Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole: A Comforting Delight

Name: Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped; ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; ¼ cup chopped fresh chives (plus more for garnish); Salt and pepper to taste; ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs (optional)

Published: April 24, 2025

by mydishtoday

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Mashed Potato Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion
Its creamy texture and cheesy goodness will have everyone coming back for seconds
Visually appealing with its golden crust, it’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat
Versatile enough to customize with different toppings or flavors based on your cravings

I once had friends over for a game night and decided to whip up this casserole on a whim. Their delighted faces said it all—who knew mashed potatoes could steal the spotlight? For more inspiration, check out this Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Potatoes: Russets are ideal for their creamy texture; peel them before boiling for best results.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning; it adds richness and flavor.
Heavy Cream: Go for heavy cream to achieve that dreamy consistency; it elevates the dish significantly.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings robust flavor; feel free to mix in some mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Garlic Powder: A dash of garlic powder enhances the savory notes without overpowering the dish.
Fresh Chives: Chopped chives add freshness and color; sprinkle them on top right before serving.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that brings all the flavors together and balances the richness.
Breadcrumbs (optional): For added texture on top; use seasoned breadcrumbs for an extra flavor kick.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Start by preparing your potatoes: Peel about 3 pounds of Russet potatoes, then chop them into even chunks. Place them in a large pot filled with water, ensuring they’re fully submerged.

Cook those potatoes: Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat slightly and let them simmer until fork-tender—about 15-20 minutes should do it.

Drain and mash: Carefully drain your cooked potatoes in a colander. Return them to the pot while they’re still warm. Add butter, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper before mashing until smooth.

Mix in cheese: Stir in about two cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted through. You can reserve some cheese if you want extra topping later—after all, who doesn’t want more cheese?

Transfer to baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. add cheesy flavor variety Spread your cheesy potato mixture evenly into the dish.

Top it off: If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top along with any leftover cheese. This will give your casserole that crispy finish we all crave.

Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top and heated through inside.

Garnish: Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before sprinkling fresh chives on top for that pop of color and flavor.

Serve warm: Grab that spatula and serve generous portions onto plates. Enjoy watching everyone’s eyes light up as they take their first bites!

This Mashed Potato Casserole is bound to become your new go-to comfort food recipe! It combines ease of preparation with incredible flavor while also offering versatility—you can swap out cheeses or mix in veggies based on what you have handy! Plus, who doesn’t love something that can please both kids and adults alike? gluten-free comfort food.

You Must Know

This Mashed Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for gatherings
Its creamy texture and cheesy goodness will make you the star of any dinner table
Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover mashed potatoes and impress your guests

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your potatoes until fork-tender, then mash them with butter and cream. Layer in a baking dish with cheese and bake until bubbly for delicious results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to mix in garlic, chives, or even bacon bits for extra flavor. Experimenting with different cheeses can also elevate this dish to a whole new level.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For creamy mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer instead of a masher for perfectly smooth texture
Always taste your mixture before baking to adjust seasoning accordingly
Adding an egg yolk can enhance richness and help bind the casserole together

Sharing this dish at family dinners always brings back memories of laughter and compliments from loved ones—it’s truly a crowd-pleaser!

FAQ

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this casserole?

While instant potatoes are convenient, homemade mashed potatoes yield better flavor and texture.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Ensure all ingredients, especially seasonings and cheese, are labeled gluten-free for safety.

What should I serve with Mashed Potato Casserole?

For more inspiration, check out this Tater Tot Casserole recipe.

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted meats or a fresh garden salad for balance.

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📖 Recipe Card