Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potato Casserole
Indulge in this luscious, creamy mashed potato casserole that's perfect for gatherings and busy holiday dinners. This versatile dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until you're ready to bake, making it a convenient and crowd-pleasing side dish. With its rich blend of sour cream, cream cheese, and buttery goodness, these mashed potatoes have an irresistibly smooth texture. Topped with a golden-brown layer and a sprinkle of paprika, this dish offers both visual appeal and mouthwatering flavor.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
large potatoes
10 (peeled and quartered)
sour cream
8 ounces
cream cheese
8 ounces
butter
6 tablespoons (divided)
dried onion flakes
2 tablespoons
salt
1/2-1 teaspoon
paprika
to garnish (optional)
Instructions
1
Peel the potatoes and quarter them evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
2
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4
Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
5
Mash the potatoes thoroughly, incorporating the sour cream, cream cheese, dried onion flakes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 4 tablespoons of butter.
6
Continue to mash and mix until the butter and cream cheese are fully melted and integrated for a smooth consistency.
7
Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt if necessary.
8
Spread the mashed potato mixture into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
9
In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat and drizzle it evenly over the potato surface.
10
Optionally, sprinkle paprika over the top for added color and flavor.
11
If preparing ahead of time, cover the dish and refrigerate until ready to bake. Allow the refrigerated potatoes to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
12
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
13
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
14
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and the potatoes are heated through completely.
15
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potato Casserole?
It is a luscious and smooth mashed potato side dish prepared with sour cream, cream cheese, and butter, designed to be made in advance for convenience.
How many potatoes do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 10 large potatoes.
How should I prepare the potatoes before boiling?
You should peel the potatoes and quarter them evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
How long should the potatoes be simmered?
Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer the potatoes for 20-25 minutes.
How do I know when the potatoes are ready to be mashed?
The potatoes are ready when they are fork-tender.
What ingredients contribute to the creamy texture?
The creamy consistency comes from a blend of sour cream, cream cheese, and butter.
How much sour cream is used in this casserole?
This recipe uses 8 ounces of sour cream.
How much cream cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of cream cheese.
How much butter is added to the mashed potato mixture?
You mix 4 tablespoons of butter into the mashed potatoes.
What savory flavor is added to the potato base?
Two tablespoons of dried onion flakes are added to the mixture for flavor.
How much salt should I add initially?
Start with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and adjust to taste.
What size baking dish is needed for this recipe?
Use a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
Should the baking dish be prepared in any specific way?
Yes, the baking dish should be greased before adding the potato mixture.
How is the top of the casserole finished before baking?
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the surface and optionally sprinkle with paprika.
Is there a garnish recommended for this dish?
Paprika is recommended as an optional garnish for color and flavor.
Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake.
What should I do if the potatoes have been refrigerated before baking?
Allow the refrigerated potatoes to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before putting them in the oven.
What is the correct oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Do I need to cover the casserole while it bakes?
Yes, cover the dish with foil for the first 40 minutes of baking.
How long does the casserole bake without foil?
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
What is the total baking time for this recipe?
The total baking time is 60 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What is the benefit of removing the foil during the last 20 minutes?
Removing the foil allows the top to become lightly golden.
Why is this dish a good choice for holiday dinners?
Because it can be made ahead of time, it frees up oven space and time during busy gatherings.
How should the butter for the topping be melted?
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
What texture should the potato mixture have before baking?
It should have an irresistibly smooth texture with the butter and cream cheese fully integrated.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the dish?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary after mashing.
Should the potatoes be served warm?
Yes, for best results, serve the dish warm.
Is this dish suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is a crowd-pleasing side dish that is easy to transport and serve.
What is the key to uniform cooking of the potatoes?
Quartering the potatoes evenly before boiling ensures they all cook at the same rate.