Creamy Holiday Potato Bake
This Creamy Holiday Potato Bake is a cherished family recipe passed down from my mother, transforming ordinary potatoes into a decadent side dish perfect for any festive gathering. Its rich, creamy texture is achieved through the combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and butter, ensuring each spoonful is delightful and indulgent. The beauty of this dish lies not just in its flavor but also in its convenience; you can prepare it ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more moments with your loved ones on the big day. A sprinkling of paprika adds a touch of warmth and color, making it not just delicious, but visually appealing too. This dish is not just a staple for holiday dinners; it's a comforting indulgence that keeps family traditions alive.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
5 lbs (peeled and cooked)
cream cheese
8 ounces (room temperature)
butter
1/4 cup (softened)
sour cream
1/2 cup
milk
1/2 cup
eggs
2
onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
salt
1 teaspoon
pepper
1 dash
paprika
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and cooking 5 lbs of potatoes until tender. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat the hot potatoes using a mixer or potato masher until completely smooth and fluffy.
3
Cut the cream cheese into small pieces and add it to the warm mashed potatoes, along with the softened butter. Beat until well incorporated and no lumps remain.
4
In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, milk, eggs, and chopped onion. Mix well and pour this mixture into the potato bowl.
5
Season the potato mixture with salt and a dash of pepper. Continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
6
Transfer the mashed potato mixture into a greased 9-inch casserole dish, smoothing out the top for an even bake.
7
Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to firm up.
8
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the plastic wrap, sprinkle a dash of paprika over the top for added color, and bake for 1 hour or until the top is lightly browned and puffy.
9
Serve warm and enjoy the compliments!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Holiday Potato Bake?
It is a cherished family recipe passed down from the author's mother that transforms ordinary potatoes into a decadent, creamy side dish.
How many pounds of potatoes are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 lbs of potatoes.
How should the potatoes be prepared initially?
The potatoes should be peeled and cooked until tender, then drained and allowed to cool slightly.
What creates the rich, creamy texture of this dish?
The texture is achieved through a combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and butter.
How much cream cheese is needed?
You will need 8 ounces of room temperature cream cheese.
How much butter is used in the potato bake?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of softened butter.
Is there onion in this potato dish?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 cup of chopped onion.
How much sour cream is added to the mixture?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sour cream.
Does this recipe include milk?
Yes, 1/2 cup of milk is used in the liquid mixture.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 2 eggs.
What is the recommended amount of salt?
You should use 1 teaspoon of salt.
What is used as a garnish for color and warmth?
A dash of paprika is sprinkled over the top for color and warmth.
What tools can I use to mash the potatoes?
You can use an electric mixer or a potato masher until the potatoes are smooth and fluffy.
What size casserole dish should I use?
The recipe recommends a 9-inch casserole dish.
Should the casserole dish be greased?
Yes, the mashed potato mixture should be transferred into a greased casserole dish.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it for several hours or overnight.
How should I store the dish in the refrigerator?
Cover the casserole with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.
At what temperature should the potato bake be cooked?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does the potato bake need to stay in the oven?
It should bake for 1 hour.
How do I know when the potato bake is done?
It is done when the top is lightly browned and puffy.
What should I do with the plastic wrap before baking?
Remove the plastic wrap before putting the dish in the oven.
When should the paprika be added?
The paprika should be sprinkled over the top just before baking.
What is the final texture of the mashed potatoes?
The final mixture should be light, fluffy, and completely smooth.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is tagged as a great recipe for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
What category of food does this fall into?
It is categorized as a side dish and comfort food.
Should the potatoes be hot when I add the cream cheese?
Yes, adding cream cheese and butter to warm mashed potatoes helps them incorporate smoothly.
Can I use pepper in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding a dash of pepper.
Is this a good dish for festive gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for any festive gathering.
What is the preparation style for the onion?
The onion should be chopped before being added to the mixture.
Should this dish be served warm or cold?
It should be served warm for the best experience.