• Spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray. Set aside.
• Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Place the potatoes in a large Dutch oven and cover with 1 inch of water. Add 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp granulated onion, and ½ tsp garlic powder; stir well. Set over high heat and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until potatoes are fork tender, about 15 minutes.
  5 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes, 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1½ tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp granulated onion, ½ tsp garlic powder
• Drain the potatoes and return to the empty, still hot pot. Set the pot over low heat to boil off excess moisture from the potatoes – this should take just about 1 minute.
• Mash the potatoes, then add the butter, cream cheese, sour cream, half-and-half, and 1 cup cheese. Stir well. Add half of the bacon and 1 tbsp chopped chives. Stir well. Taste and, if needed, season with additional kosher salt and black pepper.
  ½ cup unsalted butter, 4 oz. cream cheese, 1½ cups half-and-half or heavy cream, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 lb. crumbled cooked bacon, 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives, 1 cup sour cream
• Spread the mashed potatoes into the prepared baking dish.
• At this point, the potatoes can be cooked immediately or refrigerated.

If baking immediately...

• ...adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until heated through. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese and bake just until the cheese melts. Remove from the oven and top with reserved bacon and chives. Serve.

If making ahead...

• ...cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.
• When ready to cook, adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap and cover tightly with foil.
• Bake 30 minutes at 350°F, then remove the foil. Continue baking for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Add the reserved shredded cheese and cook just until the cheese melts. Remove from oven and top with reserved bacon and chives. Serve and enjoy!