Make this ultimate comfort food side dish: a creamy, cheesy mashed potato bake loaded with bacon and sour cream. This recipe delivers restaurant style mashed potatoes that are perfect for holidays or family gatherings.
Author:charliehayes
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:45 min
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 cup whole milk, warmed
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, plus 1/2 cup for topping
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes well and return them to the hot pot. Let them sit for 2 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Mash the potatoes thoroughly using a potato masher or ricer for the fluffiest texture.
Add the warm milk, softened butter, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper to the mashed potatoes. Mix until just combined and creamy. Do not overmix.
Fold in half of the crumbled bacon and half of the chopped chives into the potato mixture.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Top the casserole evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and the remaining bacon crumbles.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with the remaining fresh chives.
Notes
For the creamiest texture, use a potato ricer instead of an electric mixer.
You can prepare this loaded potato casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate before baking; add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
Use high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor in this indulgent potato recipe.