If you love classic comfort food with a twist, you’re going to flip for this Loaded Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy bacon, it's the ultimate cozy side dish that everyone asks for again and again.

A white rectangular dish shows a layered mashed potato casserole. The bottom layer is creamy, smooth mashed potatoes in pale yellow-white color. On top, there is a layer of bright orange melted cheese spread unevenly. Over the cheese, there is a generous layer of crispy, small brown bacon pieces scattered across the surface. Some small green chopped chives are sprinkled on top for color. A metal spoon with a wooden handle scoops a portion of the casserole from one corner. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Loaded Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Loaded Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Loaded Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this casserole for family dinners and holiday gatherings, and it’s always the first dish to disappear. The rich, flavorful mashed potatoes combined with gooey cheddar and savory bacon make it irresistible.

Decadently Creamy: Made with butter, sour cream or cream cheese, for the creamiest mashed potatoes you can imagine.
Perfectly Cheesy: A double dose of sharp cheddar melts into and over the potatoes.
Bacon Bliss: Crispy bacon crumbles on top add a smoky crunch that everyone loves.
Easy to Make Ahead: Prep it in advance and bake when you’re ready—stress-free entertaining!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, grab good-quality potatoes—a mix of russet or gold works best for that fluffy, creamy texture. Don’t skip the fresh garlic and the sharp cheddar cheese; they bring all the flavor magic together.

Flat lay of fresh russet potatoes with rough brown skins, a few whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter blocks, a small white ceramic bowl containing creamy sour cream, a single garlic clove, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse table salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly cracked black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl heaped with bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with crispy crumbled bacon pieces, and a small bunch of vibrant green chives arranged neatly together, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Russet or gold potatoes: Ideal for creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes that hold up well in a casserole.
Whole milk: Adds richness and smoothness without weighing down the potatoes.
Unsalted butter: Essential for buttery flavor and velvety mouthfeel.
Sour cream or cream cheese: Both add creaminess; cream cheese gives a thicker, richer mash, sour cream is lighter with a milder tang.
Garlic: Freshly pressed for a subtle savory depth that brightens the whole dish.
Table salt and cracked black pepper: Seasoning basics that balance and enhance every bite.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Divided—some mixed into the mash, some melted on top for gooey cheesiness.
Crumbled bacon: Adds smoky, crispy texture—because everything’s better with bacon.
Chives or scallions: Fresh herbs that add color and a mild oniony finish once baked.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the great joys of this Loaded Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you want it richer, lighter, or packed with even more flavor, this casserole is a fantastic base to get creative.

Swap sour cream for cream cheese: I personally love using cream cheese here—it makes the mashed potatoes incredibly thick and rich, like a cozy blanket of flavor. But if you prefer a milder tang, sour cream is a stellar choice that keeps things a bit lighter.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to keep that savory umami punch without meat. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can also add a smoky note that bacon would normally bring.
Seasonal twists: Toss in roasted garlic instead of raw pressed garlic for a softer, sweeter background. Or add some chopped roasted red peppers or green chilies for a little kick and color.
Cheese variations: Mix up the cheddar with Monterey Jack, smoked gouda, or even a little blue cheese for a bold, unique flavor profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Loaded Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

A white rectangular dish filled with a thick layer of creamy mashed potatoes covers the base. On top, there is a middle layer of orange shredded cheddar cheese spread unevenly. Scattered over the cheese are small pieces of crispy brown bacon bits. A woman's hand is seen sprinkling more bacon over the top. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and a small white bowl with more bacon bits is nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, peel your russet or gold potatoes and cut them into roughly 1½-inch chunks. Giving them a quick rinse under cold water for about a minute helps wash away excess starch, setting them up for that perfectly fluffy mash later on.

Step 2: Boil Until Tender and Drain

Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover them with at least an inch of water, and don’t forget to salt that water generously—it’s the secret to flavorful potatoes all the way through. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then cook until you can easily pierce a chunk with a fork, usually 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes thoroughly once tender.

