Wholesome Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
This Wholesome Mashed Potato Casserole features creamy mashed russet potatoes blended with half and half, butter, and sour cream, topped with sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, then baked to golden bubbly perfection. Garnished with fresh green onions and parsley, it’s a comforting and flavorful side dish ideal for family dinners or holiday meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
Seasoning
- 1.5 teaspoons fine sea salt, divided
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Dairy & Creaminess
- 1 cup warm half and half (or milk for a lighter option)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 0.25 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a healthier twist)
Toppings
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.33 cup crispy bacon, chopped
- 2 fresh green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease your casserole dish to prevent sticking, ensuring your casserole will release easily after baking.
- Cook Your Potatoes: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the peeled and cubed potatoes along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Boil until tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash Away: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the same pot or a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
- Cream It Up: Stir in the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, freshly ground black pepper, warm half and half, softened butter, and sour cream into the mashed potatoes. Mix well until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Assemble Your Casserole: Spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then scatter the chopped crispy bacon across the cheese layer.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese melts, turns bubbly, and the edges develop a golden-brown crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the cooked dish with thinly sliced fresh green onions and chopped parsley, if using, for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving to ensure it sets and is safe to eat. Serve as a comforting side dish alongside your favorite entrée.
Notes
- You can substitute half and half with regular milk for a lighter casserole.
- For a healthier option, replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.
- Be sure not to overcook potatoes, as they can become waterlogged and affect texture.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Omit bacon and cheese for a vegetarian version.
Keywords: mashed potato casserole, potato side dish, baked mashed potatoes, cheesy potato casserole, bacon mashed potatoes
