Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
My loaded mashed potato casserole is super creamy and topped with the most addictive crunchy topping. One bite and you'll see why I crave this holiday side dish year round.
I look forward to holiday side dishes like crock pot sweet potato casserole and homemade green bean casserole all year long. I also love this cheesy loaded mashed potato casserole. It has all my favorite fixings and a super crunchy topping. I go back for seconds and thirds of this one! Best of all you can make it a day or two ahead of time!
Why This Recipe Works: A Sprinkle of Food Science
- Use the Right Potatoes: I use Russets which are high in starch and low in moisture. They mash up super fluffy!
- Crispy Topping Bacon Grease+ Panko: Panko is super crunchy and the bacon fat adds flavor and helps it brown.
- Rinse Your Potatoes: We rinse our potatoes twice to remove excess starch. This makes them creamy never gluey.
Ingredient Notes and Shopping Tips
- Potatoes: Unlike in my Instant Pot mashed potatoes I suggest using russets for this recipe. They are high in starch and cook up super fluffy.
- Sour Cream: Use full fat for the best results. Avoid Greek yogurt which can be too tangy.
- Heavy Cream: You can use half and half for a less rich casserole. Warm before adding to help it mix in smoothly.
- Panko: This Japanese breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier so they add great crunch. If you don't have panko you could use Ritz crackers, corn flakes, or even French fried onions.
- Cheese: Shred your own cheese from the block for the smoothest melt. Avoid pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-caking agents which can be grainy when melting.
- Scallions: You can also use chives if you do not have scallions on hand.
Krystle's Tips: Steal My Culinary School Secrets
- Start Potatoes In Cold Water: This prevents the exteriors from overcooking before the centers are done.
- Return Potatoes to Hot Pot: After rinsing return potatoes to warm pot to help excess moisture evaporate. This prevents them from becoming watery.
- Don't Skip Rinsing: This remove excess starch and helps them come out super fluffy.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing releases excess starch which can make the potatoes gummy. Fold ingredients in until just combined.
Yes! If they are dry out reheat with a bit of milk or broth.
Yes assemble up to step #6. Allow to sit out for 30-60 minutes to bring to room temperature. Add topping just before baking so it doesn't get soggy.
More Casseroles To Try
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📖 Recipe
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
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Ingredients
- 5 Pounds Russet Potatoes ~10 Medium Potatoes, Cubed
- 1 Stick Butter Softened and Cubed
- 1 Cup Sour Cream
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream Warmed
- 6 Slices Bacon
- 1 ½ Cups Panko Bread Crumbs
- ¼ Cup Scallions Thinly Sliced
- 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Wash, peel and cube potatoes. Rinse with cold water.
- In a large sauce pan, cover potatoes with cold water and add salt to taste.
- Bring to boil, and cook for 10-15 minutes or until fork tender. Drain and rinse. Return to hot pot and allow to evaporate.
- Spread potatoes evenly onto 2 rimmed baking sheets. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until the moisture has evaporated.
- Mash potatoes (I used a regular old potato masher), butter, and sour cream. Fold in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Evenly spread potatoes into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Reserve fat.
- In a large mixing bowl combine bacon, one to tablespoons of rendered fat, panko, cheese, and scallions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread over the top of the mashed potato mixture.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition
Serve with: Pecan Pie Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting
Craving more?
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Insight for this post was provided by GE.
The bacon on top adds just the right amount of savory crunch. Definitely a side I’d want at any meal.
I just made this loaded mashed potato casserole, and it’s creamy, cheesy, and so comforting — everyone loved it!
This is the perfect potato side for a holiday gathering! It's easy to make it advance and was so popular it disappeared in minutes. The panko crumbs add a special crunch.
this mashed potato casserole is really loaded! so good.
I am starting to test recipes for Thanksgiving (I know... too early), but why not!
I'm going to try this recipe over the weekend. It looks amazing! 🙂
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
I made this as a side with dinner last night, and it was a hit! Thanks so much for sharing!
Yay so glad you enjoyed Tayler!
This is an awesome side dish! Totally yummy!
Yummy!! This looks fantastic! Love the idea of adding crunchy bread crumbs 🙂
I like adding extra for leftovers!
I love mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving but I've never had cheesy ones with bacon. This dish sounds wonderful.
Thanks Maureen! It's great for a regular side dish too if your family is anything like mine and wants to stick to traditional. 😉