Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Mashed potatoes are delicious on their own—but when you turn them into a Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole, they reach a whole new level of comfort food greatness. This hearty dish is creamy, cheesy, and savory, layered with all your favorite toppings.

Imagine smooth mashed potatoes blended with butter, sour cream, and melted cheese, then baked to golden perfection. On top, you’ll find a flavorful mix of melted cheddar, green onions, and crispy bits of sautéed mushrooms or plant-based “bacon” alternatives for texture and depth (no pork included!).

This recipe transforms simple mashed potatoes into an impressive side dish—or even a main course—that’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, potlucks, and game days. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to make comfort food extra special, this casserole will disappear fast!

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Why You’ll Love This Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

• Comfort food perfection: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying from the first bite.

• Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any celebration.

• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings—no pork or bacon required.

• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake when ready.

• Versatile: Works as a side dish or a hearty vegetarian entrée.

• Great for leftovers: A fantastic way to use leftover mashed potatoes.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the best loaded mashed potato casserole, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:

• 5 cups mashed potatoes (freshly made or leftover, about 2½ pounds potatoes)

• 1 cup sour cream – Adds tang and moisture to keep the casserole creamy.

• ½ cup cream cheese (softened) – Enhances smoothness and richness.

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted) – Brings buttery flavor and helps with a golden top.

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For that perfect cheesy pull.

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for a gooey texture.

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds subtle depth to the flavor.

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ½ cup chopped green onions – Bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness.

• 1 cup sautéed mushrooms – Optional, adds a savory, “bacon-like” texture without any pork.

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Choosing the Right Potatoes

For creamy mashed potatoes that hold up in a casserole, use:

• Yukon Gold potatoes: Naturally buttery and smooth.

• Russet potatoes: Fluffy and light, great for a less dense mash.

• Combination: Using half of each gives a perfect texture balance.

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How to Make Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes, here’s a quick way to prepare them:

1. Peel and cut about 2½ pounds of Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes into chunks.

2. Boil them in salted water until tender (about 15–20 minutes).

3. Drain and return to the pot to steam dry for 2–3 minutes.

4. Mash with butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.

You should end up with about 5 cups of mashed potatoes.

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Step 2: Prepare the Filling Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, sour cream, cream cheese, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Mix until smooth and creamy.

3. Fold in half of the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese.

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Step 3: Prepare the Savory Topping

1. In a skillet, sauté chopped mushrooms in a small amount of butter or olive oil until golden brown and crisp around the edges.

2. Set aside to use as a topping.

3. Slice green onions finely for garnish.

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Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly into the dish.

3. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.

4. Add the sautéed mushrooms evenly across the surface.

5. (Optional) Sprinkle extra green onions or herbs for a pop of color.

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

3. If you prefer a crispier top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or parsley over the casserole.

• Add an extra drizzle of melted butter or a spoonful of sour cream for presentation.

• Serve hot and watch it vanish!

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Flavor Variations

This casserole is endlessly customizable—make it your own with these variations:

Vegetable Lover’s Loaded Casserole
Add steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.

Cheesy Herb Mashed Potato Bake
Mix in chopped rosemary, thyme, or dill with Parmesan cheese for a gourmet twist.

Tex-Mex Version
Add corn, black beans, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning for a Southwestern kick.

Loaded Mushroom & Onion Casserole
Top with caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version that mimics the savory flavor of bacon.

Extra Creamy Variation
Increase the cream cheese to ¾ cup and add ¼ cup heavy cream for a richer, softer texture.

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Tips for the Best Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

• Use warm ingredients: Mix melted butter and softened cream cheese for a smoother texture.

• Season generously: Potatoes love salt—taste as you go.

• Don’t overbake: Overbaking can dry out the casserole; remove when the top is golden and bubbly.

• Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to two days ahead and refrigerate until baking day.

• Reheat carefully: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

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How to Make It Ahead of Time

This casserole is ideal for busy holidays or gatherings. Here’s how to prep in advance:

1. Assemble: Prepare the mashed potato mixture and toppings as directed.

2. Refrigerate: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 48 hours.

3. Bake When Ready: Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to bring to room temperature, then bake as usual.

If you need to store leftovers:

• Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

• Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk for moisture.

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How to Freeze Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

This dish freezes beautifully!

1. Prepare the casserole but don’t bake it yet.

2. Cover tightly with two layers of foil and label with the date.

3. Freeze for up to 1 month.

4. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

5. Bake as directed until hot and bubbly.

For baked leftovers, cool completely, then freeze portions in airtight containers for quick weekday sides.

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What to Serve With Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

This creamy, cheesy dish pairs perfectly with almost anything. Try serving it alongside:

• Roast Chicken or Turkey: A classic pairing for Thanksgiving or Sunday dinner.

• Grilled or Baked Fish: The buttery potatoes complement delicate flavors beautifully.

• Vegetable Mains: Serve with roasted vegetables, sautéed spinach, or a crisp salad.

• Holiday Meats: Great with beef roast, lamb, or ham alternatives.

It’s also hearty enough to serve as a main dish, especially with a side salad or soup.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using cold ingredients: This makes the mixture harder to blend smoothly.

2. Overmixing potatoes: Overworked potatoes can become gluey. Mash gently and mix only until combined.

3. Adding too much liquid: If your mashed potatoes are too thin, the casserole can turn soupy. Keep it thick and fluffy.

4. Skipping the butter layer: That buttery top helps the casserole brown beautifully and stay moist underneath.

5. Overbaking: Bake until golden and heated through, not dry.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 310

• Fat: 18g

• Carbohydrates: 28g

• Protein: 8g

• Sodium: 340mg

(Values will vary depending on exact ingredients used.)

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FAQs About Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes! This recipe is one of the best ways to use leftover mashed potatoes. Just warm them slightly before mixing so the ingredients blend easily.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use vegan butter, plant-based cream cheese, and non-dairy milk. Substitute the cheese with a good-quality dairy-free alternative.

Can I add meat to this casserole?
If you prefer a heartier version, you can add diced chicken, ground turkey, or turkey “bacon” bits—still keeping it pork-free.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, up to 48 hours in advance. Just cover tightly and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, before or after baking. Freeze up to one month, thaw in the fridge, then reheat in the oven until warmed through.

How do I keep the top crispy when reheating?
Uncover the casserole for the last few minutes of baking or broil briefly to restore the golden, bubbly crust.

What cheese works best?
Cheddar gives the best flavor, while mozzarella or Monterey Jack adds extra meltiness. You can also mix in a little Parmesan for sharpness.

Can I serve this for breakfast or brunch?
Definitely! This casserole pairs wonderfully with eggs, roasted veggies, and fresh fruit for a comforting breakfast spread.

The Perfect Make-Ahead Comfort Dish

There’s something magical about a dish that’s both cozy and crowd-pleasing, and this Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole checks every box. It’s rich enough for holiday feasts, simple enough for weeknight dinners, and flexible enough for any dietary preference.

The creamy potatoes, gooey cheese, and savory toppings create the kind of warmth that brings everyone back for seconds. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare ahead—and your guests will love how indulgent it tastes.

Whether you’re planning a holiday dinner, a potluck with friends, or a comforting family meal, this recipe guarantees one thing: empty plates and happy smiles.