Name: Mashed Potato Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup warm milk or cream; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 cup bacon bits (optional); 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

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If you’re craving comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Mashed Potato Casserole is the perfect dish to warm your heart and fill your plate. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this casserole combines smooth mashed potatoes with rich toppings that everyone will devour. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and bursts with that homemade goodness you’ll want to share again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Comfort Food: This mashed potato casserole is simple to prepare yet delivers maximum cozy vibes in every bite.
Family-Friendly Flavor: Mild enough for kids but hearty and rich enough to satisfy grown-up appetites.
Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customized with your favorite cheeses, herbs, or even extra veggies.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether a weeknight meal or holiday centerpiece, it fits seamlessly on your table.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance without sacrificing freshness or taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of staple ingredients makes this mashed potato casserole incredibly easy, while each component enhances the overall creaminess, flavor, and texture. These basics blend beautifully for that classic, irresistible comfort food experience.

Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes give the perfect balance of fluffiness and creaminess.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create that velvety smooth mash.
Milk or Cream: Enhances the texture and gives moistness without weighing down the casserole.
Sour Cream: Provides tang and extra creaminess for depth.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar or mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a cheesy crust and gooey center.
Green Onions or Chives: Fresh herbs to brighten the flavors and add a subtle punch.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural potato flavor.
Bacon Bits (optional): Crispy bacon adds smoky, savory crunch as a topping or mix-in.

Variations for Mashed Potato Casserole

This recipe is a perfect canvas to personalize. Feel free to swap ingredients or add extras that cater to your dietary needs or taste desires. It’s incredibly forgiving and fun to experiment with!

Vegetarian Delight: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions instead.
Low-Fat Option: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and choose reduced-fat cheese.
Spicy Kick: Mix in chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for heat.
Herby Freshness: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley for an earthy twist.
Extra Layers of Flavor: Add a crunchy topping of panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.

Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole Everyone Will Devour

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How to Make Mashed Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling and cutting your potatoes into even chunks for quick, uniform cooking. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 2: Mash and Mix

Drain the potatoes thoroughly before mashing to prevent watery mash. Add melted butter, warm milk or cream, and sour cream, then season with salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy but not gluey.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spread half of the mashed potatoes in your greased casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese and optional bacon bits to build layers of flavor. Top with the remaining mashed potatoes and finish with the remaining cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

Pro Tips for Making Mashed Potato Casserole

Use Warm Dairy: Warm your milk or cream before mixing to keep the potatoes silky and smooth.
Don’t Overmix: Mash just enough to combine ingredients; overworking potatoes can make them gummy.
Choose the Right Potato: Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold create the best creamy texture.
Layer Wisely: Distribute cheese and bacon evenly to ensure every bite has rich flavor.
Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking for easier serving and better texture.

How to Serve Mashed Potato Casserole

Garnishes

Top your casserole with freshly chopped green onions, a sprinkle of paprika, or even crispy fried onions for a pop of color and contrast in texture.

Side Dishes

Pair with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a fresh green salad to balance the creamy heaviness with some lightness and crisp freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in small ramekins for elegant dinner parties or load up a large platter with colorful garnishes to impress your guests visually and gastronomically.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover mashed potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its flavor and creaminess.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes, to maintain the creamy texture and crispy topping. Microwaving is also an option but may affect the crust.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this casserole?

Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes to save time, but homemade mashed potatoes provide a richer texture and better flavor for the casserole.

How do I make the mashed potato casserole dairy-free?

Substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine, use plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, and replace sour cream with a vegan alternative.

What cheese works best in mashed potato casserole?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses can add different flavors and textures that complement the creamy potatoes well.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! Steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms mix in beautifully and make the dish even more wholesome and colorful.

How long does it take to make mashed potato casserole from scratch?

From peeling potatoes to baking, expect around 1 hour. Most of this time is hands-off, boiling, and baking, making it manageable even on busy days.

Final Thoughts

This Mashed Potato Casserole is truly a celebration of comfort food at its finest—creamy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned cook, this recipe is easy to love and even easier to share. Give it a try, and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved staple for your family dinners and special occasions.

Mashed Potato Casserole

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Author: Nadin
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian option available (omit bacon bits)

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Description

This Mashed Potato Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful comfort food dish perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. Made with fluffy Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, rich butter, sour cream, and melty sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese, it features layers of smooth mashed potatoes, savory toppings like bacon bits, and fresh herbs for brightness. Easy to prepare, versatile, and make-ahead friendly, this casserole warms the heart and satisfies appetites with homemade goodness.

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into even chunks to ensure quick and uniform cooking. Boil the potatoes in salted water for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
Mash and Mix: Drain the potatoes thoroughly to prevent watery mash. Add melted butter, warm milk or cream, and sour cream. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy but avoid overmixing to prevent a gluey texture.
Assemble the Casserole: Grease your casserole dish and spread half of the mashed potatoes evenly at the bottom. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese and optional bacon bits on top to create flavorful layers. Cover with the remaining mashed potatoes and finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on the surface.

Notes

Use warm milk or cream before adding to potatoes to keep them silky and smooth.
Do not overmix the potatoes to avoid a gummy texture.
Choose starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for best creaminess.
Layer cheese and bacon bits evenly to ensure rich flavor in every bite.
Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking for easier serving and better texture.