Description
A comforting mashed potato casserole loaded with creamy sour cream, melted cheddar cheese, and optional crispy bacon and green onions. This baked dish makes a perfect side for family dinners or holiday meals, delivering smooth, cheesy, and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Base
- 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk (more as needed)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Flavorings and Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot. Cover them with water and bring to a rolling boil. Allow them to cook for 15–20 minutes or until pierced easily with a fork, indicating they are fork-tender.
- Drain Potatoes: Drain the potatoes carefully in a colander and then return them to the pot for mashing.
- Mash Potatoes: Mash the potatoes in the pot with sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth. Add more milk if the consistency is too thick for your liking.
- Add Cheese: Stir one cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potato mixture evenly to incorporate a rich cheesy flavor throughout.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mashed potato mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly to the edges.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If desired, add cooked crumbled bacon and chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is warmed through completely.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, add additional milk as needed when mashing the potatoes.
- Russet potatoes are ideal for mashing due to their starchy texture.
- The bacon and green onions are optional but add great depth of flavor and contrast.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor results.
- This casserole can be made ahead up to step 7, then refrigerated and baked before serving.
