Traditional Mashed Potato Casserole
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.
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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.
Traditional Mashed Potato Casserole 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 Ideas for Traditional Mashed Potato Casserole
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 This Traditional Mashed Potato Casserole Works
- 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.