As autumn arrives, the air grows crisp and leaves turn colors. My mind often wanders to Thanksgiving’s warm, comforting flavors. The smell of roasted turkey, the taste of fresh pies, and creamy mashed potatoes are the holiday’s true essence. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that captures this spirit: the Creamy Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole.
This dish is a perfect side for your holiday meal. It’s loaded with bacon, cheddar cheese, and chives. It’s a celebration of the potato, taken to new heights of taste. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make a side dish everyone will love.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or a big holiday feast, this casserole will be the star. Let’s explore how to make this delicious dish.
A Delicious Holiday Side Dish
Bursting with Flavors of Bacon, Cheese, and Chives
This loaded mashed potato casserole is a delightful holiday side dish. It’s packed with crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh chives. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Friendsgiving.
The recipe makes 4-5 lbs of russet or Yukon gold potatoes. It’s great for using up leftover mashed potatoes. It also includes 1 cup of sour cream, ½ cup of grated cheese, and a bit of nutmeg for extra flavor.
About 12 slices of bacon are used, adding a smoky and savory taste. With 491 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying comfort food. It’s great for holiday side dishes and easy potato casserole lovers.
People like Melinda and Patty love this dish. They say it’s a perfect way to use up leftovers and a hit at gatherings. Their comments show how much they enjoyed it.
If you’re looking for a new comfort food recipe or a creative way to use leftover mashed potatoes, try this casserole. It’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients for Creamy Loaded Mashed Potatoes
To make this creamy loaded mashed potato casserole, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Start with 3 pounds of russet potatoes. You can peel them or leave the skins on. Cut them into 1-inch cubes.
For extra flavor, boil 2 cloves of garlic with the potatoes. You’ll also need 8 tablespoons of butter, 1/2 cup of cream, and 1 cup of sour cream. Add 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
The star of the show is the cheese. You’ll need 16 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese, divided and shredded. Don’t forget the 6 slices of crispy cooked bacon, chopped and divided. To finish it off, add a handful of fresh chopped chives and parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Russet Potatoes, peeled or unpeeled, cubed | 3 pounds |
| Garlic Cloves | 2 |
| Butter | 8 tablespoons |
| Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Sour Cream | 1 cup |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 16 ounces, divided |
| Cooked Bacon, chopped | 6 slices, divided |
| Chopped Chives | As needed |
| Chopped Parsley | As needed |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful loaded mashed potato casserole. It’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Cooking Instructions
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection
Making the perfect loaded mashed potato casserole is easy. Start by boiling potatoes until they’re soft. Then, drain them and mash with milk, butter, and sour cream for a creamy texture.
Put the mashed potatoes in a baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake until the cheese melts and bubbles, about 35 minutes. Finish with crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, and chopped parsley for extra flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and cut 4-5 lbs of Yukon Gold potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
- Place the potato cubes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes with 1/4 cup of milk, 2 tbsp of butter, and 1/4 cup of sour cream until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread them out evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes.
- Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and top it with 3 sliced bacon strips, 1/3 cup of chopped chives, and 2 tbsp of chopped parsley.
Serve the loaded mashed potato casserole hot. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for any gathering. It’s a crowd-pleaser at holidays or potlucks.
Tips for the Best Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
To make a delicious loaded mashed potato casserole, follow some important tips. Start by using freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best taste and texture. Also, make sure not to overbake the bacon topping, as it can get too crispy.
For the smoothest creamiest mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer instead of a food processor. This method helps avoid a gummy texture. Also, don’t over-mix the potatoes to keep them creamy.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for optimal melting
- Don’t overbake the bacon to prevent it from becoming too crispy
- Employ a potato ricer for extra-smooth creamy mashed potatoes
- Avoid over-mixing the potatoes to prevent a gummy texture
By following these tips, you can make your loaded mashed potato casserole even better. It’s perfect as a potato side dish for Thanksgiving or any special event. These guidelines will help you get the right mix of flavors and textures.
Make-Ahead Convenience
This creamy loaded mashed potato casserole is great because you can make it ahead of time. You can mix the potatoes, cover the dish, and refrigerate it for up to three days. Then, just bake it when you’re ready, add the bacon, and enjoy.
This make-ahead side dish is perfect for busy holiday meals. You can make the easy potato casserole early, saving time on the big day. Just bake it, and you’ll have a tasty, comforting dish ready.
