Equal parts creamy and cheesy, this mashed potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food recipe. The mashed potato base is thick and velvety thanks to a generous helping of sour cream. As if that isn't enough, it's also topped with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon and vibrant parsley for a pop of color. Serve it in place of plain mashed potatoes and let the compliments roll in! Read on to make this sinfully delicious dish.
![Mashed potato casserole recipe](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/11/18/42cacf5d36d54bfea51e4c7ca558d24a.jpg)
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Things You'll Need
3 pounds potatoes
1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup full-fat sour cream
1/3 cup milk or half & half
1 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon salt, separated
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 to 6 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
![Ingredients for mashed potato casserole](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/11/18/6320969b769c4557a762f79a72a6b65d.jpg)
Tip
Omit the bacon to make the casserole vegetarian-friendly.
Step 1
Wash the potatoes, then peel and chop into 1 1/2-inch cubes.
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![Peel and chop potatoes](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/11/18/16c7272c859a40338f99ab2f0ad957ed.jpg)
Step 2
Put the potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water, making sure all the potatoes are submerged. Add 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer, partially covering the pot. Simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes.
![Boil potatoes](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/11/18/568771e981f6401f900a9157733c83f7.jpg)
Step 3
Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
In a large bowl, mash the potatoes with a potato masher or ricer.
![Mash the potatoes](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/11/18/e106c44dc256423996c2185d190e622b.jpg)
Tip
Use a food processor to speed up the process.
Step 4
Add the butter, sour cream and milk. Stir well until combined.
![Mix sour cream, milk and butter](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/11/18/5f70394e899c4799b2ec9e134d0b2a2a.jpg)
Step 5
Mix in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and stir well.
![Add cheddar cheese](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/11/18/dc7000047108433eba7b1f4fdca3b32a.jpg)
Step 6
Transfer the potato mixture to a greased 9-inch pan or 2-quart casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
![Transfer to a baking dish](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/11/18/8537479f2b6c426798576489d8dcfc99.jpg)
Step 7
Loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil.
![Cover with aluminum foil](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/11/18/a75579147068441a9b10bfb3b9f074e6.jpg)
Step 8
Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the aluminum foil, add the bacon and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with chives and parsley.
![Top with bacon, chives and parsley](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/11/18/470fe0507ecd48e381ce6b6676daed89.jpg)
Your homemade mashed potato casserole is ready to enjoy. Serve it as an appetizer or side dish, depending on your menu.
![Mashed potato casserole recipe](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/11/18/2743610c230c46468b55ad8873542d54.jpg)