Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole! Packed with creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crispy topping, it's the perfect side dish for any occasion. Follow our simple step-by-step guide to create a warm, cheesy delight that will impress your family and friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game today!
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sour cream, preferably full-fat
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping if desired
1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
Extra shredded cheese for topping (optional, mozzarella or additional cheddar work well)
![- 4 large russet potatoes - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup whole milk - 1/4 cup fresh chives - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional) - Extra shredded cheese for topping (optional) The key to a great cheesy mashed potato casserole starts with the right potatoes. I prefer russet potatoes for their fluffy texture. You want to peel and chop them into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Next, unsalted butter adds rich flavor. I like to use room temperature butter for easy mixing. Sour cream brings a nice creaminess and tang. Make sure to choose full-fat for the best taste. Sharp cheddar cheese is a must for that cheesy goodness. You can add extra cheese on top for a delicious crust. Whole milk makes the mixture smooth. If you want a fresh touch, don’t skip the chives. Seasoning is key. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. If you want a crunchy topping, breadcrumbs are perfect. You can also add more cheese on top for extra indulgence. - Alternatives to russet potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes work well if you want a creamier texture. - Dairy-free options for sour cream and cheese: Use cashew cream or vegan sour cream. Nutritional yeast can replace cheese for a cheesy flavor. - Topping alternatives: Try crushed crackers or cornflake crumbs for a different crunch. For more detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. To start, you need 4 large russet potatoes. First, peel them and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Next, place the potato cubes in a large pot. Add enough salted water to cover them by 1 inch. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Once they are done, drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Now, we’ll create a creamy mixture. Add 1/2 cup of unsalted butter to the potatoes. Then, mix in 1 cup of sour cream, which gives it a rich flavor. Pour in 1/2 cup of warmed whole milk to make it smooth. Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Use a potato masher or a hand mixer to mash everything until it is creamy and smooth. Next, let’s make this dish cheesy! Carefully fold in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of finely chopped chives. These add great flavor and color. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the casserole dish. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch dish with cooking spray or butter. Spoon the cheesy mashed potato mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. If you like a crunchy top, sprinkle 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs over the surface. For more cheesy goodness, add extra shredded cheese on top. Finally, place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake it for 25-30 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and the edges bubble. Once baked, let it cool for about 5 minutes, and then enjoy your delicious cheesy mashed potato casserole! You can find the full recipe for detailed steps. To get that smooth and creamy texture in your cheesy mashed potato casserole, start with boiling your potatoes correctly. Cut the russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. This size cooks evenly and quickly. Boil them in salted water for 15 to 20 minutes. You want them fork-tender but not mushy. After draining the potatoes, return them to the pot. This helps steam escape, which keeps them from being watery. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash them. I recommend mashing them while they are still hot. Adding room temperature ingredients, like butter and sour cream, helps blend smoothly. Cold ingredients can make the mash clumpy. Seasoning is key to a great cheesy mashed potato casserole. Start with salt and pepper, but feel free to adjust. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. You can also mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. A pinch of paprika can add a nice kick too. Experiment with different spices. Fresh chives add a nice touch and enhance the visual appeal. You can also try adding a bit of cream cheese for richness. It makes the texture even creamier and adds a new flavor layer. When it comes to serving, presentation matters. Use a spatula to scoop neat squares from the casserole dish. This makes it look good on the plate. You can garnish with more chives on top for color. Pair your cheesy mashed potato casserole with a variety of main dishes. It goes well with roast chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish. A crisp side salad can balance the richness of the dish. For a comforting meal, serve with a hearty meatloaf or barbecue ribs. {{image_4}} You can play with cheese in this dish. Mixing in different types of cheese adds fun flavors. Try mozzarella for a stringy texture or gouda for a smoky kick. Adding cream cheese makes it rich and creamy. This small change can elevate the dish to new heights. Incorporating veggies makes it healthier and adds color. Spinach or broccoli can be mixed in before baking. They blend well with cheese and potatoes. You can also add cooked bacon or ham. These meats bring extra flavor and heartiness to the casserole. If you want a lighter option, consider lower-calorie substitutes. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can swap butter with olive oil. For a vegan version, use plant-based cheese and nut milk. These options still give you that cheesy goodness without the guilt. Store leftover cheesy mashed potato casserole in a sealed container. This keeps it fresh. It lasts in the fridge for about three to four days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat portions in the microwave or oven. To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. This method helps prevent freezer burn. The casserole can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. Cover with foil to keep it moist and prevent drying. You can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step and store it in the fridge. This works well for busy days. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. To reheat without losing quality, add a splash of milk before warming, and cover it to keep it creamy. Enjoy your tasty, cheesy dish any day! Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day before. Just follow these steps: - Cook the potatoes and mash them as usual. - Mix in all your ingredients, then spread in a greased dish. - Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. - Refrigerate until you're ready to bake. - Bake it the next day. You may need to add a few extra minutes to heat through. This casserole pairs well with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Roasted chicken for a hearty meal. - Grilled steak adds a nice touch. - Steamed vegetables bring color and nutrition. - Salad for a fresh contrast to the creamy casserole. Leftovers can be fun! Here are some ideas to give them new life: - Make potato cakes: Form the leftovers into patties, then pan-fry until golden. - Stuff baked potatoes: Scoop out a baked potato and fill it with leftover casserole. - Casserole soup: Mix it with broth and heat for a creamy soup. For the complete recipe with all details, check the [Full Recipe]. In this post, I shared a delicious cheesy mashed potato casserole recipe. We covered essential ingredients for a creamy texture and flavorful taste. I also offered helpful tips on variations, storage, and serving suggestions. You can easily customize this dish to your liking or dietary needs. As you enjoy this recipe, remember that cooking is about creativity. So, feel free to experiment and make it your own! Happy cooking!](https://lushplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/56f0ec02-445d-440f-b816-e571a6cd94af-300x300.webp)