Description
Creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes baked to perfection with cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, making a delicious side dish perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold recommended)
Dairy
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup butter, cubed
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp pepper (or to taste)
Additional Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Place peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Mash and Mix: Drain the cooked potatoes well and return them to the pan. Mash the potatoes thoroughly. Stir in softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cubed butter until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Add milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine all seasonings evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mashed potato mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cooked bacon over the top. Cover the dish and refrigerate if not baking immediately, for up to one day.
- Preheat Oven: Remove the mashed potatoes from the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking.
- Bake: Bake the uncovered baking dish for 40 to 50 minutes until the potatoes are heated through and the cheese is melted and slightly golden on top. Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
- Yukon Gold potatoes offer a creamy texture and buttery flavor ideal for mashed potatoes.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or low-fat milk for whole milk and reduce butter to ¼ cup.
- Make ahead by preparing through step 3 and refrigerating up to one day before baking.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on the saltiness of bacon and cheese.
- Optional: garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley for color and added flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
