The Ultimate Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Bacon
Prepare to elevate your side dish game with this incredibly delicious and comforting **Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole**. This isn’t just any mashed potato dish; it’s a rich, creamy, and flavorful experience, baked to golden perfection and topped with savory, crispy bacon. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, a family gathering, or simply craving the ultimate comfort food, this mashed potato bake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and disappear in a flash. The best part? It’s wonderfully versatile and can be prepared ahead of time, making your meal prep stress-free.
Our love for potato dishes runs deep, and we’re always looking for new ways to enjoy them. If you adore dishes like Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes or get creative with Leftover Mashed Potato Cheddar Ranch Cakes, then this casserole is an absolute must-try for your recipe repertoire. It takes the familiar comfort of mashed potatoes and transforms it into an extraordinary baked dish that’s both elegant and hearty.
Why This Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole is a Must-Make
Forget bland and boring mashed potatoes! This casserole recipe takes everything you love about creamy mashed potatoes and bakes it into a show-stopping side dish. We start with perfectly mashed Russet potatoes, infusing them with a generous amount of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, aromatic garlic powder, and vibrant fresh chopped parsley. The mixture is then baked until bubbly and golden, creating an irresistible crust and a tender, cheesy interior. To finish it off, a sprinkle of crispy bacon and more fresh parsley adds a delightful texture and burst of flavor that makes this potato bake truly unforgettable. This dish is so popular in our household, it vanishes in a flash every single time!
What makes this particular recipe stand out is its incredible balance of flavors and textures. The creaminess from the butter, half and half, and sour cream creates a luscious base, while the cheddar cheese adds a sharp, savory tang that melts beautifully. The subtle hint of garlic complements the potatoes perfectly, and the fresh parsley brightens the entire dish. But let’s be honest, the star topping—crispy, salty bacon—adds that irresistible crunch and depth of flavor that takes this casserole from great to truly exceptional. It’s a combination that simply can’t be beaten.
The Foundation: Crafting the Perfect Creamy Mashed Potatoes
The secret to an outstanding mashed potato casserole lies in starting with truly creamy mashed potatoes. Here’s how we achieve that perfect base:
- Choosing the Right Potatoes: For the ultimate creamy texture, Russet potatoes are your best friend. Their high starch content makes them fluffy when mashed, absorbing all the delicious dairy without becoming gummy. Yukon Golds are another excellent choice for their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture.
- Proper Cooking: Dice your potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Cook them in well-salted water until they are fork-tender, but not falling apart. Overcooked potatoes can absorb too much water, leading to a watery mash.
- Thorough Draining: This is crucial! After cooking, drain the potatoes completely. You can even return them to the hot, empty pot over low heat for a minute or two to allow any residual moisture to evaporate. This ensures a rich, creamy consistency rather than a watery one.
- Mashing Technique: While a hand mixer works wonders for speed and smoothness, a potato ricer or masher can give you a lighter, fluffier texture. Whichever tool you choose, avoid overmixing, which can break down the starch and make the potatoes gluey.
Essential Ingredients for Flavor and Texture
Every ingredient in this Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole plays a vital role in creating its irresistible taste and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why:
Main Components:
- Russet Potatoes (4 lbs, peeled, diced): As mentioned, these are perfect for a fluffy, absorbent mash.
- Salt and Black Pepper (½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper): Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the potatoes and other ingredients. Don’t be shy with seasoning; potatoes need it!
The Creamy & Rich Enhancers:
- Butter (¼ cup, melted): Adds a decadent richness and smooth texture. Use good quality unsalted butter for the best flavor.
- Half and Half (¼ cup): Contributes to the creamy consistency without being as heavy as full cream. You can substitute with milk or heavy cream depending on your desired richness.
- Sour Cream (½ cup, full-fat recommended): This is a game-changer! Sour cream adds a lovely tang and an incredible creaminess that sets this casserole apart. Full-fat yields the best results.
The Star Flavors:
- Freshly Grated Cheddar Cheese (1 and ¾ cup): Absolutely crucial! Freshly grating your cheese ensures it melts smoothly and delivers a superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. Sharp cheddar provides the best cheesy punch.
- Garlic Powder (1 and ¼ tsp): Offers a warm, savory garlic flavor that blends seamlessly into the potatoes. If you prefer fresh garlic, you can sauté 1-2 cloves minced garlic in a little butter before adding to the mash.
- Fresh Chopped Parsley (1 heaping tbsp, plus more for garnish): Adds a burst of freshness and a touch of color, balancing the richness of the cheese and bacon.
- Bacon (3 slices, cooked crispy, chopped): The ultimate savory topping! Cook the bacon until it’s perfectly crispy, then chop it into small bits. Its salty, smoky flavor is the perfect complement to the creamy potatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole
Creating this irresistible casserole is straightforward. Follow these detailed steps for a perfect result every time:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Place the peeled and diced Russet potatoes in a large pot. Add enough cold water to cover them by about an inch, and season generously with salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes).
- Drain and Mash: Once cooked, drain the potatoes thoroughly. Return the drained potatoes to the empty hot pot or transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Add Dairy & Whip: Immediately add the melted butter, half and half, and sour cream to the hot potatoes. Using a hand mixer (or a potato masher/ricer), whip the mixture until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gummy.
