Creamy Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into a delightful and creamy casserole that pairs wonderfully with any meal! This easy-to-make dish combines the rich flavors of cream cheese and crispy French-fried onions on top, creating a deliciously indulgent side. Whether it’s for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or just to jazz up a regular weeknight meal, this casserole will be a hit on any table. Mix it up, bake it, and enjoy the comforting flavors in every bite!
N/A
Servings
256
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
mashed potatoes
3.5 cups (hot or cold, can use a little less)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened to room temperature)
onion powder
1/2 teaspoon (or use 1/3 cup chopped yellow onion)
eggs
2 (slightly beaten)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
butter
3 tablespoons (melted (optional, add if potatoes don't already have butter mixed in))
French-fried onions
3.5 ounces (1 can) (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
2
Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes with the softened cream cheese, onion powder, beaten eggs, and flour.
4
Using a hand mixer or standing mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until blended.
5
Increase the speed to high and continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
6
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a balanced flavor.
7
Carefully spoon the mashed potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8
Sprinkle the French-fried onions evenly over the surface of the potato mixture for a crunchy topping.
9
Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until it is heated through and the top is golden brown.
10
Serve warm and enjoy as a delicious side dish!
Nutrition Information
13.5g
Fat
24g
Carbs
5.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole?
It is a side dish that transforms leftover mashed potatoes into a fluffy, creamy casserole using cream cheese and a crispy French-fried onion topping.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include 3.5 cups of mashed potatoes, 8 ounces of cream cheese, onion powder, 2 eggs, and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
How long does this casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until heated through and the top is golden brown.
Can I use cold mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can use either hot or cold leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9-inch square baking dish is recommended for this casserole.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly grease the baking dish with cooking spray or butter before adding the potato mixture.
Can I use fresh onions instead of onion powder?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder with 1/3 cup of chopped yellow onion.
What is the purpose of the eggs in this casserole?
The slightly beaten eggs act as a binder and help create a light, fluffy texture when mixed and baked.
Why is flour added to the potato mixture?
Two tablespoons of all-purpose flour help stabilize the mixture and give the casserole its structure.
Should the cream cheese be cold or softened?
The cream cheese should be softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly with the potatoes.
What kind of mixer should I use?
You can use either a hand mixer or a standing mixer to beat the ingredients together.
How do I achieve a fluffy texture?
Start by blending on medium speed, then increase to high speed and continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy.
When should I add the French-fried onions?
Sprinkle the French-fried onions evenly over the top of the mashed potato mixture just before putting it in the oven.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 256 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains about 13.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 24g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this casserole provide?
Each serving provides about 5.5g of protein.
Do I need to add butter to the recipe?
Butter is optional; add 3 tablespoons of melted butter if your leftover mashed potatoes do not already have butter mixed in.
How should I season the casserole?
Season with salt and pepper to taste before spooning the mixture into the baking dish.
Is this recipe considered a main dish or a side dish?
It is categorized as a side dish, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Can I make this if I have slightly less than 3.5 cups of potatoes?
Yes, the recipe notes that you can use a little less than 3.5 cups of mashed potatoes if needed.
Should I cover the dish with foil while baking?
No, the casserole should be baked uncovered to allow the onions to get crispy and the top to brown.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include comfort food, side dish, easy recipe, and leftover recipe.
How do I know the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when it is heated through and the French-fried onion topping is golden brown.
Can this be made in advance?
While the recipe describes baking immediately, you can mix the components ahead of time and bake when ready.
Is there any fiber or sugar information available?
Specific fiber and sugar values are not provided in the nutrition data for this recipe.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including optional butter and seasonings.
What is the best way to serve this?
Serve it warm directly from the baking dish as a comforting side to meat or vegetable mains.
What makes this casserole different from standard mashed potatoes?
The addition of cream cheese, eggs, and flour creates a soufflé-like fluffy texture, topped with the crunch of fried onions.