Description
This Mashed Potato Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish perfect for family gatherings or a hearty side. It combines fluffy mashed potatoes enriched with butter, sour cream, and a blend of cheeses, topped with crispy bacon and green onions for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 1.75kg / 3.5 lb potatoes (Sebago, Russet, Maris Piper, or King Edwards)
- 1 tbsp cooking/kosher salt (for cooking potatoes)
Mashed Potato Mixture
- 2/3 cup milk (preferably full fat/whole milk, lite is acceptable)
- 75g / 5 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into 1cm / 1/2″ cubes)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or full fat yogurt
- 1 tsp cooking/kosher salt (or to taste)
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (tightly packed) mozzarella, freshly shredded
- 1 cup (tightly packed) Red Leicester, cheddar or other flavored cheese
Toppings
- 200g / 6 oz streaky bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onion, finely sliced
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into even chunks. Place them in a large pot with cold water and 1 tbsp kosher salt. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Drain the potatoes well and return to the pot or a large bowl. Add the butter, sour cream, and 2/3 cup milk. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with 1 tsp salt or to taste. Ensure the mixture is well combined and creamy for the best texture.
- Mix in Cheese: Fold in the shredded mozzarella and Red Leicester or cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the mashed potatoes.
- Cook Bacon and Assemble: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels. Spread the mashed potato mixture into a casserole dish, sprinkle the crispy bacon and green onions evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is lightly browned and bubbly.
Notes
- Note 1: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Maris Piper for the fluffiest texture.
- Note 2: For make-ahead options, an additional 2/3 cup milk can be added when reheating.
- Note 3: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor integration.
- Note 4: Streaky bacon adds both flavor and crunch; feel free to substitute with smoked ham for variation.
