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Cozy Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole with Bacon and Chives

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This loaded mashed potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes topped with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh chives, baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for cozy nights, holiday dinners, or any time you need a dish that feels like a hug.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for cooking water
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon (about 8 ounces), cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Peel and cut potatoes into roughly 2-inch chunks. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes until fork-tender.
  3. While potatoes cook, cook bacon until crispy (bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes or pan-fry). Crumble when cool.
  4. Drain potatoes well and let them steam dry for a minute or two.
  5. Return potatoes to pot or transfer to a large bowl. Add butter and cream cheese while hot. Mash until smooth but not overworked.
  6. Stir in warm milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Reserve 1/2 cup cheddar and 2 tablespoons bacon for topping. Fold remaining cheese, bacon, and most chives into potatoes.
  8. Spread potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  9. Top with reserved cheddar, bacon, and Parmesan cheese.
  10. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
  11. Switch oven to broil and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until top is golden and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  12. Let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining fresh chives before serving.

Notes

Don’t over-mash potatoes to avoid gluey texture. Warm milk before adding. Season cooking water generously. Watch broiler closely to prevent burning. Let casserole rest before serving. Use room temperature cream cheese for best blending. For make-ahead: assemble, refrigerate unbaked, add 10 minutes to baking time. Leftovers keep 4-5 days in fridge or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed potato casserole, loaded mashed potatoes, bacon and chives, comfort food, holiday side dish, cheesy potatoes, easy casserole

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/cozy-loaded-mashed-potato-casserole-with-bacon-and-chives/