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Mashed Potato Casserole
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon, this mashed potato casserole is the ultimate comfort side dish. It's quick to prepare and easy to make in advance. It’s a special addition to weeknight dinners and fancy enough for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F.
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Place potatoes in a medium pot and cover with water plus 1 tsp of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
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Drain the potatoes well. Place butter in the bottom of a medium bowl. Mash the potatoes into the bowl with a ricer or fork.
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Add milk, Greek yogurt, salt, garlic salt, pepper, and reserved bacon fat. Stir gently with a spatula to combine (avoid overmixing to prevent gumminess).
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Transfer mashed potatoes to a 1-quart casserole dish. Top with shredded cheddar and bacon bits.
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Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Optional: Garnish with green onions.
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Serve hot.
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Make-ahead option: Complete through step 5. Cover and refrigerate. Bake covered at 375°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 minutes more. Garnish with green onions.
Note
Quick Tips
- Make-ahead friendly: Great for holidays. Just assemble it early and bake it before serving.
- A fork works for mashing too, but a ricer will make fluffier potatoes. If using a fork, it’s even more important to be careful not to over-stir.
- Upgrade suggestion: Try smoked gouda or fontina instead of cheddar. This will give you a richer, gourmet flavor.
- Upgrade suggestion: Mix in roasted garlic or caramelized onions for extra richness.
Grocery List (by Department)Produce
- 1 lb russet potatoes (about 3 large)1 tsp green onion
- 4 slices of bacon
- ⅓ cup milk2 tbsp butter1 ½ Tbsp Greek yogurt½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp garlic salt
- 1 pinch of black pepper
This mashed potato casserole is a crowd-pleaser that feels luxurious but is easily made. Serve it for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a holiday side. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly.
Holiday/Entertaining Variation
For a festive touch, sprinkle crispy fried onions or extra bacon on top right before serving. You can also prepare the casserole in a larger dish and double the recipe to easily feed a crowd at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or other gatherings.
