Get ready to fall head over heels for this Mashed Potato Casserole—a creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible side dish that’s destined to become a new family tradition. Imagine all the velvety comfort of your favorite mashed potatoes, but with an added layer of flavor and just the right amount of indulgence, thanks to a golden baked top and irresistible mix-ins like cheddar, green onions, and crispy bacon. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just craving a cozy comfort food fix, this casserole fits every occasion and always steals the spotlight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mashed Potato Casserole lies in its simple ingredients—each one plays a key role in building that dreamy texture and savory, homey flavor. From fluffy potatoes to tangy sour cream and gooey cheese, every addition enhances the dish’s richness, making it more than just your average mash.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold are best for their fluffy texture—just peel and cut into chunks for speedy boiling.
- Cream Cheese: Brings luscious creaminess and subtle tang; soften it so it stirs in effortlessly.
- Sour Cream: Adds a touch of tang and extra silkiness; Greek yogurt makes a great substitute.
- Whole Milk: Helps smooth out the mash without making it runny—room temperature works best.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and depth, with a familiar buttery scent.
- Salt: The key to bringing all these flavors to life—don’t skimp!
- Black Pepper: For a mild kick and aromatic warmth in every bite.
- Garlic Powder: Subtle garlicky flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully for both flavor and that iconic cheesy top.
- Green Onions: Offer a fresh crunch and pop of color—perfectly balancing all the richness.
- Cooked Bacon (optional): Crumbled over the top, it’s a crispy, smoky upgrade you won’t regret.
- Additional Butter or Cheese (optional): For more decadence, dot with extra butter or sprinkle on more cheese before baking.
How to Make Mashed Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Before you do anything else, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures nothing sticks and your casserole comes out in perfect, scoopable squares.
Step 2: Boil and Drain the Potatoes
Toss your peeled and chunked potatoes into a big pot of salted water. Bring them to a gentle boil and let them bubble away until they’re fork-tender, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain thoroughly, so you don’t end up with watery mash, and return the hot potatoes to the empty pot for mashing.
Step 3: Mash and Mix
Mash the potatoes until smooth and lump-free—use a potato masher, ricer, or whatever tool makes your heart sing. Once they’re dreamy and fluffy, gently stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, whole milk, melted butter, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until creamy and everything is fully incorporated.
Step 4: Fold in Cheese and Green Onions
Give your mixture a cheesy upgrade by folding in half of the shredded cheddar and the green onions. This distributes gooey pockets of cheese and bursts of zingy freshness throughout the dish.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Scoop the creamy potato mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle over the remaining cheddar cheese, green onions, and the crumbled bacon if you’re using it. Feel free to add extra butter dots or another handful of cheese if you’re in the mood for a truly decadent Mashed Potato Casserole.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The top should get lightly golden, the cheese will bubble, and your kitchen will smell like pure comfort. Take it out and let it rest for about five minutes before you dig in—this helps everything set.
How to Serve Mashed Potato Casserole
Garnishes
Add the finishing touch with extra chopped green onions, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a little more crispy bacon on top. These garnishes not only brighten the look but add extra flavor to every bite of your Mashed Potato Casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a knockout next to classic mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or grilled chicken. Pair it with crunchy green beans, a bright salad, or honey-glazed carrots for a well-rounded meal that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning individual portions into ramekins for personalized servings, or offer a toppings bar where everyone can pile on their favorites—think extra cheese, herbs, or even a drizzle of hot sauce. Mashed Potato Casserole isn’t just a side; it can be the showstopper at your next buffet or potluck.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mashed Potato Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to four days, and those flavors might even get a little richer overnight.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this casserole! For best results, cool it completely, wrap tightly (or use a covered freezer-safe dish), and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ve got instant comfort food whenever you need it.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through—about 20 minutes. If it looks a bit dry, add a splash of milk and a pat of butter before reheating. A quick zap in the microwave works for individual servings.
FAQs
What’s the best type Side Dish
Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this dish—they get super fluffy when mashed and absorb all that creamy goodness so well.
Can I make Mashed Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to two days ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
For a lighter take, swap the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt and use low-fat milk and cheese. You’ll still get a wonderful texture and flavor in your Mashed Potato Casserole.
How do I prevent the casserole from getting watery?
Make sure to drain the boiled potatoes thoroughly before mashing, and avoid overmixing, which can release too much starch. Using the right kind of potatoes also helps prevent a watery texture.
Can I add other ingredients?
Definitely! Stir in roasted garlic, chopped chives, sautéed mushrooms, or a handful of sautéed spinach to make this Mashed Potato Casserole your own.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about scooping into a hot, bubbly Mashed Potato Casserole that brings everyone together. With its ultra-creamy texture, cheesy top, and those irresistible flavorful touches, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly hope you give it a try—you just might find yourself making it for every special occasion (and all the cozy nights in between)!
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Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Mashed Potato Casserole, a decadent twist on traditional mashed potatoes. Loaded with cream cheese, cheddar, and green onions, this dish is a perfect side for any occasion.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture:
- 3 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- Additional butter or cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil Potatoes: Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
- Mash Potatoes: Mash the potatoes until smooth, then add cream cheese, sour cream, milk, butter, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until creamy.
- Add Cheese and Onions: Fold in half the cheddar cheese and green onions. Spread mixture in the baking dish.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle with remaining cheese, green onions, and bacon if using. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make ahead by assembling up to 2 days in advance and bake longer if cold.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or add roasted garlic for extra flavor.
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