Baked Mashed Potatoes

Name: Baked Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes; 3 tablespoons butter; ½ cup milk; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper; 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (white or yellow); 1 12-ounce package bacon

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These Baked Mashed Potatoes are delightfully creamy, cheesy, and loaded with luscious bacon for pure comfort food bliss! They’re the perfect side for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for a touch of indulgence.

overhead close-up shot of baked mashed potatoes with bacon and cheese in a red circular casserole dish.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Mashed Potato Recipe

Easy to Make: These baked mashed potatoes are easy to prepare with basic ingredients that are readily available.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast, a family dinner, or a potluck, this cheesy, bacon-y potato bake is the perfect side dish to complement a wide variety of main courses.
Ultimate Comfort Food: This recipe takes a comfort food classic to the next level by infusing creamy mashed potatoes with the rich flavors of sharp cheddar cheese and smoky bacon.

For another comfort food favorite, check out this stovetop chicken parmesan recipe next.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Yukon Gold Potatoes: Known for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for mashing. They hold their shape well after boiling, which results in smooth, fluffy mashed potatoes. You can substitute with russet potatoes if needed, but you may need to add more milk or butter to achieve the right consistency since they are starchier.
Butter: Butter adds richness and a velvety texture to the mashed potatoes.
Milk: Milk helps achieve the perfect consistency for the mashed potatoes, making them creamy and smooth. I used whole milk, but 2% should work as well if you want to lighten things up. For even richer and creamier texture, you can use heavy cream instead.
Seasonings: Kosher salt and white pepper work together to season the mashed potatoes. Feel free to use black pepper in place of the white pepper, but note that you may not need as much.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a sharp flavor that perfectly complements the mildness of the potatoes. You can use white or yellow cheddar. Feel free to swap the cheddar for Havarti, Gouda, or Monterey Jack to change up the flavor.
Bacon: Bacon is a game changer, adding a smoky, savory flavor to these cheesy mashed potatoes. If you prefer a leaner option, turkey bacon can be used instead of regular bacon. It may not be as crispy, but it will still add a savory element.

See the recipe card below for the full recipe and ingredient measurements.

baked mashed potatoes with bacon pieces on top and cheese in a red circular baking dish.

How to Make Creamy Baked Mashed Potatoes

Prep and Boil the Potatoes: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Then peel and cut the potatoes into chunks that are roughly the same size. Add the potatoes to a large pot and cover them with cold water. Boil until they’re nice and tender when you poke them with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.

Cook the Bacon: While the potatoes are doing their thing, it’s time to get the bacon going. Line a microwave-safe plate with paper towels, lay out 4-5 strips of bacon (make sure they’re not overlapping), and cover them with another layer of paper towels. Microwave on full power for about 4 minutes. If they’re not quite crispy yet, keep microwaving in 30-second bursts. Repeat this until all your bacon is cooked, and then crumble it into bits once it’s cool enough to handle.

Mash the Potatoes: Drain and place potatoes back into the pot. Add in the butter, milk, salt, and white pepper. Use an electric hand mixer to combine everything until it’s creamy and smooth. You can also use a potato masher if you prefer.

overhead of cut potatoes in a pot with milk, butter and seasonings added.

overhead of mashed potatoes in a pot after whipping with an electric mixer.

Mix in the Cheese and Bacon: Set aside a small handful of shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon for later. Stir the rest of the cheese and bacon into the mashed potatoes.

Assemble and Bake: Spoon the potato mixture into a casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the top. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

overhead shot of bacon added to the whipped mashed potatoes in a pot.

overhead of mashed potatoes with more bacon and cheese on top in a circular baking dish.

Variations

Loaded Baked Mashed Potatoes: Add a dollop of sour cream, a handful of chopped green onions, and some minced garlic to the mashed potatoes before baking. Top with a sprinkle of chives after baking for that fully loaded baked potato flavor.
Bacon Ranch Mashed Potatoes: Mix a packet of ranch seasoning into the mashed potatoes along with the bacon and cheese. This adds a tangy, herby flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes and crispy bacon.
Cheddar and Broccoli Mashed Potatoes: Stir in steamed broccoli florets instead of the bacon along with the cheddar cheese. This variation adds a pop of color and a bit of healthy green to the dish, while still keeping it rich and cheesy.

wooden spoon taking out a scoop of baked mashed potatoes from a casserole dish.

Expert Tips

Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing can break down the starches too much, causing the potatoes to have a gluey, gummy texture. To avoid this, mix just until the ingredients are combined and the potatoes are smooth. This will help you achieve that perfect, fluffy consistency.
Shred Your Own Cheese: For the best melt and flavor, shred your own cheddar cheese rather than using pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
Broil for Extra Browning: If you want an extra-crispy topping, switch your oven to the broil setting for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Be sure to keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

Holiday Meals: Serve these mashed potatoes alongside classic holiday roasts such as turkey, ham, or prime rib. Their rich, cheesy flavor pairs beautifully with festive mains and complements traditional side dishes like stuffing and cranberry sauce
Potlucks: Bring the baked mashed potatoes to a potluck or family gathering. They’re sure to be a hit as a hearty side dish that complements a variety of main courses.
Family Dinner: Serve the potatoes with everyday family favorites such as grilled chicken, meatloaf, or baked pork chops. They add a comforting touch to a casual meal and make for a satisfying, complete dinner.

mashed potatoes with bacon and cheese after baking in a red circular baking dish.

FAQ

Can I cook the bacon in a skillet instead of the microwave?

Yes, you can definitely cook the bacon in a skillet instead! Just heat a large skillet over medium heat and lay the bacon strips in a single layer. You may have to work in batches depending on the size of your skillet. Cook them until they’re crispy, flipping occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off the excess grease. Then crumble it up as the recipe calls for.

How do I store leftover mashed potatoes?

To store leftovers, transfer the potatoes to an airtight container or cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. If the potatoes seem a little dry when reheating, you can stir in a splash of milk or a small pat of butter to bring back some of the moisture and creaminess.