Creamy Garlic Mashed Potato Bake
This delightful Creamy Garlic Mashed Potato Bake is a cherished recipe that has adorned my family's dinner tables for years. Rooted in tradition, this dish combines the ease of instant mashed potatoes with the rich flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and mozzarella, resulting in a decadent pie that is both comforting and impressive. Perfect for gatherings or as a side to your main courses, this bake turns humble mashed potatoes into a show-stopping dish that will leave your guests asking for seconds. The perfectly golden, puffy top is a testament to the wonderful blend of textures and flavors that lie beneath. With simplicity and elegance, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home too!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Instant mashed potatoes
1 package (Prepare according to package directions)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (Stir into potatoes)
Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Mozzarella cheese
1 1/4 cups (Shredded (divided into 1 cup and 1/4 cup))
Paprika
to taste (Sprinkle on top)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to the package directions for 7-8 servings, ensuring they are creamy and smooth.
3
Once the mashed potatoes are ready, stir in the garlic powder, beaten eggs, Parmesan cheese, and one cup of mozzarella cheese until fully combined.
4
Transfer the mashed potato mixture into a greased 9-inch deep dish pie plate, spreading it out evenly.
5
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese generously over the top, then finish with a light dusting of paprika for a pop of color.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is puffy.
7
Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Garlic Mashed Potato Bake?
It is a comforting side dish that combines instant mashed potatoes with garlic, Parmesan, and mozzarella, baked until golden and puffy.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include instant mashed potatoes, garlic powder, eggs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and paprika.
How do I prepare the potatoes for this bake?
Prepare one package of instant mashed potatoes according to the package directions for 7-8 servings, ensuring they are creamy and smooth.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F or 175°C.
How many eggs are required for the mixture?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs to be stirred into the mashed potato mixture.
How much garlic powder should I use?
Use one teaspoon of garlic powder to season the potato mixture.
What types of cheese are used in this dish?
This recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 1/4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How is the mozzarella cheese divided?
One cup of mozzarella is stirred into the potato mixture, and the remaining 1/4 cup is sprinkled on top.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A greased 9-inch deep dish pie plate is recommended for this recipe.
How long does the potato bake need to be in the oven?
Bake the dish for approximately 45 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The dish is done when the top is golden brown and the mixture has become puffy.
Why is paprika added to the recipe?
A light dusting of paprika is added to the top for a pop of color.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, allow the bake to cool slightly before slicing and serving to ensure it sets properly.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of instant?
While the recipe specifies instant potatoes for convenience, you can use an equivalent amount of prepared creamy mashed potatoes.
What is the serving size for the instant potatoes?
The recipe suggests preparing a package sized for 7 to 8 servings.
What texture should the finished bake have?
It should have a creamy, cheesy interior with a golden and puffy top.
Is this a good dish for holiday gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a show-stopping dish perfect for gatherings or as a side for main courses.
Do I need to grease the pie plate?
Yes, the instructions specify using a greased 9-inch deep dish pie plate to prevent sticking.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include comfort food, potato dish, mashed potatoes, bake, dinner party, cheesy, garlic, and vegetarian.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I add extra garlic?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, but you can adjust seasonings to your personal taste.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 6 total ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this dish considered a side dish or a main?
It is primarily intended as a side dish for your main courses.
How do I incorporate the eggs?
The eggs should be beaten first and then stirred into the prepared mashed potatoes along with the cheese and garlic powder.
What gives the dish its 'puffy' look?
The addition of beaten eggs and the baking process helps the potato mixture rise and become puffy.
Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese?
While mozzarella is recommended for its melting quality, you could use other shredded cheeses like Monterey Jack or mild white cheddar.
How do I apply the paprika?
Finish by sprinkling a light dusting of paprika over the mozzarella cheese layer before baking.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, the use of instant mashed potatoes and simple assembly makes it very accessible and easy to prepare.
What makes this recipe traditional?
It is described as a cherished family recipe rooted in tradition that has been served at dinner tables for years.