Broccoli mashed potato bake takes two classic sides and turns them into one super side. Loaded with broccoli, bacon, cheese, and, of course, mashed potatoes, this broccoli mashed potato bake is an easy to make unique side dish that everyone will love.
Do you love mashed potatoes? Of course, you do. They’re rich, creamy, and you can put all kinds of great additions in them. Do you also love broccoli? If you answered yes to both of these questions, then I have the perfect side dish for you. Broccoli mashed potato bake.
Think about all the times you’ve served mashed potatoes and broccoli as sides for the same meal. Now think about all the times you’ve gotten a little broccoli and mashed potato on your fork at the same time to go with your main dish. You’ve been eating this delicious casserole all along. You just never knew it. Now, I’ve created the ultimate side dish. The culmination of all of my years of cooking – and throwing things together to see what happens.
The History of Mashed Potatoes
Ah, the humble potato, ingredient to so many dishes. Fried, shredded, sliced, diced, and yes, mashed, the potato is a staple food that we’ve been eating for hundreds of years. While we know that potatoes were introduced to European diets, and subsequently American diets by virtue of colonization, what we don’t know exactly is when someone thought of mashing potatoes.
We know that the Incas preferred to eat their potatoes mashed, but we don’t know where the type of mashed potatoes that we routinely eat originated for sure. Some people say that the English invented mashed potatoes and gravy sometime in the 1600s. Others say the first actual recipe for mashed potatoes was created when a Frenchman named Antoine Parmentier held a competition on ways to make potatoes in 1771.
It’s a mystery that may never be solved. But I know one thing for sure, mashed potatoes are one of the most delicious things ever invented in any style of cooking. That’s why I’m in love with my broccoli mashed potato bake.
Broccoli Mashed Potato Bake
Whether you’re a food historian, or you just love to stuff your face with delicious food, you’re going to appreciate this broccoli mashed potato bake. It takes everything we love about both of these classic sides and, well, mashes them together into one side dish that pulls double duty as a side and a casserole. Don’t worry, this isn’t a bland recipe. I didn’t stop at the classic milk and butter when it comes to the mashed potatoes part of this bake. Oh, no.
Inside this absolutely delicious super side, you’ll find broccoli, bacon, cheddar cheese, green onions, and cream cheese along with the classic milk and butter. Oh yeah, I went all the way with this dish. Every possible thing that you have ever put into your potatoes, whether baked or mashed, has been put into this bake. Then I added broccoli to finish it off. The result? The best side dish you have ever eaten. I’m going on record with that.
Variations
This is an easy recipe that can totally be changed up. That being said, you can change out a few things or simply add them to create a version of this bake that is uniquely your own.
Different Meats
I chose bacon for this bake, but ham would work wonderfully in it, as well. You could even add chicken or pork if you wanted. Heck, get crazy. Try some beef strips. If you add in these types of meat, you’ll go from a side dish to a self-contained meal that you simply spoon onto plates for your family or guests to enjoy.
Use Different Cheeses
Cheddar is the classic cheese to use with potatoes, but you can use almost any cheese in this recipe. Changing up the cheese will change the flavor, adding a nice little twist. Colby jack, Swiss slices, and even taco cheese would work in this dish. Let your creativity guide you and see what happens.
What Goes with Broccoli Mashed Potato Bake
As a side, this bake goes well with just about anything. Chicken, beef, and pork dishes will all work beautifully with this recipe. If you decide to incorporate these meats directly into your bake, then the only thing you’ll pair it with is a plate and utensils. It’s a complete meal when made with a protein source. It’s also an extremely hearty meal, so you won’t need anything else to go with it.
Storing the Bake
This broccoli mashed potato bake will keep well in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze this bake for up to two months in an air-tight, freezer-safe container. Potatoes don’t generally freeze well, however, the fat from the milk and butter will ensure that this bake defrosts and reheats well.
Give This Broccoli Mashed Potato Bake a Try
With broccoli, mashed potatoes, and all the mashed potato add-ins you can think of, this bake is the ultimate side dish. It’s also super easy to make, which is a huge bonus. The delicious flavor and incredibly easy prep and cooking of this recipe make it a winner for parties, potlucks, holiday gatherings, and even weeknight dinners. Give it a try. I’m sure you and your family will love it.
Ingredients to Make Broccoli Mashed Potato Bake
- Large Potatoes (Costco size potatoes)
- Butter
- Milk
- Cream Cheese
- Broccoli
- Bacon
- Cheddar Cheese
- Green Onions
- Garlic Salt
- Black pepper
- Sour cream
How to Make Broccoli Mashed Potato Bake
- Preheat oven to 400° and spray a 3 quart baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Boil potatoes in a large pot of water until tender. Drain and return to pan.
- Mash potatoes in pot and add butter, milk, cream cheese, garlic salt, and pepper.
- Add mashed potatoes to prepared baking dish, followed by 1 cup of cheese, broccoli, crumbled bacon, green onions, and the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Carefully remove from oven.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top each serving with sour cream, optional
Try This Delicious Recipe Today
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Green Chili Corn Casserole
- BLT Avocado Pasta Salad
- and, here is a delicious Jalapeño Coleslaw from Kitchen Divas you might enjoy.
Broccoli Mashed Potato Bake
Ingredients
- 3 large potatoes, peeled, cut into 8 pieces
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup milk
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 4 cups broccoli, cooked
- 6 strips bacon, cooked, crispy
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° and spray a 3 quart baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Boil potatoes in water until tender. Drain and return to pan.
- Mash potatoes in pot and add butter, milk, cream cheese, garlic salt, and pepper. Mash until combined.
- Add potatoes to prepared baking dish, followed by 1 cup of cheese, broccoli, crumbled bacon, green onions, and the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Carefully remove from oven and enjoy.
Here are a few pics that are the perfect size for pinning to Pinterest.
I made this tonight for dinner. It was easy to make and very delicious. I will definitely be making this again. A whole new twist on mashed potatoes. It was a big hit. Thank you ladies for this amazing recipe.
Thank you so much for sharing Tina! We are so glad you enjoyed this recipe and that it was a big hit with your family. 🙂