Mashed Potato Casserole
If you love creamy, buttery mashed potatoes this casserole is a whole new way to enjoy them! Rich, smooth, and loaded with savory flavor, this Mashed Potato Casserole transforms ordinary mashed into something extraordinary. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner, a potluck, or a cozy family meal, this dish is pure comfort in a casserole dish. Trust me, you’re going to love this it’s a game-changer for potato lovers.
Why You’ll Love Mashed Potato Casserole
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a casual Sunday dinner, this Mashed Potato Casserole is versatile enough to suit all occasions. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Pair it with nearly any main course from grilled chicken to a holiday ham.
Budget-Friendly: It uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Quick and Easy: It comes together quickly perfect for busy nights or last-minute side dishes.
Customizable: Top it with your favorite cheeses, herbs, or crispy toppings.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s pure comfort food that everyone loves.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this Mashed Potato Casserole it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is rich, creamy, and indulgent. Let’s break it down:
Potatoes: The base for a creamy texture.
Milk and Butter: Provide rich flavor and softness.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and richness.
Cheddar Cheese (shredded): Gives a savory, melty goodness.
Garlic Powder, Salt, and Black Pepper: Season everything nicely.
Bacon (optional, crispy and chopped): Adds texture and a savory twist.
Green Onions (optional, chopped): Provide a fresh, colorful finishing touch.

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this creamy masterpiece:
Prepare Your Base:
Peel and boil the diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender. Drain well.
Combine Ingredients:
Add the warm boiled potatoes back into the pot. Combine with milk, butter, sour cream, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mash together until smooth and creamy.
Prepare Your Casserole Dish:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
Assemble the Dish:
Spoon the creamy potato mixture into the casserole dish and smooth it evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and crispy chopped bacon on top.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish and Serve:
Remove from oven, let it cool slightly, and top with chopped green onions if you’d like. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 280
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Mashed Potato Casserole
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a range of main dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Pair it with grilled or roast chicken for a hearty meal.
Serve it alongside a holiday ham or turkey.
Add a side of green veggies like green beans or asparagus for color and balance.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
For a fluffier texture, use a potato ricer instead of mashing by hand.
Add a handful of chopped herbs, like rosemary or chives, for a fresh twist.
Top with crispy onions or breadcrumbs for a lovely texture contrast.
Make it a day in advance and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Consider adding different cheeses Parmesan, mozzarella, or pepper jack to customize the flavor.
FAQ’s
1. Could I use instant mashed potatoes instead of boiling myself?
Yes — you can use instant for a quicker version.
2. How can I make it lighter or lower in calories?
Use low-fat milk, light sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese.
3. Could I prepare it in advance?
Yes you can prepare it up to a day in advance and bake it when you’re ready.
4. Will freezing affect the texture?
It’s best to eat it fresh, but you can freeze it and reheat it in the oven. The texture may be a bit different.
5. Could I add other veggies, like broccoli or cauliflower?
Of course chopped broccoli or cauliflower can be a wonderful addition.
6. Do I need to peel the potatoes first?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic style.
7. What kind of potato is best for mashing?
Russet or Yukon Gold are best they become creamy and smooth when mashed.
8. Could I use sweet potato instead of regular potato?
Yes sweet potato casserole is a delicious twist.
9. How do I know when it’s done?
The casserole should be bubbly and the cheese melted.
10. Could I put it under the broiler for a crispy top?
Yes for a crispy, bubbly surface, broil it briefly at the end.
Conclusion
This Mashed Potato Casserole transforms ordinary mashed into a rich, creamy, and indulgent side that’s perfect for any dinner. Whether you serve it during the holidays or alongside a simple weekday meal, it brings pure comfort and satisfaction to your plate. So grab your ingredients and treat yourself and your family to a warm, savory masterpiece you’re going to love every spoonful!
Print
Mashed Potato Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mashed Potato Casserole is a rich, creamy, and comforting side dish made with smooth mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, and crispy toppings. It’s perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or a hearty family meal!
Ingredients
- 4 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crispy bacon (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Boil peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain.
- Mash the boiled potatoes with milk, butter, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Spread mixture evenly into prepared casserole dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar, crispy bacon (if using), and chopped green onions.
- Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Add chopped herbs like rosemary or chives for additional flavor.
- Make it a complete meal by adding diced chicken or ground beef.
- To save time, prepare the casserole a day in advance and bake it when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: mashed potato casserole, creamy potato bake, holiday side dish, cheddar potato, comfort food