Step 3: Mash With Creamy Goodness

Return the drained potatoes to the pot and let them rest a minute—it helps evaporate some extra moisture so your mash won’t turn soggy. Add the whole milk, butter, your choice of sour cream or cream cheese, the pressed garlic clove, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Grab your potato masher and get mashing until the texture is smooth and creamy. This is where that buttery, garlicky, cheesy magic really starts to come alive.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Layer Your Casserole

Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the warm potatoes, giving you little pockets of cheesy goodness throughout. Then, spread the mashed mixture evenly into a 2 to 2.5-quart casserole dish. Top the potatoes with the remaining half-cup of cheddar cheese and a generous sprinkle of crispy crumbled bacon for that irresistible salty crunch.

Step 5: Bake Covered, Then Uncovered

Lightly butter one side of a large piece of foil and place it buttered-side down over the casserole to keep moisture in while baking. Pop it on the center rack and bake for 20 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes so the cheese bubbles up beautifully and the bacon warms through perfectly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped chives or scallions over the top for a bright, fresh finish that cuts through the richness. Serve it warm, and enjoy every comforting, flavorful spoonful alongside your favorite main dishes!

Top Tip

Mastering the Loaded Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe calls for a few handy tips that can really elevate your dish to the next level. These little nuggets of wisdom will help you get the perfect creamy texture and that irresistible crispy topping every time.

Choosing Your Dairy Wisely: From my experience, using cream cheese instead of sour cream will give your casserole a luxuriously thick and rich texture, but if you want a lighter, more mellow flavor, sour cream is the way to go.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting your potatoes sit in the pot for a minute after draining really helps evaporate excess water, which makes for fluffier mashed potatoes that don’t turn runny after baking.
Foil Buttering Trick: Lightly buttering the foil before covering the casserole prevents the cheese from sticking and ripping off that gorgeous cheesy top when you remove the foil—trust me, it makes a difference!
Watch Your Baking Times: If you use a larger or shallower pan than recommended, keep an eye on the casserole’s doneness and adjust the baking time accordingly so it doesn’t dry out or overcook.

How to Serve Loaded Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

Inside a steel bowl, there are large chunks of cooked yellow potatoes sprinkled with black pepper on the top left side. In the center, there is a thick dollop of white sour cream. On the right side of the sour cream, there is a small pile of bright orange shredded cheese that looks smooth and fine. Near the bottom right, several small cubes of pale yellow butter are placed on top of the potatoes. The bowl’s interior is shiny and smooth, with the ingredients placed close together, showing a mix of soft and creamy textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped chives or scallions sprinkled on top right after baking adds a pop of color and a subtle oniony brightness that perfectly complements the rich, cheesy potatoes. For an extra touch, you could add a dollop of sour cream or even some crispy fried onions for crunch.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines as a centerpiece side dish alongside roasted or grilled meats like herb-crusted chicken, pork chops, or a juicy steak. It’s also fantastic with green vegetable sides such as sautéed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh garden salad to balance out the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, seal them tightly in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 4 days—just reheat gently to maintain that creamy texture and lovely cheesy top.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Once cooled completely, pack it tightly in an airtight container or wrap it with plastic wrap pressed close to the potatoes to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat frozen or refrigerated leftovers, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes until hot all the way through. Uncover for another 15-20 minutes to revive that melty, bubbly cheese topping before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes! Russet and gold potatoes are ideal because they mash up nicely and absorb flavors well, but you can experiment with Yukon gold or even red potatoes, keeping in mind they may alter the texture slightly.

Is there a substitute for bacon topping?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian option, try crispy fried shallots or toasted breadcrumbs. You could also use vegetarian bacon alternatives to keep the smoky crunch.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

While the original calls for butter, milk, sour cream, or cream cheese, you can substitute with dairy-free butter and plant-based milk and cream cheese alternatives, but the texture and flavor will be a bit different.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This Loaded Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe yields about 8 servings, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe is truly one of those comfort foods that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, it brings together creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors in a way that pleases every fork at the table. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to make this casserole a new favorite in your home!