holiday meal!
Is This Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole Healthy?
This is one of those recipes that isn’t considered healthy per se, but it is great for your soul. Besides, it does have some beneficial components. For example, russet potatoes are high in potassium and vitamin C. Plus, milk and cheese are both great sources of calcium. This dish can be made vegetarian if you leave out the bacon or replace it with a vegan alternative. You can also use plant-based alternatives for the dairy in this recipe.
What Are the Qualities Of A Casserole?
I used to think a casserole had a crust or a crunchy topping. It turns out that a casserole just has to be served in, you guessed it, a casserole dish. It should also include a few ingredients mixed all together.
The recipe does not state that you should heat the dish in the oven before serving. However, I find it does a better job of melting the cheese, and it turns out delicious! A great characteristic of a casserole is that it is usually served in the same dish that you prepared it in. That’s a great perk, if you ask me!
How To Make Ahead And Store
If you are making the dish ahead or have leftovers, store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, cook in the microwave for 1 minute or in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes and stir.
Serving Suggestions
This loaded mashed potato casserole is filling enough to be a meal. Serve it with something light, like this easy Sautéed Broccoli or Kale Salad With Cranberries.
For a traditional American comfort meal, serve the casserole with this Easy Turkey Meatloaf Recipe. As long as no family members object, the casserole is perfect for a holiday like Thanksgiving! It’s a refreshing change to the more traditional Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes. Of course, if you have the time, you can always serve both!
Ingredients
- 3 pounds russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 6 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh chives finely chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Begin by boiling the peeled and chopped russet potatoes until tender, approximately 25 minutes. Then drain.
- While the potatoes cook, fry the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
- Warm the milk with butter, salt, and pepper in a saucepan until the butter melts.
- Mash the cooked potatoes and combine with the warm milk mixture, bacon, cheese, sour cream, and most of the chives.
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl, garnish with the remaining chives, and DEVOUR!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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