Looking for a comforting and delicious dish to serve at your next gathering? Look no further than this Mashed Potato Casserole! Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so flavorful, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of cream cheese, butter, and cheddar cheese creates a rich and creamy flavor that will leave you wanting more.
- With just a few simple ingredients, this casserole comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- The addition of crispy bacon and chives adds a nice contrast of flavors and textures, taking this dish to the next level.
Ingredient Notes:
- Idaho potatoes: These starchy potatoes are perfect for mashing and provide a fluffy texture.
- Cream Cheese: Adds richness and creaminess to the dish.
- Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp and tangy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
- Butter: Room temperature butter blends easily into the potatoes, creating a smooth consistency.
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy flavor and helps to lighten up the dish.
- Chives: Chopped chives add a fresh and oniony flavor to the casserole.
- Strips of bacon: Cooked and chopped bacon adds a crispy and savory element to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Peel and cube the Idaho potatoes, then boil them until they are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and mash them with milk, cream cheese, butter, sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Stir in the chives, cooked bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake until the top is golden and bubbly.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, try adding some roasted garlic to the mashed potatoes.
- To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for easier mixing.
- Be careful not to overmix the potatoes, as this can result in a gummy texture.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Mashed Potato Casserole as a side dish for roasted chicken or grilled steak. Pair it with a crisp salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, cover the casserole with foil and refrigerate. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and bake it when ready.
- Can I use Yukon Gold potatoes instead of Idaho potatoes? Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes will also work well in this recipe.
- Can I freeze this casserole? While you can freeze it, the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the creamy and cheesy goodness of this Mashed Potato Casserole and impress your guests with a dish that is both comforting and delicious. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy every bite of this delectable recipe!
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Mashed Potato Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mashed Potato Casserole is a creamy and indulgent side dish perfect for any occasion. With layers of mashed potatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 5 lbs Idaho potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 4 tbsp butter, room temperature
- 12 oz Sour Cream
- 2 ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup chives, chopped
Toppings:
- 16 oz Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked and chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash them.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine mashed potatoes, milk, cream cheese, butter, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chives.
- Layer Casserole: Spread half of the potato mixture in a baking dish, top with cheddar cheese and bacon, then repeat layers.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- You can add additional toppings like green onions or crispy fried onions for extra flavor.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon or use a meat alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg