Creamy Thanksgiving Potato Bake
Celebrate Thanksgiving with this rich, creamy potato bake that elevates traditional mashed potatoes to a new level. With a blend of sour cream, creamy neufchatel cheese, and buttery goodness, this dish is not only a time-saver but a crowd-pleaser. Perfectly seasoned and beautifully garnished with sweet Hungarian paprika, this casserole is an elegant addition to your holiday table. Whether you're hosting a large gathering or bringing a dish to share, this make-ahead recipe is designed for convenience without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this potato bake as family and friends gather around the table, creating cherished memories together.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baking potatoes
10 large (peeled and quartered)
Low-fat sour cream or sour cream
1 cup (as is)
Neufchatel cheese or cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (softened to room temperature and cut into chunks)
Unsalted butter
6 tablespoons (divided, melted)
Minced onion flakes
2 tablespoons (or fresh, if preferred)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Sweet Hungarian paprika
to garnish (as is)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the peeled and quartered baking potatoes into a large stock pot and covering them with cold water.
2
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the potatoes simmer for 20-25 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
3
Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot (without heat). Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the potatoes to your desired consistency.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with sour cream, neufchatel cheese, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, minced onion flakes, and salt. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5
Transfer the creamy potato mixture into a greased 9x13-inch glass baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6
Using the back of a wooden spoon, create shallow craters or dimples across the surface of the potatoes to hold the melted butter.
7
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it generously over the mashed potatoes, ensuring some butter fills in the craters.
8
Sprinkle a light dusting of sweet Hungarian paprika over the top for garnish.
9
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven set at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 40 minutes.
10
After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crisp.
11
For a make-ahead option, prepare the potato mixture up to the foil-covered stage and refrigerate overnight. Before baking, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for a Creamy Thanksgiving Potato Bake.
What are the main ingredients needed?
You will need baking potatoes, sour cream, Neufchatel cheese, unsalted butter, minced onion flakes, salt, and sweet Hungarian paprika.
How many potatoes are required?
The recipe calls for 10 large baking potatoes.
How should the potatoes be prepared before boiling?
The potatoes should be peeled and quartered.
How long do the potatoes need to simmer?
Simmer the potatoes for 20-25 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
Can I use cream cheese instead of Neufchatel cheese?
Yes, you can use either Neufchatel cheese or standard cream cheese.
Is low-fat sour cream acceptable?
Yes, you can use either regular sour cream or low-fat sour cream.
How much butter is used in total?
A total of 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter is used.
How is the butter divided in the recipe?
Use 4 tablespoons in the potato mixture and the remaining 2 tablespoons for drizzling on top.
Can I use fresh onion instead of flakes?
Yes, you can substitute minced onion flakes with fresh onion if preferred.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A greased 9x13-inch glass baking dish is recommended.
What is the purpose of creating dimples on the potato surface?
Shallow craters or dimples are created to hold the melted butter drizzled over the top.
What garnish is applied before baking?
A light dusting of sweet Hungarian paprika is used for garnish.
What is the oven temperature for this bake?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long should the dish be baked while covered?
Bake the dish tightly covered with aluminum foil for 40 minutes.
Do I need to bake it uncovered at any point?
Yes, after the initial 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
How do I know when the potato bake is done?
The bake is finished when the top is golden and slightly crisp.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture up to the foil-covered stage and refrigerate it overnight.
How should I handle the dish if it has been refrigerated?
Allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven.
What texture should the potato mixture have?
The mixture should be stirred until it is smooth and creamy.
Is the butter melted before being added?
Yes, the butter should be melted for both the mixture and the drizzle.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or more to taste.
Should the Neufchatel cheese be cold or softened?
The cheese should be softened to room temperature and cut into chunks for easier mixing.
What type of paprika is best for this recipe?
Sweet Hungarian paprika is specifically recommended for its flavor and color.
Should I start the potatoes in hot or cold water?
Begin by covering the potatoes with cold water before bringing it to a boil.
What equipment is needed to mash the potatoes?
You can use a potato masher or a simple fork.
Is this a side dish or a main course?
It is intended as an elegant side dish, particularly for holiday meals like Thanksgiving.
Does this recipe contain meat?
No, this is a vegetarian-friendly side dish.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While servings are not specified, a 9x13 dish typically serves 8 to 12 people as a side.
What makes this dish different from regular mashed potatoes?
The addition of Neufchatel cheese, sour cream, and a double-bake process with a butter-drizzled crust elevates it.