Mashed Potato Casserole

Step 1: Butter a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish.

Step 2: In a skillet over medium low heat cook the bacon until browned and crisp; transfer to paper towels to drain and then chop the bacon.

Step 3: Place bacon in a bowl along with the green onions; toss.

Step 4: In a pot filled with enough water to cover the potatoes; add potatoes with a bit of salt; cover and boil over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes; drain.

Step 5: Return potatoes to pot and cook over low heat; stirring often for a few minutes or until potatoes are dry. Stir in next 3 ingredients (sour cream - butter) and using a potato masher mash the potatoes until almost smooth and then stir in 1 1/2 cup of the gouda cheese and 1 cup of the bacon mixture; season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Spread potato mixture in prepared baking dish and sprinkle remaining cheese over all ***this can be prepared 8 hours ahead, cover and chill potato mixture and bacon mixture separately.

Step 7: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 8: Bake the potatoes for 30 minutes or until cheese melts and the potatoes are bubbling. This will take 40 minutes if chilled. Sprinkle reserved bacon mixture over.