If you are craving a cozy, rich, and utterly irresistible side dish, this Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. It takes classic mashed potatoes to a whole new level by layering on creamy textures, sharp cheddar cheese, and a golden, bubbly top that invites you in with every bite. Perfect as a centerpiece for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or any night when comfort food is calling your name, this dish combines familiar flavors with a delightful twist that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinarily delicious. Each component in this Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe plays an essential role, whether it’s adding creamy richness, a tangy touch, or a burst of flavor and texture that you won’t want to miss.
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes: Their buttery texture is perfect for smooth, creamy mashed potatoes.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Adds richness without overpowering the potatoes.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings a subtle tang that brightens the dish.
- 4 ounces cream cheese: Boosts creaminess and depth of flavor.
- ½ cup whole milk: Helps achieve the perfect consistency — not too thick or runny.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Provides gooey, melty cheesy goodness, some mixed in and some baked on top.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a gentle garlicky aroma without being overpowering.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Essential to enhance all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives mild warmth and balance.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional): Adds a subtle herbaceous note for a gourmet touch.
How to Make Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and boil the potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9 by 13-inch baking dish so the casserole won’t stick. Peel and chop your Yukon Gold potatoes into even chunks for quicker, uniform cooking. Boil them in salted water until they are fork-tender, usually about 15 to 20 minutes. Well-cooked potatoes form the creamy base for this casserole, so don’t rush this step!
Step 2: Mash potatoes with creamy ingredients
Once drained, return the potatoes to the warm pot. Here’s where magic happens: stir in butter, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mash everything until smooth and creamy. For an extra fluffy texture, whip them with a hand mixer—but be careful not to overmix, or they’ll become gluey. This mixture defines the rich, velvety character of your casserole.
Step 3: Fold in shredded cheddar cheese
Now, fold three-quarters of your shredded cheddar cheese gently into the mashed potatoes. This distributes cheesy pockets throughout the casserole, creating wonderful flavor bursts in every bite.
Step 4: Transfer and texture the potatoes
Spread your luscious mashed potatoes evenly into the greased baking dish. Use a fork to create small ridges or peaks on the surface—these textures are not only pretty but will create crispy, golden edges to look forward to after baking.
Step 5: Add the cheese topping and bake
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of your potato layer. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is bubbling golden and lightly crisp. This step turns your creamy casserole into a beautifully browned, melty masterpiece.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
When your casserole is out of the oven, let it settle for a few minutes. If you like, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top for a fragrant, elegant finishing touch. This step isn’t mandatory but highly recommended for an extra pop of flavor and color.
How to Serve Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like thyme or chives make beautiful, aromatic garnishes that elevate the casserole’s appearance and flavor. Consider adding a little crispy bacon or green onions for a savory crunch that contrasts the smooth potatoes.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats such as turkey, chicken, or steak, making it a fantastic side dish for holiday spreads or everyday dinners alike. Add a bright green vegetable like steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach to balance the richness of the potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with extra cheese and herbs. Alternatively, layer in a crowd-pleaser by adding cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions between layers of mashed potatoes before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your mouthwatering mashed potato casserole, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making for a convenient next-day meal or snack.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve that creamy texture and rich flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil to prevent the top from burning. Warm in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be mindful of uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this casserole?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their buttery texture, Russets or red potatoes can also work. Just keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, especially with waxier potatoes.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter, sour cream, and milk. Choose a dairy-free cheese that melts well to keep that rich, cheesy topping.
How can I add more flavor to the casserole?
Try mixing in roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or herbs like rosemary. Some crispy bacon bits folded into the potatoes before baking also add fantastic savory depth.
What if I want to add a crunchy topping?
Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter and extra cheese on top before baking. This will create a wonderfully crispy crust that contrasts with the creamy interior.
Can I prepare this casserole completely ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the dish will be chilled.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cheesy dish that brings everyone to the table smiling—and this Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe does exactly that. It’s easy to make, comforting in every bite, and versatile enough to suit many occasions. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it quickly becomes a family favorite!
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Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort food perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Made with Yukon Gold potatoes, rich cream cheese, sour cream, and sharp cheddar, it’s baked to golden perfection with a crispy cheese topping and an optional fresh thyme garnish for a burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
Dairy & Cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Boil Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped Yukon Gold potatoes into a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well.
- Mash Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the warm pot. Add unsalted butter, cream cheese, sour cream, whole milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mash all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. For even fluffier texture, use a hand mixer on low speed.
- Mix in Cheese: Fold in ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly into the mashed potatoes, enhancing the creaminess and flavor.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the cheesy mashed potatoes into the prepared baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly and use a fork to create textured ridges on the surface to help hold the cheese topping.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mashed potatoes.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden brown and lightly crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve warm and enjoy a deliciously creamy and cheesy mashed potato casserole.
Notes
- Using Yukon Gold potatoes provides a buttery flavor and creamy texture.
- Make sure to drain potatoes well to avoid watery mash.
- For fluffier potatoes, mixing with a hand mixer is recommended but optional.
- Fresh thyme adds a subtle herbal note but can be left out if unavailable.
- This recipe serves 8 and pairs well with roasted meats or vegetable sides.
