🧈 Ingredients
For the mashed potatoes
- 2.5 kg (5–6 lbs) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup warm milk or cream
- ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the mix-ins
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 6–8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 3 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
For the topping
- 1 cup extra shredded cheese
- ½ cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Extra bacon bits
🥔 Choose the right potatoes
This step matters more than people think.
Russet potatoes give you fluffy mashed potatoes.
Yukon Gold gives you creamy and buttery texture.
You can even mix both for perfect results.
Avoid waxy potatoes because they can become gluey when mashed.
🔪 Prep and boil the potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into equal chunks. Same size pieces help them cook evenly.
Place them in a large pot and cover with cold salted water.
Always start with cold water. If you start hot, the outside cooks too fast while the inside stays hard.
Bring to a boil, then cook for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
You should be able to easily slide a knife through.
🧄 Mash until creamy
Drain the potatoes very well. Extra water = watery mash (no thanks).
Return them to the hot pot for 1–2 minutes to dry out slightly.
Now mash while still hot.
Use a potato masher or ricer for smooth texture. Avoid a blender or food processor because it can make them sticky.
Add butter first so it melts inside the potatoes.
Then add warm milk or cream gradually while mixing.
Add sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Keep mixing until smooth, fluffy, and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
At this point, you’ll already want to eat it straight from the pot. Totally normal 😄
🥓 Cook the bacon
Cook bacon in a pan until crispy.
Crispy is important because soft bacon becomes soggy in the casserole.
Drain on paper towels, then chop into small pieces.
The smoky flavor from bacon makes this dish next level.
🧀 Add the cheese
Now fold cheese directly into the mashed potatoes.
The heat melts it slightly, creating cheesy pockets inside.
Add:
- cheddar
- mozzarella
- half the bacon
- green onions (optional)
Mix gently.
This creates layers of flavor in every spoonful.
🥘 Assemble the casserole
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease a large baking dish or foil tray like in the picture.
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly inside.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the surface.
Add bacon bits on top.
✨ Make the crunchy topping
This is what makes the casserole special.
Mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter.
Sprinkle evenly on top.
During baking, this turns golden and crispy while the inside stays creamy.
That contrast is magic.
🔥 Bake to perfection
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes.
You’re looking for:
- bubbling edges
- melted cheese
- golden crust
- crispy topping
If you want extra browning, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
❄️ Rest before serving
Let the casserole rest 10 minutes after baking.
This helps it set and makes serving easier.
If you scoop immediately, it may look too soft.
Patience = perfect slices.
😍 Texture and flavor
This casserole is:
- Ultra creamy inside
- Buttery and rich
- Cheesy and stretchy
- Smoky from bacon
- Crispy on top
Every bite has soft mashed potatoes mixed with melty cheese and crunchy topping. Pure comfort food vibes.
🍽 Serving ideas
This dish goes with everything:
- Roast chicken
- Steak
- Turkey
- BBQ ribs
- Grilled vegetables
- Holiday dinners
Or honestly… eat it alone with a spoon. No judgment here.
🧊 Make ahead tips
This recipe is perfect for prep.
You can assemble the casserole 1 day before baking.
Just cover and refrigerate.
When ready, bake directly from fridge and add 5–10 extra minutes.
Super convenient for parties or holidays.
❄️ Storage
Fridge: up to 4 days
Freezer: 2 months
Reheat in oven or microwave.
Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy.
🔥 Variations
You can customize easily:
Add shredded chicken
Add caramelized onions
Add jalapeños for spice
Use smoked cheese
Add mushrooms
Make it vegetarian (skip bacon)
Top with parmesan
This recipe is super flexible.
⭐ Pro tips
Use warm milk only
Don’t overmix
Season well
Use real butter
Let rest before serving
Bake until golden
Little tricks = big flavor.
❤️ Final thoughts
Loaded mashed potato casserole is one of those dishes that makes everyone smile. It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for sharing, perfect for gatherings, and guaranteed to disappear fast.