There are many recipes out there that make use of leftover mashed potatoes and incorporate them into other meals such as Shepherd’s Pie or Mashed Potato Pancakes, but did you know you can prepare your mashed potatoes in advance too? Just think about it. If you’ve cooked yourself some mashed potatoes one night, and you know that the following night you’ll be rushing to get dinner on the table, wouldn’t it be great to have an already prepared side dish that needs nothing more than a simple reheat?
Introduction
Potato food is one of the most comforting foods around. It has been used by many cultures throughout the years and continues to be a staple in our diet. Mashed potatoes can make a dish that’s already delicious become even more so!
Here’s a recipe for Mashed Potato Casserole that you won’t want to miss out on! This dish starts with pre-cooked mashed potatoes, which are then topped with cheese and bacon, and then baked until the cheese melts. This casserole is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner because it can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature!
This recipe is not only delicious but it’s practical too.
What You Need
4 Cups Potatoes, Peeled and Cubed
1/2 Cup Milk or Cream (whichever you prefer)
1/2 Cup Sour Cream (optional but recommended!)
4-5 Slices Bacon, Fried Crisp, and Crumbled
3/4 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Salt and Pepper to Taste You can’t make a Mashed Potato Casserole without mashed potatoes! Boil your potatoes until they are soft. Drain the water from the pot. Mash with milk or cream, sour cream, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add cheese to taste. Layer the mashed potatoes into a casserole dish lined with bacon strips on top. Top off with more shredded cheese!
How to Make It
- Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with foil and set a rack on top for the bacon. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange bacon in one layer on the rack, then cover it with aluminum foil (or use parchment paper if you want to keep clean-up to a minimum). Bake for 25 minutes or until bacon is crispy. Remove and let cool slightly before removing from the pan and setting aside.
- Peel 4 large potatoes and cut them into 1/2 inch cubes, then place in a pot and cover with cold water by 2 inches.
How to Serve It
The creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes are the best part of a Thanksgiving dinner. I know what you’re thinking, But there are so many other dishes that are more important on the menu. Yes, there are many wonderful parts to a Thanksgiving feast but potato food is just as important. -Don’t like how your mashed potatoes turn out? Well stop throwing them in the garbage and make a casserole with them! Mashed Potato Casserole is an outrageously delicious and highly practical way to make mashed potato ahead of time! A protective layer of cheese and bacon prevent the mash from drying out as it is reheated in the oven. Oh, the powers of cheese! -This casserole can be served cold or hot!
Enjoy
