This is a perfect make-ahead Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole for the holidays or any get-together. Creamy, smooth, and loaded with crunchy bacon, melty Colby Jack cheese, and freshly sliced green onions, this recipe is a must-keep for special occasions!
Ingredients For Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
- Russet potatoes
- Salt
- Half and half
- Unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper
- Colby Jack cheese
- Bacon
- Green onions
How To Make Easy Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350 F and spray a 2 qt baking dish with cooking spray.
- Peel, dice the potatoes and place them in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes and add 1 tsp of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are soft enough to pierce with a fork. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
- Add the butter and mash them using a potato masher or fork until you reach the desired consistency. Some people like the mashed potatoes smooth and some like some texture.
- Stir in the half and half and season with pepper and more salt if needed.
Spoon the mashed potatoes into the prepared baking dish, top with the shredded cheese and chopped bacon, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Serve with freshly sliced green onions on top.
Can I Prepare The Casserole Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can. You can prepare the mashed potatoes, sprinkle the cheese, and bacon, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I Freeze The Casserole?
Yes, you can and it is a great way to save time on your holiday cooking! Thaw it in the fridge the night before and take it out one hour before baking it.
Easy Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Equipment
- Large pot
- Potato masher or fork
- 2 quart baking dish
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lb Russet potatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 stick unsalted butter (½ cup or 8 tbsp)
- 1 cup half and half
- 8 oz crumbled, cooked bacon, or ⅓ cup real bacon bits
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, freshly shredded
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F and spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- Peel, dice the potatoes and place them in a large pot. Add enough water to cover and 1 tsp of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are soft enough to pierce with a fork. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
- Add the butter and mash them using a potato masher or fork until you reach the desired consistency. Some people like their mashed potatoes smooth and some like some texture.
- Stir in the half and half and season with pepper and more salt if needed.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes into the prepared baking dish, top with the shredded cheese and chopped bacon, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Serve with freshly sliced green onions on top.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need An Electric Mixer To Mash The Potatoes?
No, you don’t! You can use a regular potato masher or even a fork to mash the potatoes. However, if you want them extra smooth, you can use a mixer to mash them.
What Cheese Should I Use?
You can use the cheese of your choice. Colby Jack is recommended, but cheddar is also a good option.
What Type Of Potatoes Are Best For This Recipe?
Russet potatoes have the ideal amount of starch to make fluffy mashed potatoes. If you don’t have them, you can use Yukon Gold.
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Bacon?
Yes! This is a great idea to save some time. You can use pre-cooked bacon and just crumble it, or you can even use Real Bacon Bits.
How Do I Prevent The Casserole From Drying Out If Reheating Or Keeping Warm For Guests?
Cover the casserole with foil and keep it in a warm oven. You can also keep the mashed potatoes in a crockpot and keep it warm.
What Can I Do If I Don’t Have Half And Half?
You can use a mixture of milk and sour cream if you don’t have half and half.
How Do I Know When The Potatoes Are Cooked Enough To Mash?
When they are easily pierced with a fork or knife, they are ready to mash.
What if I Don’t Have A 2 Qt Baking Dish?
You can use an 8×8-inch baking dish or any baking dish that holds this amount of mashed potatoes.
