The ultimate dinnertime mash-up!
Who doesn’t like a good mash-up? Think about when two of your favorite songs come together and make an even better combination with matching time signatures. Satisfying, right? We all love it when classics get a little mix-up, so why not explore that in this marriage of two all-time favorite dinner staples? Fusing delicious mashed potatoes with the casserole format made for an interesting and unique twist on two favorites I’m calling mashed potato casserole (though, potato mash-erole might still be in the running).
This mashed potato casserole recipe is going to scratch that craving you have for savory, indulgent mashed potatoes while being as easy to make as any oven casserole! That absolutely sublime bacon flavor in every bite will have you feeling the groove of these two iconic dinner dishes melted into one with gooey cheese and the fluffiest potatoes. Couple this casserole with any light, crisp, or refreshing palate accomplice, and you’re in for yet another perfect pairing.
Is This Mashed Potato Casserole Healthy?
With potatoes, bacon, cheese, whole milk, and sour cream as the star ingredients, this casserole is more of a comfort food creation than anything else. But that’s okay; some extra carbs, fat, and calories are fine in moderation!
If you want to enjoy this mashed potato casserole but have certain dietary restrictions, consider some store-bought substitutions. Vegan cheese, for example, is in almost any supermarket now and melts just as deliciously. Bacon substitutes are perfectly suitable for this recipe, too. In fact, did you know that many commercial “bacon bits,” despite their namesake, are actually made of soy? That makes them vegan!
The Beauty Of A Casserole
A casserole is typically a one-dish, all-inclusive meal meant to make dinner easier to put together in busier times. The popularity of the dish (like many dishes, actually) propagated around the turn of World War food shortages and nationwide economic depressions. Casseroles, then, offered families a way to get their nutritional needs in a single dish where people could feed more mouths with fewer ingredients. As a result, the casserole might seem a bit old-fashioned, culturally speaking.
However, nothing fits into the vibe of the busy lifestyles of our modern era quite like the casserole. In an age where one-pot meals and “easy” have become the focus of food, casserole recipes have been making a comeback to help busy people get the goodness they need in a single, convenient dish. Just bake and serve!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Casseroles famously store well. You can keep your leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped under plastic wrap or foil in the fridge. They’ll keep for 3-4 days. The dish can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
To add a little color to your mashed potato casserole, you can always top it with some thinly chopped green onion ends or serve it alongside some Oven-Roasted Vegetables for some nutritional fulfillment and flavorful aesthetic! If you’re looking to use the same oven but don’t have a lot of space, might I advise making Oven-Roasted Frozen Broccoli—it’s a side dish that’s easily made right alongside your casserole! If you want something lighter to round out the heavy-hitting savory flavors of mashed potato casserole, try coupling it with a refreshing Chopped Salad or Kale Salad.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pounds russet potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt for salting the potato water
- 6 ounces bacon chopped
- 1 1/3 cups whole milk divided
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese freshly shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions finely sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a casserole dish and set aside.
- Place the potato chunks in a large pot, cover with water, and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer until potatoes are tender (about 15-20 minutes).
- While potatoes cook, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy, 4-6 minutes. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add 2/3 cup of milk and the butter. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the sour cream, remaining milk, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt into the mashed potatoes. Mix until well combined.
- Fold in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, along with the cooked bacon and green onions, reserving some bacon for topping.
- Transfer the mashed potato mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses and bacon on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
Can you freeze this?
Yes but make sure to let it freeze completely first. Enjoy!