Bacon Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Dish That’s Loaded with Creamy, Cheesy

If you're craving the most decadent mashed potato casserole of your life, look no further! This Bacon Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole is a dream come true for anyone who loves the perfect blend of rich mashed potatoes, gooey melted cheddar, and the unbeatable crunch of crispy bacon. It’s the ideal side dish for a holiday feast, a family gathering, or any time you just want to indulge in pure comfort. Each forkful is a heavenly mix of flavors, and the best part? It’s super easy to whip up! This casserole is guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults alike, leaving everyone asking for seconds.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Bacon Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole

What could be better than mashed potatoes? Mashed potatoes with bacon and cheddar, of course! This casserole is inspired by those moments when you just want to take a comfort food classic to the next level. The creamy mashed potatoes are loaded with tangy sour cream and buttery goodness, while sharp cheddar cheese melts into the dish, adding richness. And let's not forget the star of the show—crispy, savory bacon bits sprinkled throughout. It’s a dish that’s indulgent, hearty, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or just because, it’s a surefire way to satisfy your comfort food cravings!

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole

This dish takes everything you love about mashed potatoes and adds layers of flavor and texture that will make your taste buds sing. The bacon provides a smoky crunch, while the cheddar brings a creamy, cheesy element that makes the casserole irresistibly rich. With the addition of sour cream, butter, and chives, the mashed potatoes are perfectly smooth and flavorful. Not to mention, it’s all baked to golden perfection with an extra sprinkle of cheese and bacon on top! This casserole is easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or holiday dinners.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• Calories: 560 kcal
• Fat: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 15g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fiber: 4g

This casserole is a meal in itself, but it can be paired with lighter sides like a green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced plate.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

While this Bacon Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole is a showstopper on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes and sides. For a full comfort meal, serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a tender pot roast. You can also add a refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the casserole. If you're feeling extra indulgent, try pairing it with a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread. For a light dessert, consider a fruit cobbler or apple crisp—something sweet yet simple to round out the meal.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed. You can also freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Fun Fact: The Magic of Mashed Potatoes

Did you know mashed potatoes date back to the 1700s? They've been a comfort food staple for centuries and have evolved into countless variations over the years. Adding cheese and bacon takes this humble dish to new heights, making it an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist!

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Cooking Tips

• Extra Creamy Potatoes: To make the mashed potatoes even creamier, you can add an extra splash of milk or a dollop of cream cheese to the mix.
• Crispier Bacon: For the crispiest bacon bits, cook the bacon a little longer on a low heat until it’s extra crispy, and be sure to drain it well on a paper towel before chopping.
• Cheese Options: Don’t limit yourself to cheddar! This recipe works wonderfully with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even Parmesan for a sharper flavor.

Optional Variations

• Garlic Lovers: Add a few cloves of roasted garlic into the mashed potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
• Herby Goodness: For a fresh twist, stir in some fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley with the cheese.
• Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of spice, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.

Bacon Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb thick-cut bacon
• 5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup full-fat sour cream
• 1½ tsp salt (more to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup fresh chives, finely chopped

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon, turning frequently, until crispy (about 5-6 minutes). Drain on a paper towel-lined plate, then chop into small bits. Set aside.
3. Prepare the potatoes: Place the peeled, quartered potatoes in a large saucepan. Cover with cold water, ensuring the water level is about 1 inch higher than the potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Warm the milk mixture: While the potatoes are cooking, combine the milk, heavy cream, and butter in a small saucepan. Heat over low until the butter melts, then keep warm.
5. Mash the potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the hot pot. Pour in the warm milk mixture and sour cream, then mash until smooth, being careful not to over-mash to avoid a gluey texture.
6. Add cheese and bacon: Gently stir in 1¼ cups of the cheddar cheese and three-quarters of the bacon. Mix just until combined.
7. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mashed potato mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining bacon and cheddar cheese on top.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, just until the cheese on top is melted and gooey.
9. Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle the casserole with fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, bacon-filled bite!

This Bacon Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole is the ultimate side dish that combines rich flavors and comforting textures into one heavenly bake. It’s the perfect addition to any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. With every spoonful, you’ll experience the creamy, cheesy goodness and crispy bacon that makes this dish so irresistible. Give it a try, and it just might become your new go-to casserole!