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Creamy Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole for a Crowd

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A rich, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing mashed potato casserole loaded with bacon, cheddar, and cream cheese. This easy-to-make side dish is perfect for holidays and large gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 lbs Russet Potatoes
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 12 slices Bacon (cooked crispy and crumbled)
  • 6 stalks Green Onions (sliced)
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream

Instructions

  1. Peel and cube potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Place in a large stockpot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Simmer until tender (20-25 minutes). Drain and let steam dry for 5 minutes.
  2. Rice or mash the hot potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Let cool slightly for 5 minutes.
  3. While potatoes cook, fry bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels, crumble, and reserve 1/2 cup for topping.
  4. To the warm potatoes, add softened butter, heavy cream, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until smooth and creamy.
  5. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and the crumbled bacon (minus the reserved 1/2 cup).
  6. Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, reserved bacon bits, and drizzle with sour cream.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally broil for 2 minutes for a crispier top.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with green onions and serving.

Notes

Start potatoes in cold water to ensure even cooking. Do not overmix the potatoes to avoid a gluey texture. Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth blending. For a gluten-free option, verify bacon and cheese certifications. Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed potato casserole, holiday side dish, crowd pleaser, cheesy potatoes, bacon potatoes, cream cheese mashed potatoes, Thanksgiving side dish

Find it online: https://islatable.com/creamy-loaded-mashed-potato-casserole-for-a-crowd-easy-best-side-dish/