loaded mashed potato casserole*

Today was a great day. The sun actually came out, I had to turn my air conditioner on in the car, and I bought my first mini muffin tin. I am throwing my little sister a baby shower at the end of May and I have got some great ideas, which include some mini cupcakes (key lime and cookies & cream), nutella cream chocolate tarts, and chocolate lollipops (my sister's request). She is due on June 26th and she is having a little boy. I am so excited to be an aunt! Well, I am already an aunt but this will be my first niece/nephew on my side of the family!

Today was also a great day because I spent much time looking through food blogs. I think I have a food blog addiction. I was looking for a new dessert recipe to make for work. Then I came home and searched through food blogs for the perfect mini cupcakes for Shea's baby shower. If you have any fun food blogs that you like to look at, please share them with me! I am always looking for great food blogs to browse in my spare time :).

So when the boys were out building onto our deck this weekend, I made this yummy casserole to go with my chicken pillows. This stuff is pretty tasty. If you liked loaded baked potatoes, you will love this! It's so creamy, cheesy, and best of all bacony!

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Source: slightly adapted from Wendy and Gooseberry Patch and as seen on The Girl Who Ate Everything

5 1/2 cups mashed potatoes (around 6-7 large baking potatoes)
1/2 cup milk
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
8 slices bacon crispy cooked and crumbled

Preheat oven 350 degrees.

Peel, quarter, and boil potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until soft. Drain potatoes and and beat with a mixer until smooth. Add milk, cream cheese, sour cream, parsley, garlic salt, and nutmeg. Beat at a medium-high speed until nice and creamy. Add salt to taste keeping in mind that the cheese and bacon will add a little salt later.

Spoon into a 9x13 baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Top with cheddar cheese and bacon. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese melts.

Serves 12 people.

-alyssa*