Traditional Mashed Potato Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Looking for a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to your table? This Traditional Mashed Potato Casserole is a classic favorite, combining creamy mashed potatoes with a golden, cheesy crust that is perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts.

Ingredients for Traditional Mashed Potato Casserole

Russet potatoes are ideal for mashing because they have a high starch content, which results in a fluffy texture. Whole milk adds richness and helps create a smooth consistency. Unsalted butter provides a creamy flavor, allowing you to control the salt level. Sour cream gives a slight tang and enhances the creaminess. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, cheesy taste that melds beautifully with the mashed potatoes. Salt and black pepper season the dish perfectly, while green onions bring a fresh, mild onion flavor. Finally, breadcrumbs create a crispy, golden topping.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, consider adding roasted garlic to the mash.
  • Use a potato masher or ricer for the smoothest texture.
  • If you prefer a crustier top, stick it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a versatile side that pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken or beef. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables. It's also great as part of a holiday spread with turkey and cranberry sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with gouda, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can substitute the whole milk with a lower-fat option and use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter version.

Traditional Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it's hot and ready when your casserole is prepped. Next, peel and cube 4 lbs of russet potatoes. Aim for even-sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly. Place them in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring this to a boil and let the potatoes cook until they’re tender, about 15 minutes.

Once the potatoes are fork-tender, drain them well and return them to the pot. While they’re still warm, add in 1 cup of whole milk, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mash everything together until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture. This is the base of your casserole.

Stir in half of the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of chopped green onions. This will distribute the cheese throughout the potatoes, giving them a rich flavor. Transfer the mashed potatoes into a greased casserole dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs evenly over the top. This forms a delicious crust as it bakes. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and the top is a beautiful golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving to let everything set.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines creamy and crunchy textures for a satisfying bite.
  • A perfect make-ahead option for busy weeknights.
  • Uses simple, readily available ingredients.
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings and mix-ins.

Ingredients

4 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup whole milk
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
4. Add milk, butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper to the potatoes.
5. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
6. Stir in half of the cheddar cheese and green onions.
7. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a greased casserole dish.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
10. Let cool slightly before serving.

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