Unbelievable Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole in 30 Minutes

Oh, comfort food! Is there anything better? And let me tell you, this Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole? It’s like a warm hug in a dish. Seriously! It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and the best part? It’s so stinking easy to throw together. I mean, mashed potatoes are already amazing, right? But then you load ’em up with cheese, bacon, sour cream… it’s just pure magic.

I’ve been making this for years, and it’s always a hit at family gatherings, especially around the holidays. Everyone always asks for the recipe, and now I’m sharing it with YOU! Trust me, once you make this Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole, it’ll become a staple in your house, too. Promise!

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Okay, so why *should* you make this Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole? Let me tell ya!

Easy to Make

Seriously, it’s SO easy! If you can boil potatoes, you’re basically already there. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, I promise!

Crowd-Pleasing

This is one of those dishes that *everyone* loves. Kids, adults, even picky eaters! It’s a guaranteed hit, every single time.

Customizable

Don’t like cheddar? Use Monterey Jack! Wanna add some jalapenos? Go for it! This recipe is super flexible, so you can make it your own.

Perfect for Holidays

Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter… this casserole is welcome at ANY holiday table. It’s a classic for a reason!

Comforting

Let’s be real, sometimes you just need a big ol’ scoop of something warm and comforting. And this Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole? It’s the definition of comfort food!

Ingredients for Your Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need 5 lbs of Russet potatoes (peeled and quartered, please!), 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of softened butter (the real stuff!), 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of black pepper, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (divided!), 6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon (because bacon!), and 1/4 cup of chopped green onions.

How to Prepare the Perfect Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Okay, let’s get cooking! This Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is easier than you think, but following these steps will make sure it’s absolutely perfect.

Preparing the Potatoes

First things first, grab those peeled and quartered Russet potatoes and toss ’em into a big pot. Cover them with cold water and bring it to a boil. Once they’re boiling, let ’em cook until they’re super tender – you should be able to easily poke ’em with a fork, probably around 15-20 minutes. Now, this is important: drain those potatoes *really* well. Soggy potatoes are NOT what we’re going for!

Mashing and Mixing

Alright, back into the pot they go! Add the milk, softened butter, salt, and pepper. Now, mash away! You can use a potato masher or even an electric mixer if you want ’em extra smooth. Once they’re mashed to your liking, stir in the sour cream, 1 cup of that yummy cheddar cheese, and all that glorious crumbled bacon. Mmm, bacon!

Baking Your Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish – you don’t want your casserole sticking! Pour the mashed potato mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Now, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on it, ovens can be weird!

Finishing Touches

Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes (if you can wait that long!). Then, sprinkle those chopped green onions over the top for a pop of freshness and color. And that’s it! Your Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is ready to serve. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Want to take your Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole to the next level? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my favorite tips for making it absolutely perfect.

Choosing the Right Potatoes

Okay, so Russets are my go-to for mashed potatoes. They’re starchy and fluffy, which makes for a super creamy casserole. You *could* use Yukon Golds, but they’re a bit waxier, so the texture will be different. Honestly, I stick with Russets for this one!

Achieving Creamy Texture

Nobody wants lumpy mashed potatoes! To get that perfectly smooth texture, make sure your potatoes are cooked all the way through. And don’t over-mash ’em – that can make them gluey. Eww! I like to use a potato masher, but a hand mixer works great, too. Just be careful not to overdo it!

Preventing a Dry Casserole

Oops! Did your casserole come out a little dry? Don’t panic! Just stir in a little extra milk or sour cream until it reaches the right consistency. You want it to be creamy and moist, not dry and crumbly. Trust me, a little extra moisture goes a long way!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is pretty forgiving, so feel free to tweak it to your liking. Here are a few ideas!

Cheese Variations

Cheddar’s classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Monterey Jack would be delicious, and Colby would add a nice mild flavor. Heck, even a little bit of pepper jack would give it a little kick! Just use whatever cheese you love.

Flavor Boosters

Want to add a little extra somethin’ somethin’? A sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder to the mashed potatoes is always a good idea. Trust me, it adds a subtle flavor that really elevates the dish!

Vegetarian Option

Okay, so bacon is pretty amazing, but if you’re vegetarian (or just trying to cut back on meat), you can totally use a vegetarian bacon substitute! There are some pretty good ones out there these days. Or, you know, just skip the bacon altogether – it’ll still be delicious!

Serving Suggestions for Your Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole… what do you serve with it? Here are a couple of my faves!

Main Course Pairings

This casserole goes AMAZING with roast chicken, steak, or even a nice, juicy ham. Seriously, it’s the perfect side dish for just about any meat!

Vegetable Sides

For veggies, I love serving this with green beans or asparagus. They’re both simple, healthy, and they complement the richness of the casserole perfectly!

Storing and Reheating Your Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is just as good the next day (if it lasts that long!). Here’s how to keep it fresh and reheat it like a pro.

Storage Instructions

Just pop the cooled casserole into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days, easy peasy!

Reheating Methods

Wanna reheat it? You’ve got options! The oven works great – just bake it at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through. Or, if you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just nuke it in one-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot and bubbly again. Careful, it can get *really* hot!

Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Got questions about this amazing Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole? I bet you do! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, so hopefully, this helps!

Can I make Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole ahead of time?

You betcha! Actually, it’s a great make-ahead dish. Just assemble the whole thing (up to the point of baking), cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to bake, just take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes beforehand and bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be starting out cold.

Can I freeze Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole?

Yep, you can freeze it! But… there’s a little catch. Dairy doesn’t always freeze perfectly, so the texture might change slightly. But hey, it’s still gonna be delicious! To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it really well in plastic wrap and then foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. Again, it might need a little extra time in the oven.

What other toppings can I add to Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole?

Ooh, the possibilities are endless! How about some diced jalapenos for a little kick? Or some fresh chives instead of green onions? You could even add some crumbled blue cheese or some sautéed mushrooms. Get creative and make it your own!

Is Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole gluten-free?

Good question! It *can* be! The base recipe is naturally gluten-free, but you need to be careful about the bacon. Some bacon brands use gluten-containing ingredients. So, just check the label on your bacon to make sure it’s gluten-free, and you’re good to go!

Nutritional Information for Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutritional info… but here’s the thing: it can vary *so* much depending on the brands you use and how big your servings are! So, I can’t give you exact numbers, unfortunately. Just keep in mind that this is a pretty rich dish, so maybe don’t eat the *whole* casserole in one sitting, okay?

Enjoy Your Delicious Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole!

And there you have it! Your very own Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole! I really hope you love it as much as my family does. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think! Oh, and don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends on social media!

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