The Creamiest Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Comfort meets creativity in this hearty mashed potato casserole that’ll make your dinner table sing with delight.

Creamy clouds of potato goodness blend perfectly with crispy cheese toppings.

Grandma’s kitchen secrets merge with modern cooking techniques to create something magical.

Layers of rich flavor await you in every single bite.

Golden-brown edges promise a crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with the silky smooth interior.

Cheese lovers and potato enthusiasts will absolutely adore this crowd-pleasing dish.

Store Mashed Potato Casserole Without Drying It Out

• Store leftover mashed potato casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• For quick reheating, warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Mashed Potato Casserole Goes With

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Choose a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, creamy potatoes and salty bacon.
• Serve Crisp Green Salad: Create a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's heaviness and provide refreshing contrast.
• Match Roasted Protein: Add grilled chicken or herb-crusted pork tenderloin as a protein companion that enhances the potato dish's savory flavors.
• Finish with Pickled Side: Include quick-pickled vegetables like cucumber or red onions to introduce bright acidity that balances the creamy, cheesy casserole.

Mashed Potato Casserole Mix-Ins

• Vegan Potato Bake: Replace butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, swap sour cream for cashew cream, and substitute cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds.
• Herb-Infused Potato Casserole: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley to the mashed potatoes for an aromatic herbal flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute russet potatoes with steamed cauliflower for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version of the casserole.
• Gluten-Free Topping Option: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of traditional breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can substitute russet potatoes with Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They’ll give a slightly different texture but still work well in the recipe.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits or crispy breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

• How can I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?

Add more sour cream or cream cheese to increase the richness and smooth texture of the mashed potatoes.

• Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Mashed Potato Casserole With Buttery Goodness

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform classic mashed potatoes into a decadent casserole that takes comfort eating to the next level with crispy, cheesy layers.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up this crowd-pleasing dish in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Delight both kids and adults with its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and crunchy bacon topping that appeals to all taste buds.
• Customizable Crowd-Solver: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adding extra toppings to suit different dietary preferences and family tastes.

What You Need For Mashed Potato Casserole

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy potatoes perfect for creating creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes, with a light and airy texture.

• Butter, Sour Cream, Milk, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy components that add richness, tanginess, and a smooth texture to the casserole. Full-fat dairy provides the best flavor and consistency.

• Garlic Powder, Salt: Essential flavor enhancers that bring depth and balance to the potato dish. Use fresh, high-quality spices for the best taste.

• Water: Used for boiling and cooking the potatoes until tender and soft.

Mashed Potato Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes

Scrub russet potatoes clean and slice them into evenly sized chunks.

Place potatoes in a large pot of cold water and bring to a boil.

Cook until potatoes are fork-tender and easily mashed.

Step 2: Create Creamy Potato Base

Drain the potatoes completely and return them to the pot.

Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or electric mixer.

• Softened butter
• Sour cream
• Whole milk
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy with no lumps.

Step 3: Incorporate Cheese

Fold shredded cheddar cheese into the potato mixture, stirring until evenly distributed and slightly melted.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Dish

Transfer the cheesy potato mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 5: Craft Crispy Topping

In a skillet, melt butter and toast panko breadcrumbs until they turn golden brown and fragrant.

Step 6: Add Final Toppings

• Toasted panko breadcrumbs
• Crispy bacon bits
• Chopped chives
• Additional shredded cheddar cheese

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F.

Bake until the cheese melts completely and the top becomes golden and crispy, approximately 15-20 minutes.

Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Expert Advice for Mashed Potato Casserole

• Use russet potatoes for the fluffiest, most creamy texture in your casserole.
• Thoroughly drain potatoes and use a potato masher or ricer for ultra-smooth consistency.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère or pepper jack for unique taste profiles.
• Replace bacon with crispy mushroom bits or roasted vegetables for a meat-free version.
• Assemble the casserole a day before and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient entertaining.

Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy mashed potato casserole brings comfort and warmth to family dinners with its rich layers of cheesy goodness. Crispy bacon and green onion garnish elevate this classic side dish, promising a delightful experience you will savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kg) russet potatoes
• 1 cup (240 ml) cheddar cheese, shredded

Dairy Ingredients:

• 7 tablespoons (105 ml) butter
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

Liquid Ingredient:

• Water (to cover potatoes)

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Instructions

1. Prepare russet potatoes by peeling and cutting into uniform chunks for even cooking.
2. Submerge potato pieces in a pot of water and boil until fork-tender, ensuring soft and easily mashed texture.
3. Thoroughly drain potatoes and transfer to a large mixing bowl for mashing.
4. Incorporate butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and salt into the potatoes, whipping until a creamy, smooth consistency is achieved.
5. Gently fold shredded cheddar cheese throughout the mashed potato mixture, distributing evenly.
6. Grease a casserole dish and carefully spread the cheesy potato mixture into an even layer.
7. In a separate skillet, melt butter and toast panko breadcrumbs until they reach a golden, crispy appearance.
8. Artfully distribute toasted breadcrumbs across the potato surface.
9. Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the breadcrumb layer.
10. Garnish with crispy bacon bits and freshly chopped chives for added flavor and visual appeal.
11. Place casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for melted cheese and a perfectly crisp topping.
12. Remove from oven and allow to cool briefly before serving to let flavors meld and topping set.

Notes

• Select russet potatoes for their starchy texture, ensuring creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes with fewer lumps.
• Use room temperature ingredients like butter and sour cream to blend smoothly and create a consistent texture.
• Toast panko breadcrumbs carefully to prevent burning, which can make the topping bitter and unpleasant.
• Make this dish vegetarian by omitting bacon and using plant-based cheese alternatives for a lighter version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 276
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 404 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 32 mg