This loaded mashed potato casserole with bacon and caramelized onions just might steal the show on feast day! It’s fantastic for as a Sunday dinner side dish, too.

Notes:

To Make Ahead of Time:

  1. Follow the directions above, through step six. However, be sure to add additional milk, about 1/4 cup. The mashed potatoes should have a looser texture than desired because the potatoes will absorb the extra liquid while refrigerated.
  2. Allow to cool completely, cover well with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
  3. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator one hour before baking. Remove the plastic wrap, sprinkle the cheese on top of the casserole, and cover with foil.
  4. Reheat the casserole in a 350 °F oven until the casserole is heated through, 45 to 50 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and brown slightly.
Prep
20 mins
Cook
50 mins
Serves
8
Ingredients
13

Equipment

  • Medium non-stick skillet
  • Large saucepan
  • 8” x 8” glass or ceramic baking dish

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1/2 large yellow onion, chopped
  • (As needed) warm water
  • 3 lbs Little Potatoes, halved
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 Tbsp light cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup non-fat milk
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground pepper
  • 2 strips center cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 Tbsp rosemary, minced
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • (For garnish) parsley, minced

Instructions

  • Step 1

    Heat the olive oil in a medium nonstick skillet. Add the onions, cover the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deep golden brown. During the cooking, add water as necessary to stop the onions from burning and drying out. Be sure that all of the water is absorbed before removing form the heat.

  • Step 2

    Place the potato halves in a large saucepan and cover with cold water, one inch above the potatoes. Salt the water well. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl.

  • Step 3

    Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Lightly coat an 8” x 8” glass or ceramic baking dish with cooking spray.

  • Step 4

    With a potato masher, mash the potatoes until the mixture is a smooth as possible (it won’t be completely smooth because of the skins). Add the butter, cream cheese, and milk, and continue to mash until combined. Season with salt and pepper.

  • Step 5

    Stir in the caramelized onions, crumbled bacon, and rosemary.

  • Step 6

    Transfer the potatoes to the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

  • Step 7

    Sprinkle the cheese over top. Bake until the casserole is warmed through and the cheese is melted, about 25 minutes.