Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 5 lbs of potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1/2 tsp of black pepper
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup of chopped green onions

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Potato masher
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Oven

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large pot, boil the chopped potatoes until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
4. Add the milk, sour cream, butter, salt, and black pepper to the pot and mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy.
5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions.
6. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a 9x13 inch baking dish and smooth out the top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
8. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- 350°F
Serving size:
- 8-10 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 13g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer instead of cheddar cheese.
- You can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- You can use chopped chives instead of green onions.

Variations:
- You can add chopped cooked ham or cooked ground beef to the mashed potatoes for a meatier casserole.
- You can add chopped roasted garlic to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
- You can add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain the potatoes well before mashing them to avoid a watery casserole.
- You can make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
- You can sprinkle extra cheese and bacon on top of the casserole before baking for a more indulgent dish.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish the casserole with extra chopped green onions or chives.

Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions or chives
- Extra shredded cheese
- Crumbled bacon

Pairings:
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad

Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Corn on the cob
- Roasted sweet potatoes

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the casserole is too dry, add a splash of milk before baking.
- If the casserole is too wet, bake it for a few extra minutes to evaporate any excess moisture.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the potatoes until they are fully tender to avoid any raw potato taste.
- Store any leftovers in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
- Mashed potatoes have been a staple in American cuisine since the 1700s.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, cheesy, savory, and slightly smoky from the bacon.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the casserole as a main dish for a cozy family dinner or as a side dish for a holiday feast.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: N/A

Taste: Creamy, Cheesy, Savory, Potato, Rich