Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole with Cheddar, Bacon, and Chives Recipe
This Mashed Potato Casserole is a rich and creamy comfort dish featuring fluffy mashed Idaho potatoes blended with cream cheese, sour cream, and butter, seasoned to perfection with garlic and chives, and topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a hearty side for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Dairy
- 5 lbs Idaho potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 4 tbsp butter, room temperature
- 12 oz sour cream
Seasonings
- 2 ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup chives, chopped
Toppings
- 16 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked and chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cube the Idaho potatoes evenly. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Begin mashing the potatoes until they reach your preferred consistency.
- Add Dairy and Seasonings: Mix in the cream cheese, butter, sour cream, and milk to the mashed potatoes. Stir or mash together until smooth and creamy. Season with kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder, incorporating the flavors evenly throughout.
- Incorporate Chives: Fold in the chopped chives gently to add a fresh and mild onion flavor that complements the creamy potatoes.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly into a greased casserole dish, smoothing the top.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole. Follow with the chopped cooked bacon evenly distributed on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the dish to firm up slightly for easier serving.
Notes
- Use Idaho potatoes for the best creamy texture.
- For extra cheesy topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking—but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- To make ahead, prepare the mashed potatoes and toppings, assemble in the casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- To reduce sodium, adjust or omit added salt and use lower-sodium bacon and cheese.
- This casserole is great for potlucks and can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: mashed potato casserole, creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy potato bake, bacon potato casserole, comfort food, holiday side dish