Preparing the Casserole in Advance
To prepare the loaded mashed potato casserole ahead, just follow these steps:
- Make the mashed potato mixture as the recipe says.
- Spread it in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- When you’re ready to bake, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake the loaded mashed potato casserole as the recipe says, adding bacon and toppings just before serving.
This way, you can start your holiday meal prep early. Your loaded mashed potato casserole will be hot, creamy, and ready when your guests arrive.
Flavor Variations and Substitutions
The classic loaded mashed potato casserole is a hit, but you can make it your own. It’s all about trying new things and finding what you love. This dish is perfect for mixing and matching to create your favorite flavors.
Want to change up the cheese? Try colby jack, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar. Each one brings its own taste and texture to the creamy potatoes.
- Add fresh garlic for a savory twist or jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Use smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
- Make it creamier by mixing in cream cheese or sour cream with the potatoes.
There’s no limit to how you can make your loaded mashed potato casserole special. Don’t be afraid to try new things and find your favorite mix of flavors.
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole for Holidays
A creamy loaded mashed potato casserole is perfect for holiday meals. It’s filled with bacon, cheese, and chives. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
This loaded mashed potato casserole is quick to make. It only takes 20 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes total. It serves 8, making it great for big holiday meals.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 221 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbs | 23g |
| Protein | 10g |
The casserole’s creamy texture comes from cream cheese, milk, and sour cream. Garlic-and-herb seasoning, salt, and pepper add great flavors. It’s topped with Cheddar cheese, bacon, and scallions for a delicious finish.
This loaded mashed potato casserole is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas. It’s a great side dish for turkey, sweet potatoes, and other holiday foods. Its convenience and tasty flavors make it a holiday favorite.
Serving Suggestions
This loaded mashed potato casserole is a great side dish for holidays. It goes well with roasted turkey, ham, or beef. It also pairs well with candied sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and Southern cornbread dressing.
Pairing with Your Favorite Holiday Dishes
The loaded mashed potato casserole is a versatile potato side dish. It’s perfect with many holiday meals. Its rich flavors match well with roasted meats, poultry, and veggies. Try it with your Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham, or any holiday feast for a tasty side.
| Holiday Main Dish | Suggested Pairing |
|---|---|
| Roasted Turkey | Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole |
| Baked Ham | Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole |
| Roast Beef | Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole |
| Vegetarian Roast | Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole |
No matter your holiday main dish, this loaded mashed potato casserole will be a hit. It makes your meal even better.
More Potato Side Dish Recipes
Looking for more delicious potato side dishes for your holiday meals? We’ve got you covered. From classic mashed potatoes to creative sweet potato casseroles, our recipes offer a variety of options. They’re perfect for your holiday spread and satisfy your comfort food cravings.
Buttery Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs
Try our classic mashed potato recipe for a rich, creamy treat. It uses Yukon Gold potatoes, butter, milk, and fresh garlic and herbs for extra flavor.
Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges with Maple Glaze
Bring a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to your table with our roasted sweet potato wedges. They’re caramelized to perfection and drizzled with a maple glaze.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Our scalloped potato dish is a comfort food classic. It features layers of thinly sliced potatoes, melted cheese, and a creamy sauce. It’s perfect for serving a crowd during the holidays.
| Potato Side Dish | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creamy Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole | 20 minutes | 45 minutes | 1 hour 5 minutes | 12 |
| Buttery Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs | 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 45 minutes | 8 |
| Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges with Maple Glaze | 10 minutes | 40 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 |
| Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes | 20 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 20 minutes | 10 |
Looking for a potato side dish for your holiday feast or comforting comfort food recipes for any time? Our collection of holiday side dishes will inspire and delight your taste buds.
Conclusion
This loaded mashed potato casserole is the perfect holiday side dish. It combines the cozy taste of a loaded baked potato into a simple casserole. It’s easy to make ahead and loved by all, making it a great choice for any holiday.
It’s great with many main dishes, like grilled salmon, BBQ ribs, or steak with mushrooms and veggies. Its creamy, rich flavor makes it a standout on any holiday table.
So, start by gathering your ingredients and preheat your oven. This dish will impress your guests and become a new holiday favorite. Enjoy the ease of making it ahead and the joy of serving a delicious, indulgent side.