Warning: This Cheesy Loaded Baked Mashed Potatoes Casserole Will Blow Your Mind

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Russet Potatoes (peeled and cut into 1‑inch thick slices)
• 1 tablespoon Salt (for boiling potatoes)
• 1 pound Bacon (cut into strips, cooked until crispy)
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 cup Whole Milk (room temperature)
• 4 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
• 0.25 cup Heavy Cream (optional, adds richness)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (divided, 1 cup in sauce, 1 cup for topping)
• 2 tablespoons Green Onion (sliced for garnish)
• 0.25 cup Sour Cream (for serving)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for greasing baking dish)

Instructions

1. Boil Potatoes

   Place peeled, sliced potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add 1 tablespoon salt, and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Cook until a fork easily pierces the pieces (about 20 minutes).

   Time: PT20M

2. Cook Bacon

   While the potatoes boil, heat a skillet over medium heat, add the 1 lb of bacon strips, and fry until crispy, about 10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat.

   Time: PT10M

3. Drain Potatoes

   When tender, carefully drain the potatoes and set the pot aside for later use.

   Time: PT2M

4. Prepare Cheese Sauce

   Return the pot to medium heat, melt 4 Tbsp butter, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in 1 cup milk and the softened cream cheese, whisk until smooth. Remove from heat, then mix in garlic salt, black pepper, ½ tsp salt, ¼ cup heavy cream, and 1 cup shredded cheddar until fully incorporated.

   Time: PT5M

5. Mash Potatoes and Combine

   Using a rice mill or potato masher, mash the boiled potatoes directly in the pot. Fold the cheese sauce into the mashed potatoes until evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

   Time: PT5M

6. Preheat Oven

   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 375°F

7. Assemble Casserole

   Lightly grease the 9×13‑inch baking dish with olive oil. Transfer the mashed potato mixture into the dish, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar and the crumbled crispy bacon evenly over the surface.

   Time: PT5M

8. Bake

   Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.

   Time: PT12M

   Temperature: 375°F

9. Garnish and Serve

   Remove from oven, garnish with sliced green onions and a dollop of sour cream. Let rest 2 minutes before serving.

   Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

845

Protein

22g

Carbohydrates

22g

Fat

53g

Fiber

6g