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A spoon scoops a serving of creamy, cheesy mashed potato casserole topped with crispy bacon and green onions from a white baking dish.
Oliver Grant

Delicious Make-Ahead Mashed Potato Casserole with Bacon & Cheese

This hearty and flavorful make-ahead mashed potato casserole, enriched with bacon and cheese, is perfect for entertaining or a comforting family meal. Prepare it in advance and simply bake when ready to enjoy a golden, bubbly dish.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.75 kg potatoes 3.5 lb
  • 1 tbsp cooking/kosher salt
  • 1 1/3 cup milk (2/3 cup regular + 2/3 cup extra if making ahead)
  • 75 g unsalted butter 5 tbsp
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp cooking/kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese tightly packed
  • 1 cup Red Leicester or cheddar cheese tightly packed
  • 200 g bacon 6 oz
  • 1/4 cup green onion

Equipment

  • non-stick pan
  • Large pot
  • Baking Dish
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

Cook Bacon
  1. Place bacon in a cold non-stick pan over medium heat, then increase to medium-high and stir for 3 minutes until golden.
  2. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels to remove excess fat.
Mash Potatoes
  1. Peel and cut potatoes into 3cm/1" chunks, then place them in a large pot and cover with water and 1 tablespoon salt.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a rapid simmer and cook for 15 minutes until very soft.
  3. Drain potatoes well and return them to the pot, shaking for 1 minute to evaporate excess water.
  4. Add milk, butter, sour cream, and 1 teaspoon salt to the potatoes, then mash until smooth (do not use a food processor or blender).
Assemble & Bake
  1. Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F (180°C fan) and spread mashed potato into a 2-liter / 2-quart baking dish.
  2. Sprinkle the surface of the potato with both cheeses, followed by the cooked bacon.
  3. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 35 minutes (for make-ahead) or 20 minutes (if freshly made).
  4. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  5. Sprinkle with green onion and serve; the casserole will stay warm for about 20 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 25gFat: 35gSodium: 900mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5g

Notes

For a make-ahead option, allow the casserole to cool completely before covering and refrigerating. De-chill on the counter for 2 hours before reheating. Avoid using a food processor, blender, or beater for mashing potatoes, as it can make them gluey. The casserole stays warm for about 20 minutes after baking.

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