This cheesy mashed potato casserole is creamy, rich, and baked until perfectly golden with a crispy panko topping. Loaded with cheddar cheese, butter, and sour cream, then finished with bacon and chives, it’s an irresistible comfort food side dish that’s perfect for holidays, gatherings, or cozy family dinners.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll love this mashed potato casserole because it takes classic mashed potatoes and turns them into a baked dish that feels extra special. The potatoes are ultra-creamy, the cheese melts beautifully throughout, and the crispy panko topping adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s easy to make ahead, feeds a crowd, and pairs well with almost any main dish, making it perfect for holidays, potlucks, and busy weeknights.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

Mashed potato casserole is the kind of comfort food that instantly makes a meal feel complete. Warm, creamy, and rich, it’s a dish that brings people back for seconds and thirds without even trying. This version transforms traditional mashed potatoes into a baked casserole that’s both familiar and elevated.

This recipe is especially popular for holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas, where mashed potatoes are a must-have side dish. Baking them with cheese and a crispy topping not only makes them more flavorful, but also allows you to prepare them ahead of time, freeing up space and energy on busy cooking days.

The base of this casserole starts with fluffy russet potatoes mashed with butter, sour cream, and milk. This combination creates a smooth, creamy texture that holds up beautifully in the oven without becoming dry or dense.

Cheddar cheese is mixed directly into the potatoes, adding richness and savory depth. As the casserole bakes, the cheese melts into every bite, making the dish comforting and satisfying without being overly heavy.

What really sets this mashed potato casserole apart is the topping. Buttery toasted panko breadcrumbs add a crisp contrast to the creamy potatoes underneath, while melted cheese on top brings everything together.

Bacon and chives are added at the end for a classic finishing touch. The bacon adds salty crunch, and the chives bring a bit of freshness that balances the richness of the dish perfectly.

This casserole works beautifully as a side dish for roasted chicken, beef, turkey, or ham. It’s also hearty enough to stand on its own for a simple comfort food dinner paired with vegetables or a salad.

Another reason this recipe is so loved is its flexibility. You can make it earlier in the day, refrigerate it, and bake it just before serving. It reheats well and tastes just as good the next day.

Whether you’re cooking for a holiday crowd, a family dinner, or a potluck, this mashed potato casserole delivers dependable comfort and classic flavor every time.

If you’re looking for a creamy, cheesy mashed potato recipe that feels homemade and crowd-pleasing, this baked casserole is one you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation.

Servings & Time

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes

Ingredients

Mashed Potato Base

• 3 pounds russet potatoes

• Water (for boiling)

• 7 tablespoons butter

• 3/4 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 3/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Topping

• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 2 tablespoons chopped chives

• 5 strips bacon, cooked

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Peel and chop the potatoes, then place them in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until fork-tender.

2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

3. Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and salt. Mash until smooth, or use a hand or stand mixer for extra creaminess.

4. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully combined.

5. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon the potato mixture into the dish and smooth the top.

6. In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter and add the panko breadcrumbs. Cook over medium heat until lightly toasted.

7. Sprinkle the toasted panko over the potatoes, then top with additional shredded cheddar cheese.

8. Bake uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Remove from the oven and top with cooked bacon and chopped chives. Serve warm.

Tips

• Use Russet Potatoes: They mash smoothly and create a fluffy texture.

• Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate, then bake before serving.

• Extra Creamy: Use a mixer instead of a masher for ultra-smooth potatoes.

• Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Variations: Add roasted garlic or substitute bacon with turkey bacon if desired.