If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food side, look no further than this Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe. Imagine fluffy potatoes blended with tangy cream cheese and sour cream, layered with melty cheddar, and finished with a golden, bubbly crust. This casserole is the definition of cozy—a dish that brings everyone back for seconds, whether you’re serving it at a holiday table or just craving a hearty weeknight treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, kitchen-staple ingredients are all you need to build layers of flavor and creamy texture. Each one brings something special to the table, so don’t skip a thing if you want the best results!
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are perfect for a fluffy and creamy base that holds up beautifully in the casserole.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds incredible richness and a subtle tang that takes mashed potatoes to the next level.
- Sour Cream: This ingredient keeps the potatoes moist and adds a gentle, pleasant acidity.
- Whole Milk: Warming the milk helps everything blend smoothly and gives the casserole a luscious mouthfeel.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter brings that classic, buttery backbone you expect in any great potato dish.
- Garlic Powder: A little garlic powder infuses savory depth without overpowering the potatoes.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning, salt brings out the full flavor of every ingredient.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the dish’s flavor profile.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheddar gives the casserole its signature gooey, cheesy top and a sharp bite.
- Green Onions or Chives (optional): These fresh herbs add a pop of color and a mild oniony brightness.
- Cooked Bacon (optional): Crumbled bacon brings a smoky, salty crunch if you want to take things over the top!
How to Make Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Boil the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s ready to go. Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks, then place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water—it helps season the potatoes from the inside out. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and ready to mash.
Step 2: Drain and Mash
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them thoroughly and return them to the pot while still hot. This step helps excess moisture evaporate, leaving you with fluffier mash. Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, warmed milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mash everything together until the potatoes are smooth and ultra-creamy.
Step 3: Stir in the Good Stuff
Now for the flavor bomb! Stir in one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and, if you’re using them, half the green onions or chives. This is where the Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe really starts to shine, as all that cheesy, herby goodness gets folded into every bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth it out with a spatula to create an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese on top for that irresistible cheesy crust. If you’re going all-in, add the crumbled bacon now for maximum flavor and crunch.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. For a little extra color, you can broil it for a minute or two at the end—just keep a close eye on it! Garnish with the remaining green onions or chives right before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Serve Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle on extra green onions, chives, or even a handful of crispy fried onions for crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme also add a beautiful finishing touch. For bacon lovers, a little more crumbled bacon on top is always welcome!
Side Dishes
This Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe is a natural partner for classic holiday mains like roast turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib. It also pairs beautifully with simple grilled chicken, meatloaf, or a crisp green salad for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual ramekins turn this casserole into elegant single servings—perfect for dinner parties. Or, try topping with buttered breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy, golden crust. You can even add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions between the potatoes and cheese for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks.
Freezing
This Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully! Assemble the casserole but hold off on baking. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20–30 minutes. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works, but the oven will keep the texture at its best.
FAQs
Can I make this Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 2 days in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Both russet and Yukon gold potatoes yield creamy, fluffy results. Russets are lighter and mash up ultra-smooth, while Yukon golds add a buttery flavor and golden color. Either is a great choice for this dish!
Can I make this recipe without dairy?
You can swap the cream cheese, sour cream, and milk for dairy-free alternatives, and use a plant-based butter and cheese. The texture will still be creamy, and the flavor delicious—even those who typically eat dairy will enjoy it.
Is this Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients used here are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and satisfying side dish for guests with gluten sensitivities.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Feel free to stir in roasted garlic, fresh herbs, caramelized onions, or try different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack. The recipe is endlessly customizable, so make it your own!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe enough—it’s the kind of dish that makes every meal feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just gathering with family, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe!
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Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole is a creamy, comforting side dish perfect for holidays and family gatherings. Made with tender russet or Yukon gold potatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, and a blend of cheddar cheese, it’s baked to golden perfection with optional bacon and green onions for added flavor and texture. Easy to prepare and can be made ahead, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
Mix-ins
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk (warmed)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ cup chopped green onions or chives (optional)
- 6 strips cooked bacon (crumbled, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to get it ready for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a generous pinch of salt, then bring to a boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add cream cheese, sour cream, warmed milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Mix Cheese and Onions: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and half of the green onions or chives if you are using them.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top and add crumbled bacon if desired.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with the remaining green onions before serving for a fresh finish.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated before baking.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs over the casserole before baking.
- Swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or Gruyère to change the flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
