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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes by peeling and chopping them into uniform chunks for even cooking.
- 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.
- Thoroughly drain the potatoes, allowing excess moisture to evaporate completely.
- 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.
- Gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the potato mixture.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously coat a 9×13 baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a uniform layer.
- Create a flavorful topping by combining panko breadcrumbs, freshly chopped chives, crispy crumbled bacon, and additional cheddar cheese in a separate bowl.
- Sprinkle the topping mixture uniformly across the potato surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Dot the top with remaining butter to enhance golden browning and add richness.
- 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.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and make cutting easier.
- 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