Mashed Potato Casserole

The Mashed Potato Casserole brings me back to childhood dinners filled with laughter and warmth. Every winter, my family would gather around the table, and one dish was always a must-have: creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes cloaked in a cheesy layer, all baked to perfection. I remember the excitement as the aroma wafted through the house, coaxing everyone to the kitchen. This dish became a symbol of comfort on cold nights, a hearty side that always made its way to our holiday celebrations, especially during Thanksgiving. I can still hear my grandmother’s voice sharing her secret tips, making this casserole a family favorite. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition that I love sharing with my own family now.

Ingredients Required for Mashed Potato Casserole

Each ingredient in this Mashed Potato Casserole plays a vital role in achieving the creamy, dreamy texture we all love. The key players include fluffy russet potatoes that form the base, complemented by rich sour cream and cream cheese for that creamy finish. With some seasoning and a touch of butter, this dish becomes an irresistible side.

• Sour Cream: ½ cup adds creaminess and a slight tang that elevates the flavor profile.
• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened, ensures a rich and smooth consistency.
• Garlic Powder: 1 ½ teaspoons impart a savory depth to the dish.
• Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon gives just the right amount of spice.
• Russet Potatoes: 2 ½ to 3 pounds, quartered, serve as the hearty main ingredient.
• Butter: 6 tablespoons, melted, adds richness, with 2 tablespoons reserved for drizzling.
• Paprika: Used for sprinkling on top, it adds color and a hint of warmth.
• Chives or Italian Flat Leaf Parsley: 2 tablespoons, minced, for a fresh finish.

Making Mashed Potato Casserole

Making the Mashed Potato Casserole is a delightful experience. You’ll love how the aromas fill your kitchen, reminding you of family dinners and cozy nights. Let’s dive into the steps to create this comforting dish.

1. Start by mixing the creaming ingredients. Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy, and set it aside.
2. Next, boil and mash the potatoes. Place your russet potatoes into a large pot, covering them with about 2 inches of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil and let them cook for 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a paring knife can easily pierce through them and the skins start to loosen. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and allow them to cool until you can handle them, but they should still be warm. Peel off the skins and transfer the potatoes to a large bowl.
3. Now it’s time to mash! Use a potato masher or an electric hand mixer to mash the potatoes until they’re lumpy but smooth. The warmth of the potatoes will help them blend perfectly with the creamy ingredients.
4. Combine the potatoes with the creamy ingredients. Add the sour cream mixture to the mashed potatoes and mix well until fluffy and smooth. It’s important to taste and adjust the seasoning at this stage—feel free to add a pinch more salt or pepper if it needs it.
5. Transfer the mixture to a buttered, shallow 2-quart baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to create decorative wisps on the surface. This not only looks beautiful, but it also creates little peaks that will crisp up nicely in the oven.
6. Drizzle the mashed potato surface with the reserved butter, and sprinkle generously with paprika for flavor and color.
7. It’s time to bake! Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes to heat through, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll want the tops to turn a beautiful golden brown.
8. Once baked, take out the casserole and sprinkle with minced chives or parsley for a fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy the smiles around the table!

Making Adjustments

The beauty of the Mashed Potato Casserole lies in its flexibility. You can adjust flavors and ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some tips for making your dish uniquely yours.

• Storage: To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it will last for up to two months.
• Pair with proteins: Consider serving this alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
• Add cheese: For a cheesier flavor, mix in some shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey jack before baking.
• Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to infuse unique flavors.

What to Serve Alongside Mashed Potato Casserole

Serving the Mashed Potato Casserole can be just as delightful as making it. Here are some ideas that pair perfectly!

• Roast Chicken: A classic pairing, the flavors of roasted chicken complement the creamy potatoes beautifully.
• Grilled Steak: For a heartier option, serve with grilled steak, allowing the richness of the meat to contrast the fluffy casserole.
• Vegetarian Dishes: This dish works wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad, making it a versatile option for vegetarians.
• Holiday Feasts: Ideal for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, the Mashed Potato Casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your holiday table.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Don’t shy away from enjoying it with a side of gravy drizzled over the top—it’s pure comfort!
• Seasonal Pairings: During winter, pair it with hearty stews or casseroles for a warm, comforting meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Mashed Potato Casserole is a special dish that combines creamy textures and rich flavors, making it a favorite for family gatherings and cozy dinners. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s not just a meal, it’s an experience. Bring the warmth of this casserole to your table tonight and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Mashed Potato Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, this Mashed Potato Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners. With each bite, you’ll experience the fluffy texture and rich flavors that make this dish a favorite. Whip it up tonight for a heartwarming meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Servings: 13 servings

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup Sour Cream
• 4 ounces Cream Cheese softened at room temperature
• 1 ½ teaspoons Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• ½ teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 2 ½ to 3 pounds Russet Potatoes quartered
• 6 tablespoons Butter melted and reserving 2 tablespoons
• Paprika
• 2 tablespoons Minced Chives or Italian Flat Leaf Parsley

Equipment

• Electric Hand Mixer

Method

 

1. Start by mixing the creaming ingredients. Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy, and set it aside.
2. Next, boil and mash the potatoes. Place your russet potatoes into a large pot, covering them with about 2 inches of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil and let them cook for 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a paring knife can easily pierce through them and the skins start to loosen. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and allow them to cool until you can handle them, but they should still be warm. Peel off the skins and transfer the potatoes to a large bowl.
3. Now it’s time to mash! Use a potato masher or an electric hand mixer to mash the potatoes until they’re lumpy but smooth. The warmth of the potatoes will help them blend perfectly with the creamy ingredients.
4. Combine the potatoes with the creamy ingredients. Add the sour cream mixture to the mashed potatoes and mix well until fluffy and smooth. It’s important to taste and adjust the seasoning at this stage—feel free to add a pinch more salt or pepper if it needs it.
5. Transfer the mixture to a buttered, shallow 2-quart baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to create decorative wisps on the surface. This not only looks beautiful, but it also creates little peaks that will crisp up nicely in the oven.
6. Drizzle the mashed potato surface with the reserved butter, and sprinkle generously with paprika for flavor and color.
7. It’s time to bake! Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes to heat through, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll want the tops to turn a beautiful golden brown.
8. Once baked, take out the casserole and sprinkle with minced chives or parsley for a fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy the smiles around the table!

Notes

• Storage: To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it will last for up to two months.
• Pair with proteins: Consider serving this alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
• Add cheese: For a cheesier flavor, mix in some shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey jack before baking.
• Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to infuse unique flavors.

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Meet Paige Wilson

I’m our photographer and stylist, so it’s my job to make our food look as sunny and delicious as it tastes. I’m obsessed with finding that perfect light. When I’m not behind the lens, I’m in the kitchen as the official “chief taster.” I work closely with Hailey and Brooke to cook, test, and refine the flavors for every single recipe until it’s just right.