Creamy Herb Mashed Potato Casserole
This Creamy Herb Mashed Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that can be prepared ahead of time for easy entertaining. Featuring a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and fresh green onions, these mashed potatoes are not only creamy but also infused with a delightful herby flavor thanks to the minced parsley and a touch of marjoram. Perfect as a side dish for holidays or cozy family dinners, this casserole can be made days in advance, refrigerated, and simply baked when you're ready to serve. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with roasted meats and gravies.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
3.5 lbs (about 10 medium potatoes) (peeled and cut into chunks)
Cream cheese
1/2 lb (softened)
Butter
1/4 cup (unsalted, softened)
Green onions
1 cup (chopped)
Sour cream
1 cup
Fresh parsley
1/2 cup (minced)
Dried marjoram
1 pinch
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Coarse fresh breadcrumbs
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes and cook for about 20 minutes, or until tender but not mushy. Drain the potatoes in a colander and allow them to cool slightly.
2
Once the potatoes are manageable, peel them and place them in a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until smooth. Avoid using an electric mixer to maintain a fluffy texture.
3
Incorporate the softened cream cheese and butter into the mashed potatoes until fully melted and combined. This will result in a creamy and rich base.
4
Stir in the chopped green onions, sour cream, minced parsley, dried marjoram, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until all ingredients are well-combined and you achieve a creamy consistency.
5
Transfer the mashed potato mixture into an 8-inch (2-liter) baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
6
Evenly sprinkle the coarse breadcrumbs over the surface of the casserole.
7
At this point, the casserole can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 week. If frozen, be sure to thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through and the top is lightly golden. For refrigerated casseroles, you may need to add about 10 minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Herb Mashed Potato Casserole?
It is a comfort food side dish featuring mashed potatoes blended with cream cheese, sour cream, and fresh herbs, topped with breadcrumbs and baked.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 10 people.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
The potatoes should be boiled for about 20 minutes or until they are tender but not mushy.
Should I use an electric mixer to mash the potatoes?
No, it is recommended to use a potato masher to maintain a fluffy texture and avoid making the potatoes too dense.
What makes these mashed potatoes so creamy?
The combination of softened cream cheese, butter, and sour cream creates a very rich and creamy consistency.
What herbs are used for flavoring?
The recipe uses chopped green onions, minced fresh parsley, and a pinch of dried marjoram.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is specifically designed to be made ahead of time for easier entertaining.
How long can I store the unbaked casserole in the refrigerator?
The prepared casserole can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
Can I freeze the mashed potato casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole for up to 1 week. Be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours before baking.
What is the correct baking temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake it for approximately 20 minutes until heated through and the top is golden.
Do I need to adjust baking time if the casserole was refrigerated?
Yes, if the casserole is being baked straight from the refrigerator, you may need to add about 10 minutes to the baking time.
What kind of topping is used for this casserole?
The dish is topped with a half cup of coarse fresh breadcrumbs.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How much cream cheese is required?
You will need 1/2 lb of softened cream cheese.
What type of butter should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter.
How many green onions are used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chopped green onions.
How much sour cream is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of sour cream.
How should the parsley be prepared?
You should use 1/2 cup of fresh parsley that has been minced.
How much marjoram is needed?
Only one pinch of dried marjoram is required.
What size baking dish is needed?
You should use an 8-inch (2-liter) baking dish.
When should I peel the potatoes?
Peel the potatoes after they have been boiled and have cooled enough to be manageable.
Is this a good dish for holiday dinners?
Yes, it is described as a perfect side dish for holidays and cozy family dinners.
What foods pair well with this casserole?
It pairs beautifully with roasted meats and gravies.
How many potatoes should I buy?
The recipe requires 3.5 lbs of potatoes, which is about 10 medium-sized potatoes.
Should the water be salted when boiling potatoes?
Yes, the instructions specify bringing salted water to a boil for the potatoes.
What is the texture of the finished casserole?
The casserole is intended to be creamy, rich, and fluffy with a lightly golden top.
Do I need to season the mixture?
Yes, add salt and pepper to taste before transferring the mixture to the baking dish.
Can I substitute the fresh breadcrumbs?
While the recipe calls for coarse fresh breadcrumbs, you can use available breadcrumbs to achieve a golden topping.
How do I ensure the top is golden?
The breadcrumb topping will naturally turn lightly golden during the 20-minute bake time at 400°F.