Bacon and Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fluffy mashed potatoes layered with crispy bacon and melted cheddar, baked until golden and bubbling for a comforting holiday side. This american-inspired thanksgiving ready in about 60 minutes pairs russet potatoes, unsalted butter, whole milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 8 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place potatoes in pot with cold water and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
  2. Step 2: Return potatoes to pot. Add 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mash until smooth, adding milk if needed.
  3. Step 3: Spread half the mashed potatoes in greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup crumbled bacon and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar. Top with remaining mashed potatoes, then sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup crumbled bacon, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, and 1/4 cup chopped chives. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bacon and Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bacon and Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep russet potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bacon and Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bacon and Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bacon and Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole?

American thanksgiving like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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