Description
This Creamy Potato Casserole with Crunchy Topping features velvety mashed potatoes infused with smoky smoked turkey bacon and shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), topped with a golden, crispy panko breadcrumb crust. Perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions, it balances smooth creaminess with a delightful crunch, offering a comforting and flavorful meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups starchy potatoes (such as Russets), peeled and cubed
- 1 cup smoked turkey bacon, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
- ½ cup milk or cream (warmed)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping Ingredients
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cube your potatoes evenly. Boil them in salted water until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring your casserole stays creamy without becoming watery.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the potatoes cook, finely chop the smoked turkey bacon and sauté it over medium heat until crispy and golden. Set aside, leaving some of the flavorful rendered fat in the pan for later use with the topping crumbs.
- Mash the Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot or a large bowl. Add butter, warm milk or cream, onion powder, garlic powder, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy, then fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) and the crispy smoked turkey bacon for bursts of rich flavor.
- Prepare the Crunchy Topping: Mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and a pinch of salt. For extra flavor, toss the breadcrumbs in the pan with leftover smoked turkey bacon fat. This step gives the topping a golden, savory crust during baking.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the creamy potato mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the buttery panko breadcrumb mixture over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Choose starchy potatoes like Russets for creamier mashed potatoes.
- Do not over-mash; leaving small lumps adds nice texture.
- Warm the milk or cream before adding to the potatoes for a smoother mash.
- Toast panko crumbs lightly in a pan before topping the casserole to enhance crunchiness.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set and ease serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: creamy potato casserole, smoked turkey bacon casserole, mashed potato bake, crunchy topping casserole, comfort food, family dinner recipe