The Creamiest, Cheesiest, Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe Ever

Name: The Creamiest, Cheesiest, Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe Ever
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 3 lbs russet potatoes; water; 7 tbsp butter; ¾ cup sour cream; ¼ cup milk; ½ tsp garlic powder; ¾ tsp salt; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; ¼ cup panko; 1 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp chives chopped; 5 strips bacon cooked; ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded

Jul 19

Written By Mariano Clement Gupana

Discover > Texas Recipes > The Creamiest, Cheesiest, Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe Ever

There's nothing quite like a warm and comforting dish of mashed potato casserole. And if you're a Texan, then you know that comfort food is a way of life. This ultimate guide to mashed potato casserole is exactly what you need for those cozy nights at home. Whether you're looking to add some spice with jalapenos or keep it classic with traditional toppings, this guide has got you covered. So go ahead and indulge in this southern comfort classic – it's the ultimate way to satisfy your cravings.

When it comes to creating this delicious dish, I find that using either russet or Yukon gold potatoes produces the best results. These potatoes offer a great balance of starchiness and creaminess, which makes for a smooth and velvety texture. In addition, I love incorporating ingredients like cream (how long does cream last?) cheese and sour cream to enhance the flavors and create a more decadent dish.

Customizing your mashed potato casserole is the key to taking this comfort food to the next level. There are so many creative twists and variations to try–from adding different cheeses and spices to incorporating other vegetables or proteins. The possibilities are endless, making mashed potatoes into it a versatile dish that can cater to any palate. Whatever your preferences, always remember to have fun experimenting in the kitchen!

Ingredients and Substitutes

Texas is known for its big flavors and hearty cuisine, making mashed potato casserole the ultimate comfort food for any Texan. This dish is all about the essentials: potatoes, cheese, butter, and dairy products.

In order to achieve the perfect texture and taste, it's important to select the right type of potatoes. While russet potatoes are the classic go-to for their high starch content, yukon gold potatoes offer a delicious alternative. No matter which type of potato you choose, this mashed potato casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any Texas gathering.

Alternative Ingredients

For the cheese, cheddar is the most commonly used type, as it adds a sharp flavor and melts well. When making my casserole, I prefer using shredded cheddar cheese, but feel free to substitute artisan aged cheese for a different taste.

When it comes to butter, unsalted is my go-to choice as it allows for better control of the salt content. If you prefer, you can use margarine instead of butter. Sour cream and cream cheese are other dairy ingredients that add extra creaminess and a tangy flavor to the casserole. I like using a combination of both, but you can also use milk if desired.

I find that the addition of onion and garlic in the form of garlic powder (how long does garlic powder last?) enhances the flavor of the casserole. For a fresher taste, you can use fresh garlic, green onions, or chives (how long do chives last?). In fact, topping the casserole with chopped green onion or chives gives it a beautiful appearance and pleasant aroma.

When seasoning the mashed potato casserole, I prefer using kosher salt and black pepper. However, you can adjust these to your taste preference. Additionally, you can consider adding parsley for an extra touch of flavor and color.

In some cases, you could add eggs to the mashed potato casserole for extra richness. If you love bacon (how long does bacon last?), feel free to top the casserole with crispy bacon bits for added flavor and texture.

Remember to use enough water when boiling the potatoes, as this helps in achieving a smooth and lump-free mash. In the end, the most important aspect is to create a mashed potato casserole that suits your taste buds and preferences.

Cooking Utensils and Appliances

When I prepare a mashed potato casserole, I find that having the right cooking utensils and appliances on hand is essential for a successful dish. To start, I grab a pot for boiling the potatoes. It should be large enough to hold the peeled and chopped potatoes and filled with enough water to cover them.

Next, I preheat my oven for baking the casserole. Depending on the recipe, the temperature might vary, but generally, it's around 350°F (175°C). I pull out my casserole dish or baking dish and preheat oven as well. A 9x13-inch dish typically works well, but make sure it's deep enough to hold all the ingredients. If I need to cover the casserole, I have aluminum foil handy to prevent the dish from drying out or overcooking.

