The Ultimate Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe: Creamy Comfort Joy

Creamy comfort beckons with this hearty mashed potato casserole that promises pure deliciousness.

Layers of smooth potatoes and golden cheese create a mouthwatering experience.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special and satisfying like this classic dish.

Families gather around steaming plates, eagerly anticipating each cheesy, buttery bite.

Crispy edges and a velvety center make this recipe irresistible.

Simple ingredients come together in a magical culinary dance.

Salt, pepper, and love are the secret weapons that elevate this crowd-pleasing comfort food.

Mashed Potato Casserole Comfort On Every Plate

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Indulge in a creamy, cheesy potato dish that transforms a classic side into a show-stopping casserole everyone will love.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up this delectable recipe with simple ingredients and minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Customize Your Delight: Easily swap ingredients or add personal touches like different cheeses, herbs, or toppings to match your taste and dietary preferences.
• Stress-Free Entertaining: Create a restaurant-worthy side dish that impresses guests while requiring minimal culinary skills and hands-on cooking time.

Ingredients For Mashed Potato Casserole Delight

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that form the base of this creamy and comforting casserole.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and smooth texture to the mashed potato mixture.
• Sour Cream: Provides tanginess and creates a luxurious, creamy consistency.
• Milk: Helps achieve the perfect smooth and soft mashed potato texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, savory flavor and melty goodness to the dish.

• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to the potato base.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Chives: Provides a mild onion-like flavor and fresh green color.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Bacon: Creates a crunchy, flavorful topping that adds texture and savory notes to the casserole.

Steps To Creamy Dreamy Mashed Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Potato Base

Peel potatoes and chop into bite-sized chunks.

Place potatoes in a large pot, completely cover with cold water.

Bring water to a rolling boil and cook potatoes until they’re fork-tender, approximately 20 minutes.

Step 2: Create Creamy Potato Mixture

Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to the pot.

Add softened butter, sour cream, whole milk, garlic powder, and salt.

Mash ingredients together until the mixture becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Add Cheesy Goodness

Fold shredded cheddar cheese into the potato mixture.

Transfer the creamy potato blend into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly across the surface.

Step 4: Prepare Crunchy Topping

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Melted butter
• Chopped chives
• Crumbled bacon bits
• Additional shredded cheddar cheese

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the potato mixture.

Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F.

Bake until the top turns golden brown and cheese becomes wonderfully melted, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes.

Serve hot as a delightful side dish that will impress everyone at the table.

Tips For Perfect Mashed Potato Texture At Home

• Mash potatoes while they're hot to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without any unwanted chunks.
• Use roasted garlic instead of garlic powder for a richer, more intense taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Toast panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before mixing with butter to enhance their crunchiness and golden color.
• Replace bacon with crispy mushroom bits or caramelized onions for a meat-free version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Adjust milk and sour cream gradually while mashing to achieve your perfect potato texture – not too runny, not too thick.

Tasty Ideas For Mashed Potato Casserole Fans

• Vegan Potato Casserole: Replace butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, swap sour cream for cashew cream, and use vegan cheese. Top with dairy-free bacon bits and nutritional yeast for added flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add herbs like rosemary and thyme. Keep the cheese and bacon topping for extra richness.
• Herb-Infused Potato Bake: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like parsley, dill, and chives into the potato mixture. Use goat cheese instead of cheddar and add caramelized onions for depth of flavor.

Plating Mashed Potato Casserole With Flair

Hearty Dinner Companion: Pair this creamy mashed potato casserole with roasted chicken or grilled steak for a complete, satisfying meal that will please the whole family.

Potluck Superstar: Bring this dish to gatherings and watch it disappear quickly – the crispy bacon and cheese topping makes it irresistible to guests of all ages.

Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a decadent weekend breakfast that transforms an ordinary morning into a special occasion.

Leftover Magic: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick lunch or midnight snack, maintaining the delicious cheesy texture and comforting flavors.

Keep Mashed Potato Casserole Fresh Easily

• Transfer leftover mashed potato casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• 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.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes for this casserole?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. They both work well and create creamy, delicious mashed potatoes.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits or chopped green onions for extra flavor.

• How can I make the topping extra crispy?

Use panko breadcrumbs and make sure to mix them with melted butter before sprinkling. This helps create a golden, crunchy topping that adds great texture to the casserole.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it.

Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Wisconsin cheddar mashed potato casserole brings comfort and warmth to family dinner tables across America. Rich layers of potato goodness combine with sharp cheese and crispy bacon for a delightful side dish you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 pounds russet potatoes
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 7 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

• Water

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Instructions

1. Submerge potato chunks in a pot of water, bringing to a rolling boil and simmering until fork-tender, approximately 20 minutes.
2. Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to the pot, incorporating butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and salt. Whip until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a baking vessel for the forthcoming casserole.
4. Fold shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy potato mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout.
5. Smoothly transfer the potato blend into a prepared baking dish, creating an even surface.
6. Combine panko crumbs with melted butter, creating a crisp topping mixture.
7. Generously scatter the buttered panko across the potato surface, followed by a sprinkle of additional cheddar cheese.
8. Garnish with crisp bacon bits and delicate chives for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until the topping transforms into a golden-brown crust and cheese melts luxuriously.

Notes

• Boost potato tenderness by cutting chunks uniformly, ensuring even cooking and smooth texture.
• Select starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for ultra-creamy mashed potatoes with perfect consistency.
• Experiment with cheese variations like Gruyère or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles and personalize the dish.
• Make vegetarian-friendly by replacing bacon with crispy roasted mushrooms or caramelized onions for added depth and crunch.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 285 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 335 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg