This make ahead Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is easy, full of bacon and cheese and the easiest side dish ever! Made with Russet potatoes, crispy bacon, shredded cheese and perfectly seasoned, this is one potato side dish you will want at every holiday dinner.

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Name: Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 3-4 pounds russet potatoes; 8 tablespoons butter; 4-6 green onions, diced and divided; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 cup cream; 1 cup sour cream; 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided; 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped and divided

Are you a person who could eat loaded baked potatoes literally every day of their life?

That is 100% an accurate description of me.

Scalloped potatoes, fried potatoes, sauteed potatoes, sweet potato casseroles, hash browns, loaded baked potatoes, loaded potato skins,.

I don’t care what you do to them, I don’t care what you put in them, how you serve them or how you make them, potatoes have got to be in my top favorite food groups.

And if potatoes are not an official food group, they should be!

Loaded Up Mashed Potatoes

I have to honest, this Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is my must have when it comes to the perfect side dish.

It is essentially a loaded baked potato with all your favorite toppings converted into a 9×13 baked potato casserole.

So instead of only having ONE loaded baked potato, you have have an entire pan of bacon, cheesy potatoes at your disposal.

Tell me again how this is not the most perfect side dish in the history of side dishes?

Best of all, you can make the entire casserole a day in advance and just pop it in the oven to bake before it’s time to eat.

Although you can customize your baked potato casserole anyway you like, traditionally loaded baked potatoes are mashed potatoes with cheese, bacon, chives or green onions and often, sour cream.

Think of this potato side dish recipe as a cross between mashed potatoes and a plate of loaded potato skins from T.G.I. Fridays.

You are welcome!

Potatoes Matter

In my opinion, russet potatoes are the best when it comes to making these make ahead potatoes! Russets whip up fluffy and light after they are cooked.

They are the perfect potato for making mashed potatoes and therefore are perfect for your potato casserole dish.

Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

To make your loaded baked potato casserole recipe, preheat oven 350 degrees and lightly spray 9×13 pan with non-stick spray and set aside.

Wash potatoes, peel (if you want) and cut into medium sized same size chunks. Add to large pot of salted water and bring to a boil.

Let potatoes low boil for approximately 10 -15 minutes or until they are fork tender. Drain and return to pot.

Add in butter, salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder, cream and most of the green onion to potatoes. Mash to your preferred consistancy.

Stir in sour cream, most of the cheese and most of the bacon then transfer potatoes to the 9×13 pan.

Cover potatoes with remaining cheddar cheese and bacon. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Garnish with reserved green onions and serve immediately. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers.

Pro Tips for Perfect Potatoes

To mash your potatoes, grab a hand-held masher or break out your electric hand mixer if you want a smoother consistency.
Stir your bacon and cheese in separate instead of adding them to the ‘mashing’ part. This will keep your bacon in bigger pieces.
Don’t want to take the time to make ‘fresh’ bacon? Grab a small pouch of pre-cooked bacon pieces from the salad dressing aisle of your grocery store.
I definitely recommend shredding your cheese by hand. The pre-shredded bags of cheese are coated in anti-clumping preservatives so they don’t ever melt as nice as cheese shredded by hand from a block.
This recipe can be prepared the day before you plan to serve it. Simply make the mashed potato mixture, transfer to your the baking dish and cover with the cheese and bacon. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake the casserole. Just remember to bring your casserole to room temp before popping it in the oven by letting it sit on your counter for 30 minutes beforehand.
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This Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is super easy to make and you are rewarded with the most amazing baked mashed potato casserole side dish to treat your family and friends with.

That’s if you decide to share, which is encouraged but not actually required.

So next time you are looking for a the BEST potato side dish to beat all other dishes, give this recipe for baked potato casserole a try. This will be the highlight of your entire year!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don’t even know if that is an overstatement 🙂

Looking for more side dish and potato ideas? Don’t miss out on my Loaded Potato Skins, my Loaded Potato Salad, my Spicy Honey Glazed Carrots and my Creamy Macaroni and Cheese! Yes, please!

ENJOY! ~ Heather