Description
If you’re in search of the perfect side dish that combines comfort and deliciousness, look no further than this Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 to 4 pounds Russet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warmed)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 large egg (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheese, divided (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Start by peeling the Russet potatoes and cutting them into even chunks. This ensures that they cook uniformly, avoiding a situation where some pieces remain too hard while others are mushy. Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot filled with cold, salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, typically taking around 15 to 20 minutes.
- Once your potatoes are cooked to perfection, drain them thoroughly to remove the excess water. This step is vital to ensure that your mashed potatoes are light and fluffy rather than watery. Return the drained potatoes back to the pot over low heat for a few seconds to evaporate any remaining moisture.
- Using a potato masher or ricer, begin to mash the potatoes until smooth. Pay attention to the texture; you want them to be creamy without any lumps! The key to perfect mashed potatoes lies in not overworking them, which could lead to a gluey texture.
- Add in the butter, warm milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper to your mashed potatoes. Mix thoroughly until everything is combined and creamy. If you choose to use the egg, add it now and incorporate quickly to keep it from scrambling. The warmth of the potatoes will help the egg blend seamlessly.
- At this stage, feel free to fold in minced garlic and half of the shredded cheese, along with any herbs you desire. This is the moment to get creative! Chives or green onions can introduce a burst of freshness, amplifying the flavor profile of your casserole.
- Transfer your potato mixture into a generously buttered baking dish and smooth the top. Use a fork to make decorative swirls that add style. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top if you’re a cheese lover! Bake the casserole in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
- After baking, this casserole benefits from sitting for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can garnish with chopped chives or an extra sprinkle of black pepper before serving for the final touch.
Notes
You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Protein: 6 g