Ultimate Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole: A Cheesy Holiday Favorite

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Looking for the perfect side dish to wow your guests this holiday season? This Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and smoky masterpiece that’s sure to steal the show! With fluffy mashed potatoes, crispy turkey bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a savory mix of bell peppers and onions, this casserole is comfort food at its finest. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and bake right before serving. Let’s dive into this family favorite recipe!

A close-up of a golden-brown mashed potato casserole, topped with melted cheese, crispy turkey bacon bits, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, served in a rustic baking dish.

Ingredients and Preparation Steps

What You’ll Need:

  • 5 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 8 strips turkey bacon
  • ⅔ cup chopped green or red bell pepper
  • ½ cup chopped onion (or more to taste)
  • ¾ cup hot milk
  • 6 tbsp butter (plus more for greasing)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 (10 oz) package sharp cheddar cheese, cut into chunks
  • 3 large eggs

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Close-up view of an oven preheating to 350°F, with two buttered casserole dishes ready on a light kitchen counter.

First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter 2 large casserole dishes and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Close-up view of peeled and cubed potatoes boiling in a large pot of salted water, with steam rising.

Next, place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.

Step 3: Fry the Turkey Bacon

Close-up view of crispy turkey bacon strips frying in a skillet, with golden edges and a smoky aroma.

While the potatoes cook, fry the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside. Leave 2 tbsp of drippings in the skillet (or use olive oil if needed).

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

Close-up view of chopped bell peppers and onions sizzling in turkey bacon drippings, releasing a savory aroma.

After, sauté the bell pepper and onion in the drippings (or oil) until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Mash the Potatoes

Close-up view of fluffy mashed potatoes being whipped in a stand mixer, with butter and hot milk being added.

Then, combine the potatoes, hot milk, butter, salt, and pepper in a stand mixer. Beat on slow speed, then increase to medium until fluffy, 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Add the Goodies

Close-up view of cheddar cheese chunks, eggs, sautéed veggies, and crumbled turkey bacon being mixed into the mashed potatoes.

Add the cheddar cheese, eggs, bell pepper-onion mixture, and crumbled turkey bacon. Beat again at medium speed until the cheese is in smaller pieces, about 3 minutes.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Close-up view of two casserole dishes filled with the potato mixture, ready to be baked in the oven.

Finally, fill each casserole dish 2/3 full with the potato mixture. Bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through and puffed up.

The Best Time to Savor Your Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

This Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish! The creamy mashed potatoes, smoky turkey bacon, and melted cheddar cheese create a flavor explosion that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering. Serve it alongside your Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes or as a comforting addition to your Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie.

For a complete holiday feast, pair it with a glass of Thanksgiving Harvest Punch or a slice of Pumpkin Cheesecake for dessert. This dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! After preparing the casserole, cool it completely, cover, and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour before baking.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor, but you can substitute with Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a blend of cheeses for a unique twist.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Prep Time
30 minutes

Cook Time
45 minutes

Servings
16

Category
Comfort food

This easy and indulgent casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish! Creamy mashed potatoes are loaded with smoky turkey bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a savory mix of bell peppers and onions. Perfect for making ahead and baking right before serving—thanks to Marie for this family favorite!

Ingredient

  • 5 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 8 strips turkey bacon
  • ⅔ cup chopped green or red bell pepper
  • ½ cup chopped onion (or more to taste)
  • ¾ cup hot milk
  • 6 tbsp butter (plus more for greasing)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 (10 oz) package sharp cheddar cheese, cut into chunks
  • 3 large eggs

Instructions

  1. First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter 2 large casserole dishes.
  2. Next, place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
  3. While the potatoes cook, fry the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside. Leave 2 tbsp of drippings in the skillet (or use olive oil if needed).
  4. After, sauté the bell pepper and onion in the drippings (or oil) until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. Then, combine the potatoes, hot milk, butter, salt, and pepper in a stand mixer. Beat on slow speed, then increase to medium until fluffy, 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add the cheddar cheese, eggs, bell pepper-onion mixture, and crumbled turkey bacon. Beat again at medium speed until the cheese is in smaller pieces, about 3 minutes.
  7. Finally, fill each casserole dish 2/3 full with the potato mixture. Bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through and puffed up.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories: 266
  • Fat: 13g
  • Carbs: 27g
  • Protein: 11g

Pro Tips

Make this dish ahead! After step 5, cool the casseroles, cover, and refrigerate. Let them sit at room temperature for 1 hour before baking.

Pro Tips for Perfect Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Want to make your Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole even more irresistible? Here are some expert tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:

  1. Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: Their buttery texture and rich flavor make them ideal for creamy mashed potatoes.
  2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the potatoes gluey. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and the cheese is in small chunks.
  3. Add Extra Toppings: Before baking, sprinkle extra shredded cheese and bacon bits on top for a golden, crispy finish.
  4. Make It Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour before baking.
  5. Customize the Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole to keep it tasting fresh:

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
  • Freezing: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Perfect Pairings for Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Looking for the perfect dishes to serve alongside your Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole? Here are some delicious pairings to complete your meal:

  • Roasted Turkey or Ham: This casserole pairs perfectly with holiday classics like roasted turkey or glazed ham.
  • Green Bean Casserole:Add a classic side like green bean casserole for a balanced holiday spread.
  • Cranberry Sauce: The tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce complements the richness of the casserole.
  • Garlic Bread: Serve with warm Italian bread or garlic bread for a comforting meal.
  • Dessert: End your feast with a slice of Pumpkin Cheesecake or Pistachio Torte.

Pro Tips for Perfect Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Want to make your Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole even more irresistible? Here are some expert tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:

  1. Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: Their buttery texture and rich flavor make them ideal for creamy mashed potatoes.
  2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the potatoes gluey. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and the cheese is in small chunks.
  3. Add Extra Toppings: Before baking, sprinkle extra shredded cheese and turkey bacon bits on top for a golden, crispy finish.
  4. Make It Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour before baking.
  5. Customize the Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole to keep it tasting fresh:

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
  • Freezing: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Perfect Pairings for Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Looking for the perfect dishes to serve alongside your Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole? Here are some delicious pairings to complete your meal:

  • Roasted Turkey or Ham: This casserole pairs perfectly with holiday classics like roasted turkey or glazed ham.
  • Green Bean Casserole: Add a classic side like green bean casserole for a balanced holiday spread.
  • Cranberry Sauce: The tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce complements the richness of the casserole.
  • Garlic Bread: Serve with warm Italian bread or garlic bread for a comforting meal.
  • Dessert: End your feast with a slice of Pumpkin Cheesecake or Pistachio Torte.

We hope you enjoyed making and savoring this Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole as much as we did! This dish is perfect for anyone who loves creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, it’s sure to impress.

Have you tried this recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, tips, or variations in the comments below. Did you add extra veggies or swap the cheese? Let us know how it turned out!

For more delicious holiday recipes, check out our Cranberry Brie Bites or our Eggnog Pie. And if you’re in the mood for something savory, don’t miss our Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef or Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake.

Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family! Tag us on social media using #LoadedMashedPotatoCasserole and let us know how it turned out. For more exclusive recipes and cooking tips, subscribe to our newsletter below. Happy cooking!

Emma,
The Recipe Team

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