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cheesy loaded smashed potato casserole - featured image

Cheesy Loaded Smashed Potato Casserole


  • Author: Elena
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A quick, 5-ingredient weeknight dinner featuring Yukon Gold potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and bacon bits. This comforting casserole is creamy inside, crispy on top, and requires no peeling or fancy tools.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pounds yellow potatoes (Yukon Gold or similar), scrubbed and sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup bacon bits, crumbled (cooked real bacon preferred)
  • 4 stalks green onions, sliced
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  2. Wash and slice potatoes into ½-inch rounds. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook potatoes for 10-12 minutes until fork-tender.
  3. Drain potatoes well and let them sit for 2 minutes to steam off excess water.
  4. Transfer potatoes to a large bowl, add melted butter, salt, and pepper. Gently smash with a spoon or masher to create chunks and flat surfaces.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, milk, garlic powder, half the cheese, and half the bacon bits until smooth.
  6. Spread smashed potatoes into the baking dish. Pour the sour cream mixture over the top and spread evenly.
  7. Sprinkle remaining cheese and bacon bits over the casserole.
  8. Bake for 15-18 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with green onions and serving.

Notes

Do not peel the potatoes; the skin adds texture. Ensure potatoes are drained well to prevent a watery casserole. Grate your own cheese for better melting. For extra crunch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter on top before baking.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2
  • Sodium: 480
  • Fat: 16
  • Saturated Fat: 9
  • Carbohydrates: 35
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 12

Keywords: potato casserole, weeknight dinner, cheesy potatoes, smashed potatoes, easy recipe, comfort food, bacon potatoes