Mashed Potato Casserole

There’s something magical about gathering with friends and family around a warm, cheesy dish of Mashed Potato Casserole. I remember the first time I made this dish for Thanksgiving. The kitchen was filled with the wonderful aroma of boiling potatoes and melting cheese, creating an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness. As I mixed the creamy potatoes with butter and sour cream, I could already imagine the smiles on everyone’s faces when they took their first bites. This casserole not only fills the stomach but also warms the heart, making it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering.

Ingredients Overview for Mashed Potato Casserole

Each ingredient in this Mashed Potato Casserole plays a pivotal role in creating a creamy, dreamy side dish that complements any meal. The star of the show is the russet potatoes, known for their starchy quality, which yields a fluffy texture. The addition of butter, sour cream, and milk creates a rich and creamy consistency, while cheese adds a delightful hint of savory goodness. Combined, these ingredients offer a delicious balance of flavors and textures that make this casserole a must-try.

• 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1” chunks
• 1-1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• salt and pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Cooking Method for Mashed Potato Casserole

The cooking method for this Mashed Potato Casserole is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a deliciously creamy dish that’s ready to impress. You’ll enjoy the transformation of simple ingredients into a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.

1. Start by peeling the skins off the russet potatoes and cutting them into 1-inch chunks. This helps them cook faster and ensures a creamy texture.
2. Next, place the potato chunks into a large stockpot and cover them with water, making sure the water level is at least 1 inch above the potatoes.
3. Heat the pot on medium-high and bring the water to a boil. Cook the potatoes until they are tender, which usually takes about 15 minutes. You can test their tenderness by poking them with a fork; they should be soft and easily pierced.
4. Once cooked, carefully drain the excess water from the pot and return the warm potatoes to it. This step is crucial for keeping the potatoes fluffy.
5. Now, on top of the warm potatoes, add milk, sour cream, butter, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Mix everything together thoroughly until it’s well combined.
6. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
7. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing it to get nice and hot while you prepare the casserole.
8. Grease a 1-1/2 quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
9. Carefully spoon the potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
10. To add a cheesy touch, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the potato mixture, creating a delicious layer that melts beautifully during baking.
11. In a small bowl, combine Italian bread crumbs and melted butter. Mix these ingredients well to form a crumb topping.
12. Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs over the cheese layer in the dish, adding a delightful crunch to the casserole.
13. Now, it’s time to bake! Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the center is hot and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Keep an eye on it, as all ovens can vary in temperature.
14. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve while the cheese is still melty, and watch as everyone gathers for a hearty helping.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

This Mashed Potato Casserole is a flexible dish, perfect for making your own! Here are some ideas to adapt it:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Prepare it as directed, then cover tightly and freeze before baking. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.
• Pairing: This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
• Herb additions: Adding fresh herbs like chives or parsley can brighten the flavors and add freshness.
• Variations: Experiment with different cheeses or add cooked vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.

Side Dish Ideas for Mashed Potato Casserole

When it comes to serving your Mashed Potato Casserole, the options are as delightful as the dish itself. Here are some fantastic ideas:

• Roasted Chicken: A juicy, herb-seasoned roasted chicken complements the creamy potatoes perfectly.
• Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a pop of color and nutrition.
• Salad: A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the casserole.
• Holidays: This casserole shines during holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering.
• Picnics: It’s also a great dish for potlucks or picnics, as it’s easy to transport and serve.
• Comfort Food Nights: Serve it alongside a hearty beef stew or grilled sausages for a cozy night in.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Mashed Potato Casserole is a wonderful dish that embodies comfort and satisfaction, bringing joy to every table. Its creamy, cheesy goodness makes it a favorite for gatherings and family dinners. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find that it quickly becomes a cherished part of your own culinary repertoire!

Mashed Potato Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, Mashed Potato Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious! It's the perfect side dish for your family gatherings or cozy dinners. This easy weeknight dinner is sure to satisfy every craving, making it a must-try tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 lbs russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1” chunks
• 1.5 cups milk
• 0.5 cups sour cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• salt and pepper salt and pepper
• 1 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cups Italian bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter melted

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Large Pot
• Mixing Bowl
• Peeler

Method

 

1. Peel potato skins and cut into 1 inch chunks. This helps potatoes boil faster.
2. Add potatoes to a large stockpot and cover with water, at least 1" above the potatoes.
3. Heat on medium high and boil potatoes until tender, easily sticking a fork into them. This typically takes about 15 minutes.
4. Carefully drain excess water and return soft, warm potatoes to pan.
5. Directly on the potatoes, add milk, sour cream, 4 tablespoons butter, Dijon mustard and minced garlic.
6. Mix all ingredients together well and season with salt and pepper.
7. Preheat oven to 375.
8. Grease a 1-1/2 quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
9. Spoon potato mixture into casserole dish and spread evenly.
10. To the top of the casserole, add shredded cheese evenly over the potatoes.
11. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Mix well.
12. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top of cheese in dish.
13. Bake potato casserole for 20-25 minutes or until the center is hot. Keep in mind that all ovens heat at a different temperature so its important to watch your breadcrumbs.
14. Remove casserole from oven and serve while cheese is melty.

Notes

• Tip: While russet potatoes are recommended for this potato casserole, any type of potato can easily be substituted for casserole variations.
• Tip: It typically takes about 15 minutes for cut potatoes to properly boil; just test with a fork. Once tender, remove and drain.

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Meet Jade Summer

Reliability is just as important as flavor. I am the one double checking measurements and testing temperatures. I cooked this recipe repeatedly, troubleshooting any tricky parts, so you can trust that it will turn out perfectly the very first time you try it.