Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Why You’ll Love It

Next-level potatoes: This loaded mashed potatoes recipe is a great way to elevate traditional mashed potatoes.
Great to take to friends: Perfect to serve at a potluck or holiday table.
Ultra-delicious: Rich and creamy and loaded with flavor.

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes provide the ideal fluffy texture when mashed, perfect for absorbing the creamy mixture in the casserole.
Cream cheese: Softened to blend smoothly, the cream cheese adds a rich, velvety consistency to the mashed potatoes, making them extra indulgent.
Sour cream: Offers a tangy flavor that balances the richness of the dish while keeping the potatoes light and creamy.
Butter: Softened butter adds a luxurious mouthfeel and enhances the overall creaminess of the casserole.
Garlic powder: Infuses the dish with a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar brings a bold, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the creamy potatoes and crispy bacon.
Bacon: Cooked and chopped bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch to each bite, creating a perfect contrast to the smooth mashed potatoes.
Green onions: For the perfect onion flavor – I crave them with my potatoes.

How to Make Mashed Potato Casserole

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Cook the potatoes: Boil potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain potatoes and return the potatoes to the pot.
Mash and season the potatoes: Add cream cheese, sour cream, milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cooked potatoes. Mash everything together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mashed potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and bacon evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
Finish and serve: Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

Potato swap: For a creamier texture, swap Russets for Yukon Gold potatoes, or try cauliflower cooked and pushed through a potato masher. You can also use good-quality potato flakes to time save.
Cream cheese: For a lighter or plant-based option, use reduced-fat or dairy-free cream cheese. Greek yogurt can also add creaminess with a bit of tang.
Sour cream: Greek yogurt or plain yogurt works well as a substitute. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based sour cream.
Milk: Any milk can work here – whole milk for richness or almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free choice.
Butter: Replace olive oil or plant-based unsalted butter with a vegan-friendly or lighter version.
Cheddar cheese: For a flavor twist, mix it up with mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack. For a dairy-free version, use your favorite plant-based cheese.
Bacon: Try turkey or plant-based bacon, or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version. Sautéed mushrooms or crispy fried onions can add savory flair.
Tex-Mex loaded mashed potato casserole: Give it a Tex-Mex flair by adding taco seasoning to the mashed potatoes. Substitute cheddar with a blend of Mexican cheeses, such as queso fresco or Monterey Jack. Top with salsa, black beans, and sliced jalapeños before baking for a loaded potato casserole with a southwestern twist.
Loaded mashed potato casserole with gravy: For a more indulgent version, drizzle your casserole with a layer of homemade or store-bought gravy before adding the cheese and bacon. The gravy adds a savory, rich dimension, making this variation perfect for holiday dinners or hearty meals.
BBQ-loaded mashed potato casserole: Infuse some smoky barbecue flavors by mixing in a tablespoon of BBQ sauce into the mashed potatoes. Use smoked gouda or cheddar cheese, and top with pulled pork or BBQ chicken for a loaded potato casserole with a Southern twist.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizer: Start with my little cranberry bites… they’re so cute and easy to make.
Main: Serve these potatoes as a side to meatloaf, hamburgers, or beef stroganoff. They are also yummy with roast turkey, roast chicken, or pork chops.
Dessert: End with gingerbread trifle.

How to Store Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Cool it, wrap it tightly in plastic, and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Thaw: When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: Warm through with a splash of milk to thin the potatoes, then bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 15 minutes.