Golden Potato Surprise

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, Golden Potato Surprise is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion! This loaded mashed potato casserole takes your favorite comfort food to the next level with layers of buttery, russet potatoes blended with cream cheese, heavy cream, and sharp cheddar, seasoned to perfection with garlic powder and black pepper. The “surprise” lies in the middle—a hidden layer of gooey melted cheese that’s revealed with every scoop! Topped with crispy bacon, a dusting of paprika, and optional fresh parsley, this dish boasts a golden, bubbly finish that’s perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or potlucks. Easy to prepare and packed with indulgent flavors, Golden Potato Surprise is a surefire way to impress your guests and elevate your casserole game!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 medium Russet potatoes
• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces Cream cheese, softened
• 2 Green onions, finely chopped
• 6 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon Parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Peel the potatoes, then chop them into evenly sized chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with water.

Step 3

Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4

Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5

Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 6

Fold in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and half of the crumbled bacon, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.

Step 7

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish, then spread half of the mashed potato mixture into the bottom of the dish.

Step 8

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup) evenly over the potato layer to create the 'surprise' center.

Step 9

Spread the rest of the mashed potato mixture on top, ensuring the cheese layer is fully covered.

Step 10

Sprinkle the top with paprika and the remaining bacon for extra flavor and presentation.

Step 11

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 12

Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your Golden Potato Surprise!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1803.4 grams (1803.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4018

Total Fat 275.60g	353%
Saturated Fat 157.70g	789%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.40g
Cholesterol 836mg	279%
Sodium 6239mg	271%
Total Carbohydrate 249.70g	91%
Dietary Fiber 19.70g	70%
Total Sugars 17.40g
Protein 128.40g	257%

Vitamin D 57IU	285%
Calcium 1925mg	148%
Iron 15mg	86%
Potassium 6827mg	145%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.1%

Protein: 12.9%

Carbs: 25.0%