The Creamiest Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful mashed potato casserole that promises to warm your heart and satisfy your hunger.

Creamy layers blend perfectly with crispy toppings for an irresistible side dish.

Cheese, herbs, and secret ingredients turn ordinary potatoes into something magical.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients can create such a memorable meal.

Rich textures and bold flavors make this recipe stand out from typical potato dishes.

Each forkful brings memories of cozy family dinners and shared moments around the table.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing casserole.

Classic Mashed Potato Casserole Bursting with Flavor

• Customize Your Comfort: Personalize this mashed potato casserole with endless topping variations like crispy bacon bits, fresh herbs, or different cheese blends.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday meals where everyone craves a delicious, hearty side dish that satisfies all ages.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it an accessible recipe for home cooks with varying experience levels.
• Versatile Meal Companion: Pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, and can easily transition from weeknight dinners to special occasion menus.

Ingredients for a Crowd-Pleasing Mashed Potato Casserole

• Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that form the creamy base of this comforting casserole.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and smooth texture to the mashed potatoes.
• Milk: Helps create a creamy and soft consistency for the potato mixture.
• Sour Cream: Provides tanginess and extra creaminess to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds a delicious golden layer.
• Green Onions: Fresh herbs that bring a mild onion flavor and bright color to the casserole.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory and slightly nutty flavor to the topping.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the mashed potatoes.
• Breadcrumbs, Crispy Fried Onions: Crunchy toppings that provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy potatoes.

How to Make Mashed Potato Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 375F (190C).

Grab a baking dish and coat the inside with a generous layer of butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Boil Potato Chunks

Toss potato chunks into a pot of salted water.

Let them simmer and bubble until they’re fork-tender, typically around 20-25 minutes.

Once soft, drain completely.

Step 3: Transform Potatoes into Creamy Goodness

• Butter
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend and mash until the mixture reaches a silky, cloud-like consistency.

Step 4: Build Your Potato Masterpiece

Spread the velvety potato mixture evenly across the buttered baking dish.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions

Step 5: Add Extra Crunch (Optional)

• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Crispy fried onions

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top transforms into a golden, bubbling landscape of cheesy deliciousness.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Scatter a final handful of fresh green onions on top.

Bring your masterpiece to the table and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Pro Tips for Smooth and Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole

• Boil potatoes in well-salted water and drain completely to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without excess moisture.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and create a perfect golden-brown crust.
• Roast garlic before adding to potatoes for a richer, more complex taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for convenient entertaining.
• Replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk, and use vegan cheese for a plant-based version that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Variations to Put a Twist on Mashed Potato Casserole

• Vegan Potato Casserole: Replace dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter, almond milk, and dairy-free cheese. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter, lower-carb version. Keep the same creamy texture and seasonings.
• Greek-Inspired Potato Bake: Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and dried oregano for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Loaded Potato Casserole: Mix in crispy bacon bits, extra sharp cheddar, and top with sour cream and chives for a hearty, indulgent version.

Serving Suggestions for Mashed Potato Casserole

• Comfort Companion: Pair this creamy casserole with roasted chicken or grilled steak for a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Potluck Superstar: Bring this dish to gatherings where everyone craves a delicious side that's crowd-pleasing and easy to transport.
• Weekend Brunch Delight: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a satisfying weekend breakfast that will make everyone smile.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining casserole into crispy potato cakes by forming cold leftovers into patties and pan-frying until golden brown.

Storage Tips to Keep Mashed Potato Casserole Delicious Longer

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil and warm for 20-25 minutes, removing foil during last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

• Are russet potatoes the best choice for this recipe?

Russet potatoes are ideal because they have high starch content, which creates a fluffy and creamy texture when mashed. Their dry, mealy consistency helps achieve smooth, light mashed potatoes.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mashed potato casserole up to one day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake for an extra 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s heated through completely.

• How can I prevent my mashed potatoes from becoming gluey?

Always drain potatoes thoroughly after boiling and avoid overmixing. Use a potato masher or ricer, and add warm milk and butter gradually. This helps maintain a light, airy texture without developing a sticky consistency.

Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Creamy mashed potato casserole delivers comfort and warmth from generations of family kitchens. Cheesy layers and crisp toppings make this hearty side dish irresistible for you to savor at any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup crispy fried onions

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Instructions

1. Prepare a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish and heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Submerge potato chunks in generously salted water, cooking until fork-tender approximately 20-25 minutes, then thoroughly drain excess liquid.
3. Transfer potatoes to a spacious mixing bowl and vigorously mash using a potato masher or electric mixer until achieving a velvety, lump-free consistency.
4. Incorporate butter, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the mashed potatoes, blending until smooth and creamy.
5. Distribute the potato mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer for consistent heating.
6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions across the potato surface for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
7. Optional: Enhance the casserole’s texture by scattering breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and crispy fried onions over the top.
8. Position the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and the cheese melts completely.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with additional green onions before serving hot.

Notes

• Potato Selection Matters: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest, most velvety texture in your casserole.
• Creamy Consistency Trick: Warm milk and butter before mixing to prevent cold ingredients from making potatoes gluey and ensure ultra-smooth mashing.
• Flavor Boosting Hack: Roast garlic beforehand or add a splash of sharp white wine to elevate the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap dairy for plant-based alternatives like coconut milk, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast to create a delicious dairy-free version that’s equally indulgent.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 397 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 316 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 63 mg