Name: Mashed Potato Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs Russet Potatoes; 1 cup Milk; 1 stick Butter; 0.5 tsp Salt; 0.25 tsp Black Pepper

What are some comfort food recipes?What is mashed potato casserole?What is that dish? Growing up, Grandma made this every Thanksgiving and Christmas, and honestly, it was the thing I remember the most. I looked forward to most (sorry, turkey! Is it like regular mashed potatoes but taken to a whole new level of creamy goodness? Think scalloped potatoes, but with the ease of mashed potatoes and a baked, golden-brown top. I swear, even my picky eaters gobble this down. And the secret ingredient? How do I find out? I’m practically drooling just thinking about it.

What is mashed potato casserole?

What is a “what is”?What is mashed potato casserole?What is a mashed potato dish? Is it safe to bake in the oven until golden brown? Think of it as the more sophisticated, slightly more dressed-up cousin of your everyday mashed potatoes. The baking process transforms the texture, giving it a slightly crispy top and an ultra-creamy texture. Is it the kind of dish that disappears fast, and you’ll find yourself sneaking bites straight from the oven? What is a casserole dish?

Why do you like this recipe?

Where do I start? What are some good reasons to fall in love with this recipe?

Flavor Explosion:The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, tangy sour cream (or cream cheese! ), savory cheese, and that hint of garlic…it’s just *chef’ kiss*. Every bite is a party in your mouth.
Easy Peasy:What is the easiest Casserole Recipe you have ever made? If you boil potatoes, you can make this casserole. What are some of the best side dishes to serve on a busy weeknight?
Budget friendlyPotatoes are cheap! And the other ingredients are pantry staples for most of us. How do you feed a family without breaking the bank?
Versatility Queen: This What is mashed potato casserole?Is incredibly versatile. Add bacon, ham, or veggies to customize it to your liking. Serve it as a side dish with roast chicken, steak, or even as the main course with salad. Is this a must-have for anyone?

What is not to love? I have other potato recipes, like my roasted garlic potatoes or my easy potato salad, but this is my favorite. What are the best casserole recipes? What I love about this recipe is how nostalgic it is. It’s a memory, he feels warmth and togetherness.

How do you make mashed potato casserole?

Quick Overview

Making this What is mashed potato casserole?Is it surprisingly simple? You’ll boil your potatoes, mash them up with some creamy ingredients and cheese, transfer them to a bowl and serve. What are some ways to top a baking dish with cheese? ), and bake until golden and bubbly. The oven does most of the work, leaving you free to focus on other things. Plus, the baking gives the casserole a wonderful depth of flavor that you just can’t get with other casseroles. What are some good recipes for mashed Isn’t it a comfort food heaven?

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes: Is there

5 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered. I always use Russets because they get nice and fluffy when mashed. Yukon golds will also work, but they’ll be a bit denser.
1 cup milk (whole or 2%). I’ve even used unsweetened almond milk in a pinch, and it turned out great!
What is the secret ingredient of cream cheese? Is there a richness and tanginess to it? Can you substitute Sour Cream for ice cream?
1/2 cup butter, melted. Unsalted is best so you can control the saltiness.
I love garlic, but you can adjust to your liking.
Salt and pepper to taste.

For the Topping:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses! What are some good cheeses to try: Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a combination of them?
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. How do I prevent a casserole from sticking? I forgot to grease the dish before and it was a pain to clean!

Step 2: Boil Potatoes

Place peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. The salt helps season the potatoes from the inside out.

Step 3: Drain & Mash

Drain potatoes well in a colander. Is it safe to mash potatoes with a potato masher? I prefer a traditional potato masher, but you can use an electric mixer if you want super smooth. Just be careful not to overmix them, or they can become gummy.

Step 4: Add Creamy Goodness

Add the milk, softened cream cheese, minced garlic and mashed potatoes to the bowl. Mix well. Mix everything until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. I always do a taste test at this point to make sure the seasoning is just right.

Step 5: Assemble Casserole

The mashed potato mixture should be poured into a baking dish and spread evenly. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. If you’re using green onions, sprinkle them over the cheese.

Step 6: Bake

Is the cheese melted in the oven? Keep an eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn. I usually rotate the dish halfway through baking to ensure even browning.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. How do you slice cheese?

What should I serve it with?

This What is mashed potato casserole?What are some of the best dishes to serve with a spoon?

For Thanksgiving or Christmas: if you have the time Serve it alongside turkey, ham, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. It’s a classic holiday side dish that everyone will love.
For a Weeknight Dinner: Pair it with roast chicken, baked salmon, or a simple pork loin. It’s a comforting and satisfying addition to any meal.
For a Special Occasion: Serve it with steak, prime rib, or lamb chops. It’s an elegant side dish that elevates any fancy meal.
As a Vegetarian Main Course: Serve it with a side salad and some crusty bread for a hearty and satisfying vegetarian meal.

Growing up, we always had it with ham at Christmas. My grandpa would always sneak extra servings! The creamy, cheesy potatoes just complement everything so well.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Mashed Potato Casserole

Here are a few of my top tips for making the best mashed potato casserole ever:

Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Overcooked potatoes will absorb too much water and become mushy. Cook them until they are fork-tender, but not falling apart.
Warm Your Milk and Butter: Warming the milk and melting the butter before adding them to the potatoes will help everything blend together smoothly and prevent the potatoes from cooling down too much.
Don’t Overmix the Potatoes: Overmixing can make the potatoes gummy. Mix just until everything is combined.
Use High-Quality Cheese: The cheese is a key ingredient in this casserole, so use a good quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
Add Some Flavor Boosters: Feel free to add some flavor boosters to your mashed potatoes. Some of my favorites include roasted garlic, caramelized onions, bacon bits, or fresh herbs like chives or rosemary.
Adjust the Consistency: If your mashed potatoes are too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency. If they are too thin, add a little more mashed potato flakes or cornstarch.

One time I didn’t have enough milk and used heavy cream instead – it was unbelievably rich! Just be careful not to overdo it!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to store and reheat your mashed potato casserole:

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing Method: Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

I usually add a little extra cheese on top before reheating to freshen it up. It’s almost as good as the first time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the cheese topping just before baking.

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes will also work well, but the texture will be a bit denser. I don’t recommend using red potatoes, as they don’t mash as well.

Can I add meat to this casserole?

Definitely! Cooked bacon, ham, or sausage would be delicious additions. Add them to the mashed potato mixture before baking.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk or other plant-based milk. Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and vegan butter.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Make sure to cover the casserole with aluminum foil while baking, especially if it starts to brown too quickly. This will help retain moisture.

Final Thoughts

This mashed potato casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a dish. It’s the taste of home, the comfort of family, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and create your own memories around it. And if you’re craving even more comfort food goodness, check out my other casserole recipes! Let me know in the comments how yours turns out, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! Happy cooking!