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    Home » Side Dish Recipes

    Loaded Mashed Potatoes

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    Posted September 19, 2023 by Wendy Polisi

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    This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

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    Get ready to indulge in a bowl of pure comfort with our recipe for Loaded Mashed Potatoes. These potatoes are the epitome of creamy goodness, with a velvety smooth texture that's sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. They are perfect for a holiday meal or special occasion.  Best of all, they're incredibly easy to make!

    Overhead photo of loaded mashed potatoes in a casserole dish with a serving spoon pulling a serving from it.

    If you are looking for the perfect side dish, this loaded mashed potato casserole fits the bill!

    These are not your ordinary mashed potatoes, oh no, they are a bowlful of creamy, buttery goodness topped with all the things we love.

    Best of all, this mashed potato casserole can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for your Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations!

    Let's get ready to make some magic in the kitchen with this Loaded Mashed Potatoes recipe. Trust me, your taste buds will be thanking you!

    ​​Ingredients

    Overhead photo of potatoes, bacon, cheese, sour cream garlic, and seasonings.
    • Yukon Gold Potatoes: If you can't find Yukon Gold, you could use any other type of yellow potato.
    • Russet Potatoes: Feel free to substitute with another starchy variety like Idaho potatoes.
    • Garlic: This adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the potatoes beautifully. If fresh garlic isn't available, garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
    • Sea Salt: Table salt or kosher salt would work just as well.
    • Unsalted Butter: If you only have salted butter on hand, simply adjust the amount of added salt to taste.
    • Sour Cream: This gives the mashed potatoes a tangy twist. Greek yogurt is a great alternative.
    • Fresh Chives: They add a nice pop of color and a hint of onion-like flavor. Dried chives or green onions can be used if fresh chives aren't available.
    • Freshly Ground Black Pepper: You could also use white pepper for a milder flavor.
    • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Feel free to experiment with other types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Colby.
    • Bacon: If you're vegetarian, you could use vegetarian bacon or smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor.
    • Optional: Half and Half or Milk: These are used to thin the mashed potatoes to your desired consistency. Any type of dairy or non-dairy milk will do the trick.

    How to Make Loaded Mashed Potatoes

    For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.

    Preheat your oven to 350 ° F and lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray. 

    Diced potatoes and garlic in a pot of water.
    Cut the potatoes into chunks. Place potatoes, garlic, and a pinch of salt into a large saucepan. Cover them with water.  Bring to a boil, then dial it back down to a gentle simmer.
    Cooked potatoes being drained.
    Let them cook for about 15 minutes or until they're fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and add them back into the pot.
    Cooked diced potatoes with butter on top of them.
    Dice your butter and sprinkle it over the potatoes.
    Potatoes being mashed with a potato masher.
    Next, grab your trusty potato masher and get to work! Mash to the desired consistency.
    Mashed potatoes with sour cream being stirred in.
    After that, stir in the tangy sour cream, fragrant chives, the rest of your salt, and a dash of black pepper.
    Mashed potatoes with cheese and chives being stirred in.
    Let's not forget about the cheese - fold in half of it now.
    Cheese and chives being stirred into mashed potatoes in a bowl.
    If you want your mashed potatoes a bit thinner, add half-and-half one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
    A casserole dish with loaded mashed potatoes in them.
    Transfer your creamy, dreamy potato mixture to your prepared baking dish.
    Mashed potatoes in a casserole dish with cheese and bacon on top.
    Sprinkle over the remaining cheese, creating a blanket of cheesy goodness, and top with the crispy bacon. Finally, bake covered for 15 minutes, and then uncover to cook for another 10 minutes.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Garlic Lovers Unite: If you're a fan of garlic like me, don't hesitate to add an extra clove or two. It'll give your mashed potatoes an extra kick of flavor that's simply irresistible.
    • The Secret to Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Make sure to dice your butter before adding it to the hot potatoes. This allows it to melt more evenly, resulting in ultra-creamy mashed potatoes.
    • For Veggie Lovers: If you're vegetarian or just trying to eat more greens, consider adding some steamed broccoli or peas to the mix. They add a lovely pop of color and some extra nutrients too!
    • Making Ahead: If you're planning for a big family gathering, you can prepare these Loaded Mashed Potatoes ahead of time. Simply assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the covered baking time.

    Tools

    As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying sales

    • Casserole Dish
    • Saucepan
    • Potato Masher

    More Potato Recipes to Try

    • For a hearty side cooked outdoors, you've got to try my Blackstone Potatoes - they're crispy on the outside and  fluffy on the inside.
    • Skillet Potatoes are a weeknight hero, with their golden crust and tender middle, they're a crowd-pleaser that's ready in no time!
    • Next up, we have my Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, a decadent side dish that's layered with creamy, cheesy goodness - it's a real showstopper at family gatherings.
    • Nothing beats my Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes - they're incredibly easy and perfectly creamy.
    Overhead photo of a casserole dish with loaded mashed potatoes.
    If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, Instagram, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.
    Close up overhead photo of loaded mashed potatoes in a casserole dish.
    Print Recipe
    No ratings yet

    Loaded Mashed Potatoes

    Get ready to indulge in a bowl of pure comfort with our recipe for Loaded Mashed Potatoes. These potatoes are the epitome of creamy goodness, with a velvety smooth texture that's sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. They are perfect side dish for a holiday meal or special occasion. Best of all, they're incredibly easy to make!
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time40 minutes mins
    Total Time55 minutes mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Keyword: Holiday Sides
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 276kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cubed
    • 1 ½ pounds russet potatoes peeled and cubed
    • 3 cloves garlic peeled and sliced
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt divided
    • ½ cup unsalted butter
    • 1 cup sour cream
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or 2 teaspoons dried chives
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese divided
    • 8 ounces bacon cooked and crumbled
    • Optional: half and half or milk for thinning

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350 ° F. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
    • Put the cubed potatoes, garlic, and ½ teaspoon salt in a large saucepan and cover with water.
    • Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes or until tender.
    • Drain and return to the pot. Dice the butter and sprinkle over the potatoes. Mash with a potato masher. Stir in the sour cream, chives, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Stir in half of the cheese. If desired, thin with half and half, 1 tablespoon at a time.
    • Transfer to the prepared baking dish sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and top with the bacon.
    • Cover with foil and cook for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and cook for another 10 minutes, until bubbly.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 276kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 678mg | Potassium: 517mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 521IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 138mg | Iron: 1mg

    Filed Under:

    Casserole RecipesChristmas RecipesEaster RecipesFall RecipesGluten Free RecipesSide Dish RecipesThanksgiving Recipes

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    About Wendy Polisi

    Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, 5 time cookbook author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 16 & 17 and my late life princess is 9.

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