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Crispy Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole Make-Ahead Recipe Easy and Perfect

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A comforting and crispy mashed potato casserole loaded with cheese, bacon, and green onions, perfect for make-ahead meals and busy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (900g) mashed potatoes, leftover or freshly made
  • 1½ cups (170g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup (120ml) sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay bacon slices on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Crumble once cooled.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until smooth and creamy. Warm mashed potatoes in microwave if cold to help combine.
  3. Fold in 1 cup (110g) shredded sharp cheddar, half of the crumbled bacon, and melted butter. Stir until evenly incorporated.
  4. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray. Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly in the dish and smooth the top.
  5. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup (55g) shredded cheddar, remaining crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions evenly over the top.
  6. Cover casserole tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours if making ahead.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Add 5-10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly.

Notes

Use slightly drier mashed potatoes to avoid sogginess. Baking bacon in the oven keeps the stovetop cleaner and cooks evenly. Let casserole rest before slicing for better texture. For extra crunch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top for the last 10 minutes of baking. You can make the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Freeze before baking if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed potato casserole, loaded mashed potatoes, make-ahead casserole, crispy casserole, comfort food, cheesy casserole, bacon casserole

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/crispy-loaded-mashed-potato-casserole-make-ahead-recipe-easy-and-perfect/