Go Back
To make a delicious cheesy mashed potato casserole, you will need: - 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup milk - 1/4 cup chives, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping) - Extra cheese for topping (optional, e.g., mozzarella or more cheddar) These ingredients create a creamy and cheesy dish. Each item plays a role in making the casserole rich and satisfying. You will need some basic kitchen tools to prepare this dish: - A large pot for boiling potatoes - A colander for draining water - A potato masher or mixer for mashing - A mixing bowl for combining ingredients - A 9x13 inch casserole dish for baking - Measuring cups and spoons for accurate amounts Having these tools ready will help you cook smoothly and enjoy the process. You can make simple swaps if you need to. Here are some ideas: - Potatoes: You can use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture. - Butter: Substitute with olive oil for a lighter option. - Sour Cream: Greek yogurt works well as a tangy alternative. - Cheese: Feel free to use any cheese you love, like Monterey Jack or gouda. - Breadcrumbs: Crushed crackers or panko can give a nice crunch. These substitutions allow you to customize the casserole to your taste. Enjoy experimenting! Start by peeling and cubing four large russet potatoes. Place the cubed potatoes in a big pot. Fill the pot with salted water until the potatoes are covered. Bring the water to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 15 to 20 minutes. They should be fork-tender when done. This means a fork can easily pierce through them. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. This helps keep all the heat in. Add 1/2 cup of unsalted butter to the hot potatoes. Next, pour in 1 cup of sour cream and 1/2 cup of milk. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Now, mash everything together until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic begins! Once you have the base ready, gently fold in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped chives. Mix until the cheese is evenly spread throughout. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Transfer the cheesy mashed potatoes into this dish. If you want a crunchy top, sprinkle 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs over the mashed potatoes. You can also add extra cheese on top for a cheesy finish. Bake the casserole in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden brown and bubbly top when it’s ready. After baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish with extra chives for color and flavor. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To get the best texture for your cheesy mashed potato casserole, start with the right potatoes. I recommend using russet potatoes. They are fluffy and create a light mash. When you boil the potatoes, make sure they are fork-tender. This takes about 15-20 minutes. After draining, return them to the pot. This helps release steam, keeping your mash light. Seasoning is key to great flavor. I suggest using garlic powder and onion powder. These add a nice depth to the dish. Always taste as you go. Add salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Don’t forget the chives! They give a fresh touch and a pop of color. For a creamier casserole, use both sour cream and milk. This combination works wonders. You can also add more butter for richness. If you want even more creaminess, consider mixing in extra cheese like mozzarella. This will create a gooey, delicious topping. For the ultimate comfort food, layer the cheese on top before baking. For the full recipe, check the details above! {{image_2}} Bacon adds a tasty crunch to your casserole. You can use cooked bacon bits or crispy lardons. Each bite becomes savory and smoky. To add bacon, cook it in a pan until crispy. Drain the fat and chop the bacon into small pieces. Mix the bacon into the cheesy mashed potatoes before baking. You can also sprinkle some on top for extra flair. This simple addition makes a big difference in flavor. Cheddar is great, but you can try other cheeses too. For a creamier texture, use cream cheese. It makes the casserole rich and smooth. You can also mix in mozzarella for a gooey stretch. Parmesan adds a sharp bite, while pepper jack gives a spicy kick. Feel free to blend different cheeses for unique flavors. The cheese you choose can change the whole dish. So, be bold and experiment! If you want to keep it vegetarian, there are many options. Adding spinach or kale boosts nutrition and flavor. Sauté them in olive oil before mixing them in. Mushrooms also add a wonderful earthy taste. Just chop them up and cook until soft. You can even throw in some roasted garlic for extra depth. These additions keep the dish exciting while making it filling. It’s all about finding the balance of flavors and textures. For the full recipe, click [here](#). After you enjoy your cheesy mashed potato casserole, store it properly. Let it cool down first. Then, place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh longer. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date. When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is simple. You can use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. If using the microwave, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warm. Stir halfway through for even heating. If you want to save the casserole for later, freezing works great. First, let it cool completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the instructions above to bring back its creamy goodness. For the full recipe, check the section above. You can prepare Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole a day in advance. Just follow these steps. First, boil and mash the potatoes as usual. Then, mix in the other ingredients, like cheese and butter. Instead of baking, cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, remove the wrap and bake it. This will save you time on busy days. Yes, you can use other types of potatoes. While russet potatoes give a creamy texture, you can try Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Yukon Golds add a buttery flavor, while red potatoes keep more texture. Just peel and cube them like russets. The cooking times may vary slightly, but you want them fork-tender for mashing. Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole pairs well with many dishes. Here are some great options: - Roasted Chicken: The rich flavors complement each other nicely. - Grilled Steak: A hearty meal that satisfies. - Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition. - Salad: A fresh salad can balance the creaminess of the casserole. For more ideas, check the full recipe. In this blog post, we covered how to make a delicious Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole. You learned the key ingredients and tools, plus tips for the best texture and flavor. I shared variations for adding bacon or veggies and provided storage tips for leftovers. Cooking should be fun and tasty. Experiment with your favorite ingredients to make this dish your own! Enjoy every bite of your creation.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this mouthwatering Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole! Made with creamy russet potatoes, rich sour cream, and loaded with sharp cheddar cheese, this dish is perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. Follow our simple step-by-step guide to create a golden, bubbly masterpiece that everyone will love. Click through now to explore the full recipe and make your meal unforgettable!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup chives, chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Extra cheese for topping (optional, e.g., mozzarella or more cheddar)

Instructions
 

Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

    Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.

      Mix in the Cheese: Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives until evenly distributed.

        Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the cheesy mashed potatoes to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.

          Add Breadcrumbs (Optional): If using, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. For an extra cheesy topping, add additional shredded cheese on top of the breadcrumbs.

            Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

              Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chives for a fresh pop of color.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 55 mins | Servings: 8