Ultimate Mashed Potato Casserole: Rich, Creamy, and Loaded with Flavor
Velvety layers meet smoky bacon and a crispy chip-onion crust for ultimate comfort.
Mashed Potato Casserole: The Creamiest, Cheesiest Side Dish
If you’re seeking the ultimate comfort food for a special gathering or a holiday meal, look no further than this Mashed Potato Casserole. This decadent dish draws in everything you love about mashed potatoes—soft, creamy, buttery—then loads up on cheese, crispy bacon, fried onions, and even crushed potato chips for a crowd-pleasing, textural masterpiece. It’s the perfect make-ahead, bake-to-finish side that everyone in the family will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
- Creamy and dreamy texture thanks to the addition of sour cream and warm heavy cream.
- Deep, savory flavor from onion soup mix and crispy bacon bits blended right in.
- Cheesy layers using Monterey Jack and a golden Parmesan topping.
- Satisfying crunch from fried onions and kettle-cooked potato chips on top.
- Customizable and make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients Breakdown
This mashed potato casserole is bursting with layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
Casserole Base
- Russet Potatoes (4 lb.) – peeled and cut into large chunks for starchy, fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Sour Cream (16 oz.) – adds tang and creaminess.
- Onion Soup Mix (1 oz. packet) – for savory flavor.
- Melted Salted Butter (½ cup/1 stick) – classic richness.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup, warmed) – brings extra creaminess and a velvety consistency.
- Bacon (1 lb., cooked and crumbled) – infuses smokiness and crunch throughout.
- Monterey Jack Cheese (8 oz., shredded) – melts smoothly into the potatoes.
- Crispy Fried Onions (½ cup, lightly crushed) – mixed in for flavor and texture.
- Kosher Salt (1½ tsp.) and Pepper – simple seasonings to taste.
Crispy Topping - Crispy Fried Onions (1 cup, crushed) – for a classic, crunchy casserole finish.
- Kettle-Cooked Potato Chips (1 cup, lightly crushed) – unique and extra crunchy.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup) – browns beautifully in the oven.
- Chopped Chives or Green Onions – a fresh pop of color and flavor just before serving.
Quick Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Russet Potatoes | 4 lbs (peeled, cut in chunks) |
| Sour Cream | 16 oz (1 container) |
| Onion Soup Mix | 1 oz (1 packet) |
| Melted Salted Butter | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Heavy Cream (warmed) | 1 cup |
| Bacon (cooked, crumbled) | 1 lb |
| Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded) | 8 oz (about 2 cups) |
| Crispy Fried Onions | 1½ cups total |
| Kettle Chips | 1 cup (crushed) |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | ¼ cup |
| Kosher Salt & Pepper | To taste |
| Chives/Green Onion | For garnish |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prep the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Generously butter a 13-by-9 inch baking dish so nothing sticks and you get a golden crust.
- Mix Onion Dip: In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream and onion soup mix to create a rich and tangy onion dip. Refrigerate this mixture while you prep the rest to let the flavors blend.
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled chunks of potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water by 1 inch and bring to a boil. Cook until fork tender, about 20–25 minutes.
- Mash and Dry: Drain the potatoes well, then return them to the pot over the (turned-off) warm burner to steam off excess moisture. Mash until smooth, leaving no lumps for a silky texture.
- Blend the Base: To the hot mashed potatoes, add the prepared onion dip, melted butter, warm heavy cream, crumbled bacon, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, crushed fried onions, and salt. Stir everything together thoroughly. Season more with black pepper as desired.
- Assemble and Top: Spread the potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
- Mix Topping: In a separate bowl, combine crushed fried onions, crushed potato chips, and grated Parmesan. Sprinkle generously over the mashed potatoes for ultimate crunch.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, bubbling, and crisp.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle immediately with fresh chives or green onions. Serve hot and watch it disappear!
Tips and Variations
- Potato Variety: Russet potatoes are perfect for fluffiness, but Yukon Golds work for a more buttery finish.
- Cheese Choices: Try sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or Gruyère for different flavors.
- Make in Advance: Assemble the casserole (without topping) and refrigerate up to 2 days ahead. Add the topping just before baking.
- No Pork? Substitute turkey or vegetarian bacon, or omit entirely for a meatless version.
- Extra Crunch: Mix in toasted panko breadcrumbs to the chip-onion mixture for more crunch.
- Herbs: Stir in chopped fresh parsley or thyme for a herby finish.
Serving Suggestions
This rich casserole pairs beautifully with other holiday fare or classic weeknight mains. Try serving it with:
- Roast turkey or chicken
- Glazed ham
- Pot roast or roasted beef tenderloin
- Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
- Fresh, crisp salad to balance the richness
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant potatoes?
What others are reading
For best flavor and texture, real potatoes are preferred. Instant potatoes lack the starch and depth needed for a casserole’s creaminess.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to 2 days in advance, refrigerate (without the crunchy topping), and then bake, adding the topping just before the oven.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness or gently in the microwave.
Can I freeze mashed potato casserole?
Yes! Freeze the assembled dish (without topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add topping, and bake just before serving.
What if I don’t have fried onions or potato chips?
You can substitute panko breadcrumbs tossed with melted butter, or use extra cheese or more bacon for a golden, crispy finish.
Nutrition Information
This casserole is a decadent treat. Calories, fat, and protein will vary slightly based on the cheeses and topping amounts. Each serving (based on 12 servings per casserole) has approximately:
- Calories: 370–430
- Fat: 23g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Sodium: 780mg
For lighter fare, use light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and cut back on the fried onion and chip topping.
Expert Tips for Best Results
- Use warm cream and butter: Cold dairy can seize up the potatoes. For seamless blending, warm them first.
- Don’t overwork the potatoes: For fluffiest texture, mash by hand and avoid using a food processor, which can make them gluey.
- Allow flavors to meld: Mixing the onion soup dip ahead deepens the flavor.
- Layer flavors: Bacon, cheese, onion, and potato chips add texture, salt, and umami.
Perfect for Holidays & Potlucks
This casserole is especially beloved for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter celebrations. It frees up stovetop space and can be baked alongside your main dish. Double the recipe for large groups, or assemble two smaller dishes for gatherings big and small.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers: In an airtight container up to 4 days. Reheat uncovered in a 350°F oven to restore the topping’s crunch.
- Freeze for later: Cool the unbaked, assembled casserole (without topping) and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, add topping, then bake as usual.
Popular Variations
- Loaded Baked Potato Casserole: Add chopped potato skins, more cheddar, and a dollop of cream cheese for that “twice-baked” experience.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and add sauteed mushrooms or caramelized onions.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for heat.
- French Onion Twist: Mix in sauteed onions and gruyère for a more complex flavor.
Make It Your Own
Use this recipe as your base, but let your creativity shine. Swap cheeses, switch up mix-ins, or play with different crunchy toppings. The beauty of this casserole is in its adaptability—you can make it as classic or as bold as you like!
Conclusion
This Mashed Potato Casserole is the ultimate expression of cozy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing food. With its velvety base and crispy, cheesy topping, it just might steal the spotlight at your next meal. Whether served as part of a grand holiday feast or a simple family dinner, it guarantees clean plates and happy hearts all around.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a62672040/mashed-potato-casserole-recipe/
- https://thecozycook.com/twice-baked-potato-casserole/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a33249230/baked-mashed-potatoes-with-crispy-shallots-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a37598987/twice-baked-potato-casserole-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a12083/delicious-creamy-mashed-potatoes/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mJTxC0rQhs
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