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Crispy Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe with Bacon and Cheese Made Easy

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A comforting casserole featuring creamy mashed potatoes blended with cottage cheese, topped with crispy bacon, melty cheddar, and a golden panko breadcrumb crust. Perfect for gatherings and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup whole milk, warm
  • 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese, well-drained
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons extra butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Place peeled, cubed russet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well and return to pot. Let potatoes steam dry for a minute off the heat to avoid watery mash.
  2. Add softened butter and warm milk to the potatoes. Mash using a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth but still fluffy. Stir in the drained cottage cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. While potatoes are boiling, cook bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until evenly coated. Set aside.
  5. Spread mashed potatoes evenly into the greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half the shredded cheddar over the top. Scatter the crumbled bacon and sliced green onions evenly. Top with remaining cheddar cheese. Finally, sprinkle the buttered panko breadcrumbs over everything.
  6. Place casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly. Watch closely toward the end to prevent burning.
  7. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Drain cottage cheese well to avoid watery casserole. Use warm milk and butter to keep potatoes creamy and warm. Cook bacon on medium heat for even crispiness. Butter the panko breadcrumbs for a golden, crunchy topping. Assemble casserole right before baking to keep topping crisp. If topping isn’t crisping evenly, broil for 1-2 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning. Non-stick spray on baking dish helps prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed potato casserole, loaded mashed potatoes, bacon and cheese casserole, crispy potato casserole, comfort food, easy casserole recipe

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/crispy-loaded-mashed-potato-casserole-recipe-with-bacon-and-cheese-made-easy/