Creamy, cheesy, and golden on top, this Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole is the side dish dreams are made of. It takes everything you love about mashed potatoes and amps it up with buttery richness, sour cream tang, and layers of savory goodness. It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy dinners where comfort food is the star.
Unlike traditional mashed potatoes that need last-minute whipping, this casserole can be made ahead and baked when you’re ready, making it a favorite for busy cooks. Plus, the golden cheese crust on top makes it feel extra special with minimal extra effort.
What Makes a Mashed Potato Casserole So Irresistible?
The magic lies in the texture and flavor. You get creamy mashed potatoes inside with a slightly crisp, cheesy top layer that adds contrast. Sour cream and cream cheese make them rich and tangy, while butter and garlic provide a comforting depth. It’s like mashed potatoes got a major upgrade.
Ingredients for the Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole
- 4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup milk (or more as needed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped chives or green onions for garnish
How To Make the Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Place chopped potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
Step 2: Mash and Mix
Mash the drained potatoes until smooth. Mix in sour cream, cream cheese, melted butter, minced garlic, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mashed potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve and Store Your Mashed Potato Casserole
This casserole pairs perfectly with roast meats, grilled veggies, or any classic comfort meal. It’s also great as a vegetarian main with a fresh salad. To store, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. It also freezes well – just thaw overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 2 days ahead. Add cheese topping just before baking.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until hot.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is classic, but you can also try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a mix for deeper flavor.
Can I add bacon?
Yes! Stir in crispy bacon bits to the mashed mixture or sprinkle on top with the cheese.
How do I make it more garlicky?
Roast the garlic first or add an extra clove for a bolder garlic flavor.
Want More Comforting Casserole Ideas?
If you’re all about cozy, baked sides and mains, try these flavorful dishes from my collection:
- Nutella French Toast Casserole for a sweet brunch twist.
- Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cream Cheese for creamy, nostalgic vibes.
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole if you’re craving something rich and cheesy.
- The Ultimate Taco Casserole Recipe for a crowd-pleasing dinner with bold flavors.
- Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole to bring the fiesta to your table.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner or holiday board so you don’t lose it!
And once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add some bacon or maybe a different cheese? Did you double it for a party? Drop a comment and share your tweaks!
You can also find more of my daily recipe favorites on Pinterest at Nina Dishes.
Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
Description
This Mouthwatering Mashed Potato Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and make-ahead dream. With tangy sour cream, rich cream cheese, and a golden cheddar crust, it transforms classic mashed potatoes into a crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for holidays or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 cup sour cream
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped chives or green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Place chopped potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well.
2. Mash the potatoes until smooth. Add sour cream, cream cheese, melted butter, garlic, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and creamy.
3. Transfer the mashed potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
4. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
6. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Make ahead up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
For extra garlic flavor, roast the garlic beforehand or add a third clove.
Switch up the cheese—Gruyère or Monterey Jack add delicious depth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: mashed potatoes, casserole, holiday side dish, make ahead
