Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Loaded Mashed Potatoes are the perfect potato upgrade! Prepped in 10 minutes, this dish has all your favorite loaded baked potato flavors in one bite; crispy bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions! It's total comfort food!
Servings: 9 servings
Calories: 303kcal
Ingredients
- 5 cups prepared homemade or store-bought mashed potatoes (see note) see note
- 2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- ¾ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. If needed, rehydrate the prepared mashed potatoes with 2-4 tablespoons of milk or chicken broth to a whipped, smooth consistency.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, 1 ½ cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup of the bacon, and half of the sliced green onions. Stir until well-mixed. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9"x9" baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake 30 minutes. Remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining bacon on top. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potato mixture is starting to brown at the edges.
- Sprinkle the remaining green onions over the top. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Video
Notes
Pro Tips and Substitutions
-
- Cheese Variations: Try swapping the sharp cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles. I highly recommend shredding a block of cheese fresh if possible! Pre-shredded cheeses don’t melt as effectively.
-
- Potato Rehydration: If you're prepared potatoes aren't smooth and easy to spread with a spoon, you can add a little bit of whole milk, skim milk, or chicken broth to bring them to a creamier texture.
-
- Bacon Alternatives: If you don’t have regular bacon, you can substitute it with turkey bacon, pancetta, or even crumbled sausage.
-
- Add Extra Cream: For an even richer flavor, you can mix ½ cup of sour cream, ½ cup heavy cream, or 2-4 ounces softened cream cheese into the leftover mashed potatoes.
-
- Flavor Additions: Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a herby twist. You could also sprinkle a bit of garlic powder or minced garlic cloves for extra flavor.
-
- Topping Options: Other great toppings include sour cream, jalapeños, crispy fried onions, minced fresh chives, or extra cheese.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. You can freeze loaded mashed potatoes for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or heat in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, stirring every 45 seconds until heated through.
Nutrition
Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 330mg | Potassium: 428mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 276IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 188mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @dinnerin321 or tag #dinnerin321!