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Creamy Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe with Bacon and Chives

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A comforting and easy-to-make mashed potato casserole loaded with crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and fresh chives, perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream, full-fat
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
  • ½ cup milk, whole or 2%
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Cook the bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces. Optionally save 1 teaspoon bacon fat for flavor.
  3. Boil the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot with salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and return to pot to dry out over low heat for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Mash the potatoes using a hand mixer or masher until smooth. Add softened cream cheese, sour cream, butter, and milk; mix until creamy and well combined.
  5. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Fold in ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese and half of the chopped bacon.
  6. Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and bacon on top.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges are lightly golden. If top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking.
  8. Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh chives evenly over the top.
  9. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow casserole to set for easier scooping.

Notes

Do not overboil potatoes to avoid watery casserole. Dry potatoes well after boiling. Use room temperature dairy for smooth texture. Cook bacon slowly for crispiness. Tent casserole with foil if top browns too fast. Can prepare ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Freezer-friendly before baking for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed potato casserole, loaded mashed potatoes, bacon casserole, creamy potatoes, chives, comfort food, easy casserole, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/creamy-loaded-mashed-potato-casserole-recipe-with-bacon-and-chives-easy-and-delicious/