There is something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy potato dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles. The Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole with Bacon and Green Onions Recipe is exactly that kind of dish—rich, creamy, and packed with layers of flavor that make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With sumptuous melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and the fresh bite of green onions, it’s a perfect recipe to elevate your weeknight dinners or to star alongside your holiday spread. This casserole is easy to prepare but impressive in taste, making it a favorite in my kitchen and one I can’t wait to share with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this casserole plays a vital role—from creating the luscious creamy base to delivering texture and pops of flavor. The simplicity of these ingredients belies how beautifully they come together to make something truly special and satisfying.
- Russet potatoes (3 lbs, peeled and cubed): The hearty foundation, providing a fluffy and smooth texture when mashed.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the richness.
- Milk (1/2 cup, more if needed): Helps achieve the perfect silky consistency in the mash.
- Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, melted): Brings a velvety richness and depth of flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups, divided): Cheddar is the star here, melting into the potatoes for gooey, savory goodness.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds gentle warmth and savory notes without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing every other ingredient.
- Cooked crumbled bacon (1/2 cup, optional): Introduces salty crunch and smoky flavor, making every bite more exciting.
- Chopped green onions (1/4 cup, optional): Freshness and a mild onion kick that brightens the casserole.
How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole with Bacon and Green Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Next, place your peeled and cubed russet potatoes into a large pot, cover them with water, and bring it to a boil. Boil them until fork-tender, usually about 15 to 20 minutes. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked potatoes provide that irresistibly creamy base for your casserole.
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes to Creamy Perfection
Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Now for the magic moment: add the sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together until silky smooth and creamy, adding extra milk if needed to get just the right consistency. The balance here will make your potatoes velvety without being runny, which is key for that ideal casserole texture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cheese
Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese directly into the mashed potatoes. This not only adds flavor but creates a cheesy cohesion throughout, making every forkful truly satisfying. Remember, sharp cheddar brings a lovely tang, so choose one you love!
Step 4: Assemble Your Casserole
Spread your luscious mashed potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top. Finally, for those who love a little extra indulgence and freshness, scatter over the cooked crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. This layering is what makes the Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole with Bacon and Green Onions Recipe so memorable.
Step 5: Bake to Golden, Melty Perfection
Bake your casserole uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly and the entire dish is heated through. Let it cool for a few moments before serving so it sets just a bit and is easier to scoop. That golden cheese crust is truly irresistible!
How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole with Bacon and Green Onions Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or extra green onions just before serving adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. If you want to get fancy, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of a mild hot sauce can elevate the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork chops. A crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables can balance out the richness for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation, perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. You can also add a crunchy topping of panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for an extra crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy inside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which may be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully when cooked. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can cover it loosely with foil to prevent the top from over-browning. Microwave reheating works too but might sacrifice some texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar brings a classic tangy flavor, you can mix in mozzarella for gooeyness or even pepper jack for a little kick. Just choose cheeses that melt well to keep the casserole creamy.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon and add extra green onions or even sautéed mushrooms for a savory boost without meat.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes a day in advance and assemble the casserole when ready to bake. Keep it covered in the fridge until baking.
What if I want a gluten-free version?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you avoid any optional topping with breadcrumbs. Just double-check your ingredients for any hidden gluten.
How creamy should the mashed potatoes be before baking?
The potatoes should be smooth and creamy enough to spread easily but not runny. Adding milk gradually will help you find the perfect consistency that holds together in the casserole.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole with Bacon and Green Onions Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that turns any ordinary meal into something special. It’s cozy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make—a combination that keeps me coming back to it again and again. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving comfort food for yourself, this casserole has your back every step of the way!
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Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole with Bacon and Green Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting mashed potato casserole loaded with creamy sour cream, melted cheddar cheese, and optional crispy bacon and green onions. This baked dish makes a perfect side for family dinners or holiday meals, delivering smooth, cheesy, and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Base
- 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk (more as needed)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Flavorings and Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot. Cover them with water and bring to a rolling boil. Allow them to cook for 15–20 minutes or until pierced easily with a fork, indicating they are fork-tender.
- Drain Potatoes: Drain the potatoes carefully in a colander and then return them to the pot for mashing.
- Mash Potatoes: Mash the potatoes in the pot with sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth. Add more milk if the consistency is too thick for your liking.
- Add Cheese: Stir one cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potato mixture evenly to incorporate a rich cheesy flavor throughout.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mashed potato mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly to the edges.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If desired, add cooked crumbled bacon and chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is warmed through completely.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, add additional milk as needed when mashing the potatoes.
- Russet potatoes are ideal for mashing due to their starchy texture.
- The bacon and green onions are optional but add great depth of flavor and contrast.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor results.
- This casserole can be made ahead up to step 7, then refrigerated and baked before serving.
