Holiday Mashed Potato Casserole

When the holidays roll around, nothing quite says comfort and joy like a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful side dish that everyone will love. Enter the Holiday Mashed Potato Casserole—a rich, velvety blend of fluffy potatoes, sharp cheddar, tangy sour cream, and savory turkey bacon, all baked to golden perfection. This recipe is perfect for your festive gatherings, elevating the humble mashed potato into a crowd-pleasing centerpiece on your holiday table.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

This Holiday Mashed Potato Casserole is more than just mashed potatoes with cheese—it’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that hits all the right notes. The tender potatoes provide the perfect canvas for creamy butter and sour cream, while garlic powder and green onions add depth and brightness. The crispy turkey bacon sprinkles add a smoky crunch, balanced beautifully by a golden breadcrumb topping. It’s simple to prepare yet impressive enough to serve at any holiday feast. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this casserole deserves a spot on your menu.

Not only is it delicious, but it also scales easily—making it an excellent choice for feeding a large crowd. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, steamed veggies, or alongside your favorite mains. If you adore potato dishes, you might also want to explore Garlic Parmesan Pull Apart Potatoes or the creamy layers of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Gratin for more inspiration.

What Goes In

• 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed – Yukon Gold or Russet work best for that fluffy texture.
• 1/2 cup of milk – whole milk adds creaminess, but any milk of choice works.
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter – for rich, velvety potatoes.
• 1/2 cup of sour cream – adds tang and moisture.
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese – sharp or mild cheddar both bring wonderful flavor.
• 1/2 cup of chopped green onions – for freshness and a mild onion kick.
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder – essential for depth and a subtle garlicky aroma.
• Salt and pepper to taste – to season and enhance all the flavors.
• 1 cup of turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled – a crispy, savory addition with less fat.
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs – for a crunchy, golden topping to finish it off.

Toolbox for This Recipe

• Large pot – to boil potatoes until tender.
• Potato masher or electric mixer – for smooth, fluffy mashed potatoes.
• Baking dish (about 9×13 inches) – perfect size for the casserole.
• Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Skillet – to cook the turkey bacon until crisp.
• Oven mitts – to safely handle the hot casserole.

Holiday Mashed Potato Casserole, Made Easy

Step 1: Prep and Boil Your Potatoes

Start by peeling and cubing 2 pounds of potatoes into evenly sized pieces. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to medium heat and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well and return them to the pot.

Step 2: Mash and Mix the Creamy Ingredients

While the potatoes are hot, add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of milk. Mash using a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and half of the chopped green onions. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until well combined.

Step 3: Cook the Turkey Bacon

In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 cup of turkey bacon until crisp. Once cooked, drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces. Turkey bacon adds a savory, crispy element with less grease, making it a perfect fit for this dish.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mashed potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crumbled turkey bacon evenly over the top. Then, sprinkle the remaining green onions and 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs to create a golden, crunchy topping.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden and the cheese is bubbly. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Better Choices & Swaps

• Milk: Swap whole milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk to keep it dairy-free.
• Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a tangy but lighter option.
• Cheese: Use mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
• Turkey Bacon: For a vegetarian twist, omit the bacon or replace with smoked tempeh.
• Breadcrumbs: Use panko for extra crunch or crushed crackers for a different texture.

Slip-Ups to Skip

• Don’t overboil the potatoes; they should be tender but not falling apart to avoid a gluey texture.
• Avoid skipping the sour cream—it adds moisture and tang that elevate the casserole.
• Don’t forget to season well; potatoes can be bland without enough salt and pepper.
• Be cautious not to burn the breadcrumbs—keep an eye on the casserole in the final minutes of baking.

Make Ahead Like a Pro

This Holiday Mashed Potato Casserole is a dream for meal prep. You can prepare it up to the point of baking, then cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge. This make-ahead step is a lifesaver for busy holiday hosts who want to spend more time with guests and less in the kitchen.

Holiday Mashed Potato Casserole Q&A

Can I use red potatoes instead of Yukon Gold or Russet?

Absolutely! Red potatoes will work, but they tend to be waxier and less fluffy, so the texture might be a bit denser. They’re still delicious, just a slightly different mouthfeel.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap the milk for a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or oil. Use a dairy-free sour cream alternative and vegan cheese to keep that creamy, cheesy vibe without dairy.

Can I freeze the casserole after baking?

While you can freeze the casserole after baking, the texture of the potatoes and the crispy topping may change slightly. For best results, freeze before baking and then bake directly from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process.

What can I serve alongside this casserole?

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, steamed green beans, or a crisp salad like a Fresh Herb Potato Salad to add some brightness to your holiday plate.

Healthy-ish Favorites

• Garlic Parmesan Pull Apart Potatoes – a flavorful twist on classic potatoes with a cheesy, garlicky kick.
• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Gratin – layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked with cheese and cream.
• Fresh Herb Potato Salad – a light, herby potato salad perfect for balancing heavier dishes.

Final Bite

This Holiday Mashed Potato Casserole is your go-to side dish for festive occasions, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with crispy, savory toppings that everyone will adore. It’s easy enough for any home cook to whip up but impressive enough to make your holiday table shine. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving comfort food, this casserole delivers warmth, flavor, and that special something that turns mashed potatoes into a celebration-worthy dish. So grab your potatoes, fire up the oven, and let this casserole become a beloved holiday tradition at your table.

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