Ingredients

6 bacon slices
6 large Russet potatoes, peeled or unpeeled (either will work)
1 cup (240 grams) sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt, plus more based on taste preferences
1/2 teaspoon pepper, plus more based on taste preferences
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups (224 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Optional Garnishes:
1/8 teaspoon paprika
Sliced green onions

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Pull out a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.

Bake Bacon: While oven is preheating, arrange bacon slices on prepared baking sheet. Once oven has preheated, transfer baking sheet to oven and cook bacon until crispy, about 12-18 minutes (time will depend on thickness of bacon slices). Remove bacon from oven and set aside to cool. Don’t turn oven off.

Prep and Bake Potatoes: While bacon bakes, prick potatoes several times all over with a fork, then place them on the other prepared baking sheet. Once bacon has finished baking, transfer potatoes to oven and bake until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, about 45-60 minutes.

Crumble Bacon: While potatoes cook and once bacon has cooled off, crumble or chop slices into small pieces. Set aside.
Mash Potatoes: After baking, remove potatoes from oven. Don’t turn oven off. Transfer potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher or fork, mash potatoes (it’s OK if some potatoes are still chunky).

Mix in Wet Ingredients and Seasonings: Add sour cream, milk, melted butter, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Use potato masher or spoon to mix together to combine everything.

Stir In Cheese and Bacon: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon. Taste test and add more salt and pepper, depending on taste preferences.

Assemble in Casserole Dish: Coat casserole dish in nonstick cooking spray, then transfer potato mixture to casserole dish and spread into even layer using a rubber spatula. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.

Bake: Return casserole dish to oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10-15 minutes. Optionally, transfer casserole dish to top oven rack, turn on oven broiler, and broil until cheese is golden, about 1-2 minute(s) (watch carefully to avoid burning).

Garnish Then Serve: Remove dish from oven and top with remaining bacon crumbles, paprika, and green onions. Allow casserole to cool for a few minutes, then serve.