Take your mashed potatoes to the next level with this Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy bacon and fresh green onions, this dish is a comforting crowd-pleaser. Perfect as a side for holiday feasts or a cozy family dinner, it’s simple to make and packed with flavor. Prepare it ahead of time for stress-free entertaining!
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 1.75 kg / 3.5 lbs potatoes (Sebago, Russet, Maris Piper, or King Edwards)
- 1 tbsp kosher salt (for cooking potatoes)
Mash:
- 2/3 cup milk (whole preferred; lite okay)
- 2/3 cup extra milk (for make-ahead option only)
- 75 g / 5 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or yogurt, full fat preferred)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
Cheese:
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 cup Red Leicester, cheddar, or other flavored cheese, shredded
Topping:
- 200 g / 6 oz streaky bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely sliced
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes : Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large pot of water with 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes). Drain well.
- Prepare the Mash : Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add the butter, milk, sour cream, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt to taste.
- Incorporate the Cheese : Stir 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Red Leicester or cheddar into the mashed potatoes, mixing until evenly combined.
- Assemble the Casserole : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Red Leicester/cheddar cheese on top.
- Cook the Bacon : In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Add Bacon and Green Onions : Sprinkle the cooked bacon and green onions over the top of the cheese layer.
- Bake the Casserole : Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve and Enjoy : Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Pair it with your favorite main dish for a satisfying meal.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole with Bacon and Green Onions is a decadent twist on a classic favorite. The creamy potatoes, gooey cheese, and crispy bacon create an irresistible combination that’s sure to impress. Whether for a holiday spread or a weeknight dinner, this dish is comfort food at its finest.
Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole with Bacon and Green Onions
A rich, creamy mashed potato casserole loaded withcheese, crispy bacon, and green onions. Perfect for special occasions or anytime you want a comforting side dish.
Potatoes:
- 1.75 kg / 3.5 lbs potatoes (Sebago, Russet, Maris Piper, or King Edwards)
- 1 tbsp kosher salt (for cooking potatoes)
Mash:
- 2/3 cup milk (whole preferred; lite okay)
- 2/3 cup extra milk (for make-ahead option only)
- 75 g / 5 tbsp unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or yogurt, full fat preferred)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
Cheese:
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded)
- 1 cup Red Leicester (cheddar, or other flavored cheese, shredded)
Topping:
- 200 g / 6 oz streaky bacon (chopped)
- 1/4 cup green onions (finely sliced)
- Cook the Potatoes : Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large pot of water with 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes). Drain well.
- Prepare the Mash : Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add the butter, milk, sour cream, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt to taste.
- Incorporate the Cheese : Stir 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Red Leicester or cheddar into the mashed potatoes, mixing until evenly combined.
- Assemble the Casserole : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Red Leicester/cheddar cheese on top.
- Cook the Bacon : In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Add Bacon and Green Onions : Sprinkle the cooked bacon and green onions over the top of the cheese layer.
- Bake the Casserole : Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve and Enjoy : Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Pair it with your favorite main dish for a satisfying meal.