- Incorporate Flavorings: Stir in 1 cup of the freshly grated cheddar cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and the heaping tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the cheese has begun to melt into the warm potatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 13″ x 9″ casserole dish to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mashed potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mashed potatoes. This will create a beautiful golden-brown crust. Bake for 35 to 38 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Garnish generously with the crispy chopped bacon and additional fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your ultimate comfort food!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole
Achieving casserole perfection is easy with a few simple tips:
- Don’t Skimp on Dairy: Butter, half and half, and sour cream are key to the creamy, rich texture. Use full-fat sour cream for the best results.
- Freshly Grated Cheese is Best: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as smoothly. Take the extra minute to grate your own for superior flavor and texture.
- Proper Seasoning: Potatoes need a fair amount of salt. Season the cooking water and then taste the mashed potato mixture before baking to ensure it’s perfectly seasoned.
- Crispy Bacon is Key: For the topping, make sure your bacon is cooked until extra crispy. This provides a wonderful textural contrast to the soft potatoes.
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps it set slightly, making it easier to scoop and ensuring all the flavors meld beautifully.
Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions
This Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole is an ideal dish for meal prep or busy holiday cooking, as it can be prepared largely in advance:
- To Make Ahead of Time: Prepare the mashed potato mixture as directed in steps 1-4. Spread it into your buttered casserole dish. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese just before baking, and you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from cold.
- Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger portion in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of milk or half and half before reheating if it seems a bit dry.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole (without the bacon topping) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven, adding fresh cheese and bacon before the final bake.
Variations & Customizations
While this recipe is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to get creative with these variations:
- Cheesy Swaps: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Parmesan, or a blend of cheeses would all work beautifully. For extra tang, add a touch of cream cheese to the mash.
- Herbacious Additions: Beyond parsley, consider fresh chives, dill, or rosemary for different flavor profiles.
- Onion Lovers: Stir in some caramelized onions for a sweet and savory depth, or add a sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top for extra crunch.
- Garlic Boost: Roast a whole head of garlic until soft, then squeeze the cloves into your mashed potatoes for a sweeter, mellower garlic flavor.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the mash can add a subtle heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Simply omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian bacon alternative or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.
What to Serve with Your Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole
This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with a wide array of main courses. It’s truly the perfect accompaniment for:
- Roasted Chicken or Turkey
- Pan-Seared Steak or Pork Chops
- Holiday Ham
- Meatloaf
- Roast Beef
- Grilled Fish
- Any hearty weeknight meal that needs a comforting side!
Frequently Asked Questions About Mashed Potato Casserole
Can I use different types of potatoes for this casserole?
While Russet potatoes are highly recommended for their fluffy texture, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier, more buttery result. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, as they tend to become gluey when mashed.
How do I prevent my mashed potato casserole from being watery?
Ensure your potatoes are thoroughly drained after boiling. You can return them to the hot pot for a minute over low heat to evaporate excess moisture. Also, avoid adding too much milk or cream; start with the recommended amount and add more only if needed for desired consistency.
Can I freeze mashed potato casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking (without the bacon topping). Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed, adding the cheese and bacon just before putting it in the oven.
Why is my mashed potato casserole dry?
A dry casserole usually means there wasn’t enough liquid or fat in the mashed potatoes. Ensure you use the full amounts of butter, half and half, and sour cream. If reheating leftovers, you can always stir in a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to restore moisture.
More Delicious Potato Recipes to Explore
If you’re a potato enthusiast like us, be sure to check out these other fantastic potato dishes:
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes
- Garlic and Herb Chicken and Potatoes
We hope you enjoy making and devouring this Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole as much as we do. It’s a true testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary comfort food.
If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment! 😀
Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
Anna
Pin Recipe
15 minutes
35 minutes
50 minutes
Side Dish
American
6
people
403
kcal
Ingredients
-
4 lbs russet potatoes peeled, diced -
½ teaspoon salt -
¼ cup butter melted -
¼ cup half and half -
½ cup sour cream I used full-fat -
1 and ¾ cup freshly grated cheddar cheese -
1 and ¼ tsp garlic powder -
½ teaspoon black pepper -
1 tablespoon heaping, fresh chopped parsley -
3 slices bacon cooked to crispy, chopped -
more parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place potatoes in a large pot and add enough water to cover. Cook until soft. Drain.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place potatoes in a large bowl. Add butter, half and half and sour cream. Whip using hand mixer.
- Add 1 cup cheddar cheese, garlic powder, pepper and parsley. Stir well.
- Transfer mixture into buttered 13″ x 9″ casserole dish. Spread evenly. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake casserole for 35 to 38 minutes. The edges will be golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped bacon and parsley. Serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 55g |
Protein: 8g |
Fat: 17g |
Saturated Fat: 9g |
Cholesterol: 41mg |
Sodium: 368mg |
Potassium: 1322mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 2g |
Vitamin A: 390IU |
Vitamin C: 17.4mg |
Calcium: 73mg |
Iron: 2.7mg
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