Easy Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe That Wows Every Time

Creamy mashed potato casserole brings comfort to every dinner table with its irresistible layers of cheesy goodness.

Fluffy potatoes mingle with crispy bacon bits and melted cheese in a harmonious blend.

Weeknight meals transform when you add this simple yet spectacular dish.

Comfort food reaches new heights through unexpected flavor combinations and textures.

Crisp green onions provide a fresh contrast against the rich, velvety base.

Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction for hungry friends gathered around the table.

Each forkful promises pure culinary happiness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Mashed Potato Casserole Flavor Partners

• Pair Creamy Meats: Tender roast beef or grilled steak creates a perfect complement to the rich, cheesy mashed potato casserole. The savory meat balances the creamy potato texture and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Enhance with Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot to match the casserole's robust cheese and bacon elements. The wine's subtle tannins cut through the dish's richness and provide a sophisticated dining experience.
• Match with Fresh Salad: Prepare a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to contrast the heavy potato casserole. The fresh, tangy greens help cleanse the palate and add nutritional balance to the meal.
• Serve with Herb-Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with fresh herbs provide a healthy side that complements the hearty potato dish. The vegetables' slightly charred edges and aromatic herbs create a delightful accompaniment.

Mashed Potato Casserole Dinner Twists

• Vegan Potato Paradise: Replace butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, swap sour cream for cashew cream, and top with nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a dairy-free version.
• Herb-Infused Potato Blend: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage to the potato mixture for an aromatic herb-packed casserole that elevates the classic recipe with garden-fresh flavors.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potatoes with steamed cauliflower, maintain the same creamy texture and topping, creating a lighter, keto-friendly dish that's equally satisfying.
• Spicy Southwestern Kick: Mix in diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, then top with crushed tortilla chips for a zesty southwestern-inspired potato casserole.

FAQs

• What makes the mashed potato casserole different from regular mashed potatoes?

The casserole adds a crispy breadcrumb and cheese topping with bacon, creating extra texture and flavor layers that transform traditional mashed potatoes into a more exciting side dish.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon from the topping and replace it with chopped herbs like parsley or green onions to maintain a crunchy topping texture.

• How can I ensure my potatoes are perfectly mashed?

Use a potato masher or ricer for smooth, lump-free potatoes. Warm milk and butter help create a creamy consistency, and mashing while potatoes are still hot prevents lumps.

• What type of potatoes work best for this casserole?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal because they break down easily and create a smooth, creamy texture when mashed.

Mashed Potato Casserole That’s Buttery, Creamy, and Holiday-Ready

• Elevate Home Cooking: Transforms classic mashed potatoes into a crowd-pleasing casserole with exciting layers and textures.
• Create Family-Friendly Feast: Combines kid-friendly potato base with crispy bacon and cheese topping that appeals to everyone from children to adults.
• Master Easy Comfort Food: Requires minimal cooking skills while delivering maximum flavor, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Customize with Ease: Allows simple ingredient swaps like vegetarian bacon or different cheese types to match dietary preferences and pantry availability.

Mashed Potato Casserole Must-Haves

• Potatoes: Starchy base for the creamy casserole.
• Butter: Adds rich, smooth flavor.
• Sour Cream: Provides tangy creaminess.
• Milk: Helps create smooth potato texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, melty goodness.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances overall flavor profile.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Chives, Bacon: Crunchy and flavorful topping mix that adds texture and savory notes.

Mashed Potato Casserole Prep Made Easy

Step 1: Boil Potato Chunks

Drop peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot of boiling water. Cook until super soft and easily pierced with a fork, approximately 15-20 minutes. Carefully drain the water using a colander.

Step 2: Create Smooth Potato Base

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

Mash everything together until wonderfully smooth and creamy. Gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Setup

Crank oven to 375°F. Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Spread Potato Layer

Evenly distribute the potato mixture across the prepared baking dish, creating a delightful blanket of creamy goodness.

Step 5: Craft Crunchy Topping

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Chopped chives
• Crumbled bacon
• Additional cheddar cheese

Mix these ingredients until perfectly blended.

Step 6: Crown the Casserole

Sprinkle the crispy topping over the potato base. Dot with remaining butter for extra richness.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the entire dish is heated through, roughly 20-25 minutes.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Remove from oven and let rest briefly. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Casserole Tips That Elevate Mashed Potatoes

• Prevent Watery Potatoes: Drain potatoes thoroughly after boiling and let them steam dry for a few minutes to remove excess moisture, ensuring a creamy and thick texture.
• Enhance Creaminess: Use room temperature butter and warm milk when mashing to create a smoother, more luxurious potato consistency.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add roasted garlic instead of garlic powder for a richer, more complex taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Master the Topping Crunch: Toast panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before adding to the topping for extra golden-brown crispiness and nutty flavor.
• Make It Vegetarian-Friendly: Replace bacon with crispy fried shallots or smoked paprika to maintain the savory topping profile without meat.

Keep Mashed Potato Casserole Creamy

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent burning, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Uncover last 5 minutes to crisp topping.
• Reheat individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Add splash of milk to restore creamy texture if needed.

The Best Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty comfort meets culinary magic in this irresistible Mashed Potato Casserole that promises creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite. Rich layers of smooth potatoes and golden cheese create a soul-warming dish you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 7 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 5 strips bacon

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chives, chopped
• Water for boiling

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Instructions

1. Prepare the potatoes by peeling and chopping them into uniform chunks for even cooking.
2. Submerge potato pieces in a generously salted pot of cold water, bringing to a rolling boil and cooking until fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
3. Thoroughly drain the potatoes, allowing excess moisture to evaporate completely.
4. Return potatoes to the warm pot and incorporate butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and salt, using a masher to create a creamy, smooth texture.
5. Gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the potato mixture.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously coat a 9×13 baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
7. Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a uniform layer.
8. Create a flavorful topping by combining panko breadcrumbs, freshly chopped chives, crispy crumbled bacon, and additional cheddar cheese in a separate bowl.
9. Sprinkle the topping mixture uniformly across the potato surface, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Dot the top with remaining butter to enhance golden browning and add richness.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the topping transforms into a crisp, golden-brown crust and the casserole is thoroughly heated.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and make cutting easier.
13. Serve immediately while warm, revealing a creamy interior and crunchy topping.

Notes

• Boost potato flavor by using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for their creamy, starchy texture that creates ultra-smooth mashed potatoes.
• Control moisture by thoroughly draining potatoes after boiling to prevent watery casserole and ensure a perfect, fluffy consistency.
• Customize toppings with alternative ingredients like green onions, crispy shallots, or smoked gouda for unique flavor variations.
• Make the dish gluten-free by substituting panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or almond meal.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg