Welcome to your new favorite side dish! This ultimate mashed potato casserole brings together rich, savory flavors with incredible textures. Imagine creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, gooey cheese, and a perfect crunchy topping. It’s truly a showstopper, ideal for holiday feasts or comforting family dinners. This delicious mashed potato casserole is surprisingly easy to prepare and guarantees a crowd-pleasing experience every time.
Why You’ll Love This Mashed Potato Casserole
You’ll adore this recipe for so many reasons, making it an instant classic in your kitchen.
- Irresistible Flavor & Texture: Enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy in every bite.
- Convenience: Prepare this mashed potato casserole up to two days in advance, saving you time on busy cooking days.
- Versatile Side: It’s the ultimate companion to any main course, from a simple weeknight roast to a grand holiday spread.
- Pure Comfort: This dish delivers warmth and satisfaction, making it a true comfort food staple everyone craves.
- Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps and clear instructions ensure success, even for new cooks.
Ingredients
Gather these delicious components to create your spectacular dish.
- 1/2 c. (1 stick) salted butter, melted, plus more for the baking dish
- 1 (16-oz.) container sour cream
- 1 (1-oz.) envelope onion soup mix
- 4 lb. russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 1 c. heavy cream, warmed
- 1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 2 c.)
- 1/2 c. lightly crushed crispy fried onions
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 c. lightly crushed crispy fried onions
- 1 c. lightly crushed kettle cooked potato chips with sea salt
- 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 oz.)
- Chopped chives or green onions, for serving
Notes & Substitutions
For a detailed understanding of how different potato types influence mashed potato texture, explore the specific characteristics of starchy versus waxy varieties. Choosing the right potatoes is key; russet potatoes offer a fluffy texture perfect for mashing, while Yukon golds provide a creamier result. If Monterey Jack isn’t available, feel free to substitute with cheddar, Colby, or a mix for similar cheesy goodness. Cook your bacon crispy in a pan, oven, or air fryer. The onion soup mix adds a deep, savory flavor, but you can use sautéed fresh onions and garlic powder for a milder taste. For the crispy topping, feel free to mix and match: panko breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or even cornflakes can add a delightful crunch.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes preparation smooth and enjoyable.
- Large pot (5-6 quart)
- Colander
- Potato masher or hand mixer
- 13×9-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (small and large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire whisk (optional, for cream)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare the ultimate mashed potato casserole.
Step 1: Prep Oven & Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a 13×9-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds extra flavor.
Step 2: Flavor Base
In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream and the onion soup mix. Cover and refrigerate this mixture while you prepare the potatoes. Allowing it to meld helps the flavors deepen beautifully.
Step 3: Cook Potatoes
Place the peeled and cut russet potatoes into a large pot. Cover them with cold water by about one inch. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are completely fork-tender, which usually takes 20 to 25 minutes.
Step 4: Mash Potatoes
Drain the cooked potatoes very well in a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the same warm pot, ensuring all excess water evaporates. Mash them thoroughly with a potato masher or a hand mixer until they are smooth and no lumps remain.
Step 5: Mix Casserole Base
To the mashed potatoes, add the prepared onion dip mixture, melted butter, warmed heavy cream, crumbled bacon, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and 1/2 cup of crispy fried onions. Stir everything together gently until well combined.
Step 6: Season & Transfer
Season the mixture with 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed. Transfer the creamy mashed potatoes to the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly with a spatula.
Step 7: Prepare Topping
In a separate small bowl, stir together the remaining 1 cup of crispy fried onions, the lightly crushed kettle-cooked potato chips, and the grated Parmesan cheese. This makes a wonderfully crunchy topping.
Step 8: Bake Casserole
Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the top of the mashed potato casserole. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Step 9: Garnish & Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Mashed Potato Casserole
Achieve perfect results every time with these helpful tips.
- Potato Choice Matters: Russets are your best friend for a fluffy mash; their starch content yields a light texture.
- Lump-Free Mash: Use a potato ricer or hand mixer for truly smooth potatoes. Don’t overmix, though, to avoid gumminess.
- Warm Dairy: Slightly warm your heavy cream before adding it. Cold dairy can cool down your potatoes, making them harder to incorporate smoothly.
- Extra Crispy Topping: For maximum crunch, broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your mashed potatoes before transferring to the dish. Add more salt or pepper if needed for balanced flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking Potatoes: Understanding the culinary science behind this, overworking potatoes can release too much gelled starch, resulting in an undesirable gummy consistency. Too much mashing or mixing can break down potato starches, leading to a gummy, gluey texture.
- Not Draining Thoroughly: Excess water makes for watery, bland mashed potatoes. Drain them well and even return them to the warm pot for a minute to steam off moisture.
- Adding Cold Dairy: Cold cream and butter can seize up the starch, resulting in a less smooth mixture.
- Forgetting to Season: Potatoes need ample salt to shine. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning before baking.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
This versatile dish is a fantastic addition to any meal.
Serving Suggestions: This creamy, rich casserole is an ideal side for roasted turkey, baked ham, grilled steak, or juicy pork chops. It also pairs wonderfully with simple green beans or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Storage: Store any leftover mashed potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole (without the topping) up to 2 days in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Freezing: To freeze, prepare the casserole through Step 6 (before adding the topping and baking). Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the topping and baking as directed. Baked casserole can also be frozen, then reheated from frozen.
Variations
- Cheese Please: Experiment with other cheeses like sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, or a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
- Herbaceous Additions: Fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage can be stirred into the potato mixture for an aromatic boost.
- Savory Mix-ins: Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even roasted garlic cloves add wonderful depth of flavor.
- Cracker Crunch: Swap out the kettle chips for crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a different crispy topping.
Nutrition Information
This mashed potato casserole is a hearty and delicious dish. While specific nutritional values vary based on ingredients and exact portion sizes, it generally provides carbohydrates, fats, and protein. It’s a rich source of energy and comfort.
| Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 recipe | ~550 | ~38g | ~40g | ~14g |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. Please use as a general guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What kind of potatoes are best for this casserole?
Russet potatoes are typically best for this kind of dish because their starchy nature creates a light, fluffy mash. Yukon Golds also work well for a slightly creamier texture.
Can I make this mashed potato casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to two days in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator. Just add the crispy topping right before baking.
How do I prevent my mashed potatoes from becoming gummy?
Avoid overmixing your potatoes after adding the dairy and other ingredients. Mash them until just smooth, then stop to prevent a gummy texture.
Can I use fresh onions instead of onion soup mix?
Yes, you can sauté about 1 cup of finely chopped fresh onions until very soft and lightly browned. Add them along with a teaspoon of garlic powder for a similar savory flavor.
How do I reheat leftover mashed potato casserole?
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Remove foil for the last few minutes if you want the topping to re-crisp.
Conclusion
This ultimate mashed potato casserole truly embodies comfort food at its finest. With its creamy, cheesy layers, savory bacon, and irresistible crunchy topping, it’s a dish that consistently delights everyone at the table. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this delightful mashed potato casserole recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Give it a try soon and savor every delicious, homemade bite!