Name: Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and chopped (about 6 cups); 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided; 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened; 1/3 cup sliced scallions, divided; 1/4 cup reduced-fat milk; 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream, divided; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon salt-free garlic-and-herb seasoning (such as Mrs. Dash); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons water; 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Active Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Servings:

8 servings

Nutrition Profile:

Sesame-Free Nut-Free Soy-Free High-Protein Gluten-Free

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Notes

Are Potatoes Healthy?

While often given a bad rap due to their carbohydrate content, potatoes are actually good for you, especially when eaten with the skin on, as they are in this recipe. Potatoes offer fiber and are a good source of potassium. Potatoes contain a special type of starch called resistant starch. This type of starch is considered a prebiotic, meaning it feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut, keeping them healthy. It also helps keep you full longer.

Is Cheese Good for You?

Cheese is full of protein and calcium, with hard cheese—like Cheddar—containing more calcium than soft cheese. Cheese also contains probiotics—those good-for-your-gut bacteria that not only improve gut health, but overall health as well. And while cheese tends to be high in saturated fat, there is some evidence that the type of saturated fat in cheese may not be harmful—and may even be helpful—to your heart.

Tips from the Test Kitchen

What Type of Potatoes Should I Use?

We recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes, as they have a creamier texture than russet potatoes, which are starchier and more mealy in texture.

Do I Need to Peel the Potatoes?

There’s no need to peel the potatoes! Potato skin is edible and adds texture to the casserole. Plus, it cuts down on prep time.

Can I Make Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole Ahead? How Do I Store It?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and then bake it when you’re ready to eat. The unbaked potato casserole can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Allow it to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes for the Casserole?

If you have leftover mashed potatoes, reheat them until warmed through before mixing in the other ingredients. Make sure not to overmix, otherwise the potatoes will become gluey.

What Can I Serve with Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole?

This side dish can be prepared for a holiday meal or any festive gathering and pairs well with main dishes like Herb-Roasted Turkey, Beef Tenderloin with Cabernet-Mushroom Sauce, Mustard-Maple Pork Roast, Seared Salmon with Green Peppercorn Sauce or Roast Chicken with Cider Gravy and a side salad for a dinner that everyone will love.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers and Jan Valdez

Ingredients

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and chopped (about 6 cups)
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sliced scallions, divided
1/4 cup reduced-fat milk
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream, divided
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt-free garlic-and-herb seasoning (such as Mrs. Dash)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons water
3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place potatoes in a large pot. Add cold water to completely cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil over high heat; boil until the potatoes are fork-tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and drain.

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl. Using a potato masher, mash until fluffy. Add 1/2 cup Cheddar, cream cheese, 1/4 cup scallions, milk, 2 tablespoons sour cream, egg, garlic-and-herb seasoning, salt and pepper; using a rubber spatula, gently mix until well combined (make sure not to overmix or the potatoes will become gluey). Transfer the mixture to an 8-inch-square baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar.

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Bake until the cheese is melted and the casserole is slightly browned around the edges, 25 to 30 minutes.

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Meanwhile, combine 2 tablespoons water with the remaining 2 tablespoons sour cream in a small bowl, mixing to form a loose crema.
Drizzle the casserole with the crema; sprinkle with bacon and the remaining scallions.

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

To make ahead

Prepare through Step 2, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

EatingWell.com, November 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

221	Calories
10g	Fat
23g	Carbs
10g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Serving Size 3/4 cup
Calories 221
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 23g	8%
Dietary Fiber 3g	9%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 10g	20%
Total Fat 10g	13%
Saturated Fat 5g	27%
Cholesterol 52mg	17%
Vitamin A 95Âµg
Vitamin C 23mg	26%
Vitamin D 0Âµg
Vitamin E 0mg	2%
Folate 31Âµg
Vitamin K 12Âµg
Sodium 373mg	16%
Calcium 163mg	13%
Iron 1mg	7%
Magnesium 36mg	9%
Potassium 599mg	13%
Zinc 1mg	11%
Vitamin B12 0Âµg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.