For slicing the potatoes green onions and other ingredients, I choose a sharp knife that can easily cut through the vegetables. In addition, I might need a saucepan for heating up any additional ingredients, such as butter or cream, depending on the recipe.

To achieve a smooth and creamy texture for my potatoes, I use a mixer. A hand mixer or stand mixer works just fine. If I need to melt butter or warm cream, I utilize my microwave – it's a quick and easy way to prepare these crucial components ahead of time for the dish.

In summary, the key utensils and appliances I need for making a mashed potato casserole include a pot, oven, casserole dish, knife, aluminum foil, saucepan, mixer, and microwave. With these in my kitchen arsenal, I am well-equipped to create a delicious and satisfying dish.

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Preparation Steps

Mashing the Potatoes

When I prepare Mashed Potato Casserole, the first step I take is to peel my preferred choice of potatoes, such as russet or Yukon gold. I then cut them into evenly-sized pieces, place them in a large pot, and cover them with salted water. Bringing the pot of potatoes to a boil, I allow them to cook until they become fork-tender again, which usually takes around 20 minutes. After draining the water, I return the cooked potatoes to the pot and begin mashing them with a potato masher until they reach a creamy consistency.

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Creating the Casserole

To create the ideal Mashed Potato Casserole, I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C). I lightly grease a casserole dish and begin mixing in my other ingredients with the mashed potatoes. These typically include:

Cream cheese: Providing a tangy, creamy, and almost cheesy consistency
Sour cream: Adding richness and moisture
Milk: Enhancing the overall creaminess
Onion: Supplying a savory flavor
Garlic salt (how long does garlic salt last?) and salt: Offering seasoning and taste

Once all my ingredients are well-incorporated, I transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish. I like to smooth the surface of potato mixture in the casserole and drizzle it with melted butter to promote a beautiful golden brown color while baking. A sprinkle of paprika on top adds a touch of smokiness and enhances the dish's presentation.

With my casserole ready, I place it in the preheated oven and bake for around 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges start bubbling3. Once finished, I remove the casserole from high heat in the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

When I make mashed potato casserole, I find it to be an excellent side dish that complements various main dishes. It is particularly popular during Thanksgiving and other festive occasions, but it sounds delicious and can also be served throughout the year to elevate family meals or dinner parties.

One of my favorite pairings is serving mashed potato casserole alongside a juicy roasted turkey, whether it's Thanksgiving or not. The creamy potatoes provide a delicious contrast to the golden, crispy skin of the turkey. Add some gravy and cranberry sauce, and you've got yourself a delightful feast.

Another great main dish option that goes well with mashed potato casserole is meatloaf. The comforting flavors and textures of the classic meatloaf blend seamlessly with the rich, cheesy potatoes. In this scenario, I like to add a green vegetable, such as steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts, for some added color and nutrients.

For those who prefer something different from the traditional turkey or meatloaf, mashed potato casserole also pairs well with a baked ham or a New York strip roast. The salty, smoky flavors of the ham or roast enhance the creamy, buttery potatoes, creating a harmonious and satisfying holiday meal and experience.

When presenting the mashed potato casserole, I recommend displaying it in an elegant serving dish and garnishing with some chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color. This gives the dish an attractive presentation that will surely impress your guests.

Variations on the Basic Recipe

There are numerous ways to give a twist to the basic mashed potato casserole recipe. In this section, I'll discuss some exciting variations that you can try out.

Cheese Variations

One popular option is incorporating different types of cheese. The classic recipe calls for cheddar cheese, but you can always experiment with other cheeses such as Parmesan, Gouda, or even blue cheese. Combining a few different cheeses can result in a unique flavor profile for your casserole.

