Nothing feels more like comfort food than this Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe. Imagine a velvety smooth mash made from tender russet potatoes, enriched with butter and sour cream, then baked until a golden, cheesy crust forms on top. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a holiday feast, this casserole hits all the right notes—creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly cozy. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together around the table, inviting warm smiles and second helpings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this casserole plays a starring role, combining simple pantry staples to create layers of taste, texture, and color that truly sing. From the fluffy russet potatoes to the rich sour cream and golden melted cheese, each component adds something special.
- Russet potatoes (3 to 4 pounds): The perfect choice for a fluffy, creamy mash due to their starchy texture.
- Butter (4 tablespoons): Adds a silky richness that makes the casserole decadently smooth.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup, warmed): Warmer milk blends seamlessly in, keeping the mash creamy without cooling it down.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Introduces a subtle tang and extra creaminess, elevating the flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and warmth.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves, optional): For a fragrant and savory depth that makes this casserole extra irresistible.
- Large egg (1, optional): Helps bind the casserole for a firmer texture after baking.
- Shredded cheese (1 cup, divided, optional): A melty, golden topping plus a rich creamy layer inside—cheese makes everything better.
- Chopped chives or green onions (2 tablespoons, optional): For fresh color and a mild onion flavor that freshens each bite.
How to Make Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and chopping your russet potatoes into evenly sized chunks. This ensures they cook uniformly. Place them in a pot of cold, salted water, then bring it to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. This is your base for silky, melt-in-your-mouth mashed potatoes.
Step 2: Drain and Dry
Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot. This step is crucial to remove excess moisture which can turn your casserole soggy. Give the pot a gentle heat for a minute or so to evaporate any remaining water—you want the mash creamy, not watery.
Step 3: Mash to Perfection
Use a potato masher or ricer to mash the potatoes until they’re perfectly smooth. The key here is texture—no lumps allowed. This smooth finish makes this Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe truly special and inviting.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Goodness
Stir in the butter, warm milk, and sour cream along with salt and pepper. Mixing these while the potatoes are still warm helps everything meld into an irresistibly creamy mixture that’s full of flavor and comfort.
Step 5: Incorporate Optional Egg
If you want a more structured casserole that holds together nicely when sliced, whisk in the egg quickly so it doesn’t scramble. This small addition makes the casserole rich and firm, perfect for serving with a knife and fork.
Step 6: Fold in Garlic, Cheese, and Herbs
Now for the fun part—fold in the minced garlic, half of the shredded cheese, and the fresh herbs if you’re using them. These ingredients add layers of flavor that make this casserole unforgettable, with bursts of savory and a touch of cheesiness inside.
Step 7: Prepare to Bake
Transfer the luscious mash to a buttered baking dish. Smooth the surface with a spatula and create decorative swirls or peaks to give it that homemade rustic charm that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 8: Add Topping Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top. This cheese layer melts into a delightful golden crust in the oven, adding contrast in both texture and flavor to the creamy mash beneath.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the casserole into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top turns beautifully golden and bubbly. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is absolutely irresistible.
Step 10: Rest and Garnish
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes so it sets up nicely before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or a sprinkle of black pepper to add just a hint of freshness and a pop of color on top.
How to Serve Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions adds a touch of brightness and color, balancing the richness of the dish beautifully. For an extra flourish, a dusting of smoked paprika or crumbled bacon can add smoky contrast.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, crisp salads, or your favorite protein like roast chicken, meatloaf, or grilled steak. The creamy texture and cheesy crust complement savory mains perfectly, making every mouthful a delight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a sprig of fresh herb. Or mix in caramelized onions and crispy breadcrumbs on top before baking for added crunch and flavor complexity. It’s a versatile dish that invites your own signature touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days and make for easy next-day meals that reheat beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, this Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe freezes nicely before baking. Simply assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the casserole into a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbling. Covering with foil initially prevents the top from over-browning, uncover in the last few minutes to re-crisp the cheesy crust.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
While Russet potatoes are best for a fluffy, creamy texture, Yukon Golds can also work well, offering a slightly buttery flavor and smoother consistency. Just avoid waxy potatoes, as they don’t mash as light.
What is the purpose of adding an egg to the casserole?
The egg acts as a binder, helping the casserole hold its shape when sliced and served. This is especially useful if you want neat squares for plating or to prevent it from being too loose.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute butter with dairy-free margarine and use plant-based milk and sour cream alternatives. Choose a dairy-free cheese or omit it entirely. The overall texture will still be creamy and satisfying.
Is garlic necessary in this recipe?
Garlic is optional but highly recommended for adding a mild savory depth that enhances the overall flavor. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out or replace it with a pinch of onion powder.
How can I make this casserole extra cheesy?
For cheese lovers, add more shredded cheese inside the mash and sprinkle extra on top before baking. Mixing in different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere can create wonderful layers of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe is a treasured classic with a rich, creamy heart and a golden cheesy top that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether for everyday dinners or festive gatherings, it brings warmth and smiles to every table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
Print
Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Made with tender Russet potatoes, butter, sour cream, and a touch of garlic, this casserole is baked to golden perfection with a crispy cheese topping and garnished with fresh chives or green onions for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 to 4 pounds Russet potatoes
Dairy & Fats
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warmed)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese, divided (optional)
- 1 large egg (optional)
Seasonings & Aromatics
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and chop the Russet potatoes into evenly sized chunks to ensure uniform cooking. Place the potatoes in a pot of cold salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drain and Dry: Thoroughly drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Heat gently over low heat for a minute or two to evaporate any excess moisture, which helps to achieve a creamy, fluffy texture.
- Mash the Potatoes: Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes until smooth and free of lumps, preparing the base for the creamy casserole filling.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: Mix in the softened butter, warmed whole milk, and sour cream. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Egg: If using, quickly stir in the large egg to help bind the casserole and add richness.
- Mix in Flavorings: Fold in the minced garlic, half of the shredded cheese, and chopped chives or green onions if desired, distributing flavors evenly throughout the mashed potatoes.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the potato mixture to a buttered baking dish. Smooth the top and create decorative swirls for an attractive presentation.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole to form a flavorful crust when baked.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped chives or freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use cream instead of milk.
- The egg helps set the casserole but can be omitted for a more traditional mashed potato texture.
- Use sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a more intense cheesy flavor.
- Make sure to dry out the potatoes after draining to avoid a watery casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
