Description
Mashed Potato Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, crowd-pleasing side dish that turns everyday potatoes into pure comfort food. Perfect for a holiday table, easy dinner, family gathering, or make-ahead food idea, this easy recipe delivers fluffy mashed potatoes baked until warm and golden for one of the best dinner ideas when you need a cozy, dependable favorite.
Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
4 tablespoons butter
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped chives, plus more for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold salted water.
3. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 to 18 minutes.
4. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the hot pot for 1 minute to remove excess moisture.
5. Mash the potatoes until smooth.
6. Add the butter, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
7. Stir until the mixture is creamy and fully combined.
8. Fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and the chopped chives.
9. Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
10. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
11. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until hot and lightly golden on top.
12. Garnish with extra chives and serve warm.
Notes
Let the cream cheese soften before mixing so it blends smoothly into the hot potatoes.
Drain the potatoes thoroughly to keep the casserole fluffy instead of watery.
For make-ahead prep, assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: mashed potato casserole, cheesy mashed potatoes, potato casserole, holiday side dish, easy dinner ideas, comfort food, make-ahead casserole, easy recipe, food ideas