If you're curious about Texas cheese or if you're looking for a new type of cheese to try, read on. We'll discuss the different types of Texas cheese and where you can find them.

Herbs and Spice Variations

Another way to diversify the recipe is by adding various herbs and spices to the mashed potatoes. You can try adding rosemary, thyme, or sage for an earthy touch. For a more intense kick, consider adding some garlic, onion powder (how long does onion powder last?), or even cayenne pepper.

Texture Variations

If you're looking for a creamier texture, you may want to integrate cream cheese or sour cream into your mashed potatoes. Adding these ingredients will not only make the casserole richer but also give it a tangy flavor. In fact, some recipes specifically call for cream cheese as a key ingredient.

Looking to add some crunch? Why not mix in some crispy toppings? You can either add them directly into and bake the casserole or sprinkle them on top before baking. Some popular options for crunchy toppings include crispy fried onions (how long do crispy fried onions last?) or bacon bits.

Vegetable Variations

Lastly, if you'd like to include more veggies in your potato casserole, you can experiment with the recipe notes adding ingredients such as sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted red peppers. Incorporating these vegetables can not only enhance the flavor of mash potatoes but also add a splash of color to your dish.

Remember that the goal is to create a mashed potato casserole that you and your loved ones will enjoy, so don't be afraid to get creative and play around with different ingredients. With these variations in mind, you'll be well on your way to discovering your own unique take on this classic comfort food.

Leftovers and Storage

Storing leftover mashed potato casserole is quite a simple task. After enjoying a delicious meal, I always make sure to wrap the remaining casserole tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This helps to preserve the flavors as well as prevent it from absorbing any moisture or odors from the fridge.

To ensure that the casserole stays fresh and retains its taste, I store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, if I think I won't be able to consume the leftovers within that time frame, I can make ahead and opt for freezing it instead.

To freeze mashed potato casserole, I first allow it to cool completely before dividing it into meal-sized portions and transferring them to freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.

When it comes to reheating the casserole, I have a couple of options. If I am reheating from the refrigerator, I simply place the desired portion in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil, and reheat it at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

For frozen leftovers, I first let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight the fridge overnight, and then follow the same reheating process as for refrigerated portions.

Keep in mind that the texture of the mashed potato casserole might alter slightly after freezing and reheating. However, this should not significantly affect the overall taste and quality of the dish. By following these storage and reheating guidelines, I can enjoy my delicious mashed potato casserole leftovers with confidence, knowing they are safe to eat and still taste great.

Nutrition and Dietary Information

As someone who loves eating and sharing information about delicious dishes, I'm excited to provide some nutritional insights on the mashed potato casserole. In this section, we'll focus on two best mashed potatoes' key aspects: calories and macronutrients.

Calories

A large serving of mashed potato casserole roughly has around 255 calories. This calorie count primarily comes from the raw potatoes, as one large potato contributes about 255 calories, and the remaining calories are from the additional ingredients such as cream cheese and sour cream.

However, variations in recipes can lead to a difference in calorie content. For example, a loaded mashed potato casserole has approximately 16 grams of carbs, translating to around 64 calories from carbohydrates. So it's important to consider the specific recipe when calculating nutrition calories and the nutritional information.

Macronutrients

Focusing on macronutrients, a standard mashed potato casserole contains the following:

Carbohydrates

One serving of red potatoes has about 30.7 grams of carbs, which is predominantly from the potatoes. It also includes around 2.6 grams of dietary fiber, essential for digestive health.

Fats

The added ingredients like cream cheese and sour cream contribute to the 7 grams of saturated fat already present in the casserole.

Protein

The amount of protein in a mashed potato casserole will vary depending on the recipe's additional ingredients, such as cheese, meat, or vegetables.

In conclusion, knowing the nutritional information for mashed potato casserole can help you make informed choices when preparing and enjoying this delicious dish. Just remember that the specific recipe you choose can impact the calorie and macronutrient content.

Yield: 10

Author: Nadine Madrigal