Mashed Potato Casserole

Courses: Side Dishes

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

1 pound russet potatoes , peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 3 large)
4 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped (reserve a small amount of bacon grease)
⅓ cup milk
2 tbsp butter
1 ½ tbsp Greek yogurt
¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
¼ tsp garlic salt
1 pinch of black pepper (or to taste)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp green onion, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2
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.
3
Drain the potatoes well. Place butter in the bottom of a medium bowl. Mash the potatoes into the bowl with a ricer or fork.
4
Add milk, Greek yogurt, salt, garlic salt, pepper, and reserved bacon fat. Stir gently with a spatula to combine (avoid overmixing to prevent gumminess).
5
Transfer mashed potatoes to a 1-quart casserole dish. Top with shredded cheddar and bacon bits.
6
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7
Optional: Garnish with green onions.
8
Serve hot.
9
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

Meat

4 slices of bacon

Dairy

⅓ cup milk2 tbsp butter1 ½ Tbsp Greek yogurt½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Pantry

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.