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- 4 large russet potatoes - 1 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup cream cheese - 1/2 cup milk - 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup cooked turkey bacon - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/2 cup green onions - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste The main ingredients set the stage for a rich and creamy dish. The russet potatoes give a fluffy texture. Sour cream and cream cheese add a nice tang. The milk keeps everything smooth. Sharp cheddar cheese brings a bold flavor that makes this dish shine. Optional ingredients can elevate your casserole even more. Turkey bacon adds a savory crunch. Feta cheese gives a unique twist with its salty taste. Green onions introduce a fresh bite that balances the creaminess. For seasonings, garlic powder adds depth. Don't forget salt and pepper; they enhance all the flavors. Adjust to your taste. This combination of ingredients creates a comforting dish that everyone loves. You can’t go wrong with this loaded mashed potato casserole! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes. Cook them for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. - Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. - Mix in the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and milk. Stir well until combined. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. - Gently fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled feta cheese, chopped green onions, and turkey bacon if using. - Transfer the potato mixture to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it evenly across the dish. - Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top. - Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden and bubbly top to know it’s done. To get smooth, creamy mashed potatoes, I recommend using a potato masher. Start with hot, cooked potatoes. This helps break them down easily. Avoid using a food processor; it can make potatoes gluey. For that perfect creamy texture, mix in sour cream and cream cheese. The fats from these ingredients add richness and silkiness. Adding toppings can boost your casserole's flavor. Try crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, or fresh herbs like parsley. For a colorful touch, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top before serving. Serve it straight from the dish for a warm, inviting look, or plate it for a more refined touch. One common mistake is adding too much water when cooking potatoes. This can lead to a watery mash. Always drain them well after boiling. Also, balance your flavors. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This ensures the flavors pop and you get a delicious, savory dish every time. Pro Tips Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for a creamy texture. Their high starch content makes for fluffy mashed potatoes that blend beautifully with the other ingredients. Experiment with Cheeses: While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like gouda or Monterey jack for a unique flavor profile. Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook it. Garnish for Appeal: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives not only adds color but also enhances the dish's flavor. Don't skip this step for a restaurant-quality presentation! {{image_4}} You can make this dish fit your diet with a few swaps. If you need dairy-free options, use vegan cream cheese and almond or oat milk. These will still give you that creamy texture. If you want to skip the meat, try using vegetarian bacon. It adds flavor without the meat. Seasonal veggies can make this dish even better. Spinach and broccoli are great choices. They add color and nutrients. You can also switch up the cheese. Try gouda or pepper jack for a fun twist. If you follow a low-carb diet, use cauliflower instead of potatoes. It mashes well and tastes great. For a gluten-free option, just check your cream cheese and sour cream. Most brands are safe, but always read labels! After enjoying your Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole, you’ll likely have some leftovers. To store them properly, follow these steps: - Refrigeration: Let the casserole cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation in the container. - Storage Containers: Use airtight containers for best results. Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work great. This keeps your casserole fresh and tasty. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them correctly is key. Here are the best methods: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes. This method warms it evenly without drying it out. - Microwave Method: If you're in a rush, use the microwave. Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between. This helps to heat it evenly. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a good option. Here’s how to do it: - Freezing Portions: Allow the casserole to cool completely. Then, cut it into individual servings. Place each portion in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave some space for expansion. - Thawing and Reheating: To enjoy your frozen casserole, transfer it to the fridge the night before to thaw. Once thawed, use the oven or microwave to reheat as mentioned above. If you forgot to thaw it, you can bake it straight from the freezer. Just add extra time to your cooking. These storage and reheating tips will help keep your Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole delicious for days to come! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Just follow these tips: - Make the Mashed Potatoes: Cook and mash the potatoes. Mix in all the creamy ingredients. - Assemble the Casserole: Place the mixture in the casserole dish. - Cover and Chill: Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge. - Baking Later: When ready to bake, remove the wrap. Add topping and bake. You may need to increase the time. This makes it easy to enjoy your casserole without much fuss on the day of serving. This casserole pairs well with many dishes. Here are a few ideas: - Roasted Chicken: Its flavor complements the cheese. - Green Salad: A fresh salad balances the richness. - Grilled Vegetables: Adds a nice crunch and color. - Steak or Meatloaf: Hearty dishes work well with this casserole. These sides create a full meal, making your dinner special. Absolutely! Here are some fun ideas to change it up: - Different Cheeses: Try gouda or pepper jack for a spicy kick. - Add Veggies: Spinach or broccoli can boost nutrition. - Herbs and Spices: Use herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. - Change the Protein: Swap turkey bacon for veggie bacon or ham. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. The options are endless! This article covered how to make a delicious Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to perfect your dish. With various options for customization and storage advice, you can make this meal fit your needs. Remember, the right blend of flavors and textures creates a winner. Enjoy experimenting with your choices, and have fun in the kitchen!

Cheesy Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

A creamy and cheesy casserole made with mashed potatoes, sour cream, and a blend of cheeses, topped with crispy bacon and green onions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
  • 1 cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • to garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot when your casserole is ready to bake.
  • Cook the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Carefully add the cubed potatoes and let them cook until tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once done, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
  • Mash the Potatoes: Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until they reach a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Mix in the Creamy Ingredients: To the mashed potatoes, add the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and milk. Stir well until everything is thoroughly combined. Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
  • Incorporate the Cheeses and Extras: Gently fold in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled feta cheese, chopped green onions, and crumbled turkey bacon (if you’re including it). Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the potato mixture.
  • Transfer to a Casserole Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish and carefully spoon the potato mixture into it, spreading it out evenly across the dish.
  • Add the Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, ensuring it covers the potatoes well.
  • Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, indicating that it’s cooked through.
  • Cool and Garnish: After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, garnish with additional chopped green onions and freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve directly from the casserole dish for a family-style meal, or scoop portions onto individual plates and garnish with extra parsley for an elegant touch.
Keyword casserole, cheesy, comfort food, mashed potatoes