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
Scale
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.
