Name: Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole with Cheddar, Bacon, and Chives Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 lbs Idaho potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 cup milk; 8 oz cream cheese; 4 tbsp butter, room temperature; 12 oz sour cream; 2 ½ tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder; ¼ cup chives, chopped; 16 oz cheddar cheese, shredded; 6 strips of bacon, cooked and chopped

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When I’m craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug, my go-to is this Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole with Cheddar, Bacon, and Chives recipe. It’s that perfect mix of velvety potatoes, sharp cheddar, and smoky bacon all baked together until bubbling and golden. If you’re planning a cozy family dinner or need a show-stopping side dish for the holidays, this casserole really steals the spotlight.

What I love most about this Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole with Cheddar, Bacon, and Chives recipe is how easy it is to come together without compromising rich flavor. The creamy base plus those crispy bacon bits and fresh chives give it such an addictive texture and taste. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your favorite ways to enjoy mashed potatoes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here balance each other perfectly — creamy dairy, hearty potatoes, and flavorful bacon with just the right seasoning. When you shop, look for good quality cheeses and fresh chives for the best result.

Idaho potatoes: These are super starchy, which means your mash turns out fluffy and smooth — perfect for casseroles.
Milk: Whole milk works best to add creaminess without thinning out the potatoes.
Cream cheese: Adds a luscious texture and tangy depth that makes the casserole extra rich.
Butter: Make sure it’s at room temperature so it blends seamlessly.
Sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang that brightens up the flavors.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning — don’t skip or cut back for best flavors.
Pepper: Freshly cracked if possible, to add subtle heat.
Garlic powder: Just a pinch for that subtle savory lift without overpowering.
Chives: Fresh and chopped — they add a beautiful mild oniony freshness.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar shredded finely so it melts perfectly throughout and on top.
Bacon: Cooked until crispy and chopped – it’s the smoky crunch that makes this recipe unforgettable.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole with Cheddar, Bacon, and Chives recipe is — feel free to make it your own by swapping ingredients or adding extras to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Go veggie: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a vegetarian twist. I’ve done this plenty of times and no one even notices the swap.
Extra cheesy: Mix in some Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a gooier texture. It’s perfect for kids who love stretchy cheeses.
Herb boost: Add fresh thyme or rosemary along with the chives for a fragrant, earthy flavor layer.
Lightened up: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce butter slightly to make it lighter but still creamy.

How to Make Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole with Cheddar, Bacon, and Chives Recipe

Step 1: Boil the potatoes until tender

Start by peeling and cubing about 5 pounds of Idaho potatoes. I like to keep the cubes fairly uniform to ensure even cooking. Toss them into a large pot of cold salted water, bring it to a boil, then simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender — usually 15 to 20 minutes. Be patient; overcooking can make them waterlogged, while undercooking will give you lumps in your mash.

Step 2: Mash with creamy ingredients and season

Drain your potatoes thoroughly so they’re not watery. While they’re still hot, add 1 cup whole milk, 8 ounces cream cheese, 4 tablespoons room temp butter, and 12 ounces sour cream. Then sprinkle in 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. I find using a potato masher works best here for fluffy texture without overworking the starch. Stir in ¼ cup chopped fresh chives for a bright pop of flavor.

Step 3: Fold in cheddar and bacon, then bake

Now for the fun part — fold 16 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar and 6 slices of crispy, chopped bacon into your mashed potatoes. Spread the mixture into a buttered casserole dish evenly. Sprinkle a little extra cheddar on top if you want a bubbly golden crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned on top. The aroma alone will tempt you to dig in before it’s even out of the oven!

How to Serve Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole with Cheddar, Bacon, and Chives Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a fork full of a layered dish starting with a chunky layer of cooked potato cubes with light brown skin and soft, white insides, topped with melted yellow cheddar cheese that drapes around the potato pieces. On top of the cheese, crispy small pieces of reddish-brown bacon bits add texture. There are small green bits, likely chopped green onions, scattered on the forkful and the dish below. The fork is positioned above a white plate filled with more of the same layered potato, cheese, bacon, and green onion mix, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often garnish my Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole with extra fresh chives and a few crisped bacon crumbles on top just before serving. It adds a fresh color contrast and some extra crunch that really amps up the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, glazed ham, or even a simple green salad to balance out the richness. For holiday meals, I love serving it alongside honey-glazed carrots and steamed green beans with almonds.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve spooned this casserole into individual ramekins and topped them with a little extra cheddar before broiling for a crisp, cheesy crust. It feels fancy but stays homey, perfect for one-on-one dinner dates or intimate holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole with Cheddar, Bacon, and Chives recipe keep really well in the fridge — I store mine in an airtight container and it stays moist and creamy for up to 4 days. Just make sure to cover it well to avoid drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a couple of times with great success. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep it creamy without separation.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheating a single portion in the microwave works well — just add a splash of milk and stir halfway through so the texture stays smooth.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this casserole?

Absolutely! While Idaho or Russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy texture, Yukon Gold potatoes can also work well and provide a slightly buttery taste. Just avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they won’t mash as smoothly and can result in a gluey texture.
How do I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the mashed potato mixture and assemble the casserole the day before. Keep it covered in the fridge and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. This is a great timesaver for busy holiday meals.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding extra veggies like roasted mushrooms or caramelized onions to keep it flavorful. Using smoked paprika can add a smoky touch without the meat.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your bacon and other ingredients don’t contain gluten additives. Always check labels to be sure.
What’s the best cheese to use in the casserole?

Sharp cheddar is my favorite because it melts well and adds a bold flavor that balances the creamy potatoes. You can experiment with white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend for different taste profiles.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole with Cheddar, Bacon, and Chives recipe has become a staple in my kitchen — it’s comforting, flavorful, and always impresses guests with minimal effort. I hope you give it a try and find it just as addictive as I do. When you make it, think of it as more than just mashed potatoes; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients done right, perfect for any day you want a little extra coziness at your table.