Mashed Potato Casserole 2 Recipe

Okay, so you know those moments when you just want a dish that feels like a hug? Well, I’ve got this mashed potato casserole recipe that’s basically comfort food royalty. Imagine rich, cheesy mashed potatoes, layered with crispy bacon and a hint of green onion, all crowned with a golden panko topping that’s somehow both classy and cozy. It’s the kind of dish that’ll make you feel like you’ve just taken your taste buds to a spa day.

I adore crafting soothing meals, and my Potato Casserole 2 delivers in that department. It’s a creamy mash of russets and sour cream, paired perfectly with melted butter and cheddar.

I topped it off with crispy bacon, green onions, and panko, for the essential crunch that separates this from the common casserole.

Ingredients

• Russet Potatoes: Rich in carbohydrates, provides a creamy texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess, contains healthy fats.
• Cheddar Cheese: Contributes protein, calcium, and a savory taste.
• Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and crispness, contains protein.
• Green Onions: Adds a fresh, sharp flavor, contains vitamins A and C.

Ingredient Quantities

• 5 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

How to Make this

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up.

2. Put the potatoes in a big pot, and cover them with cold water. Add a very small amount of salt, if desired. Bring the water and potatoes to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.

3. Empty the pot of the cooked potatoes. Return the potatoes to the pot. Smash the potatoes in the pot until they’re smooth.

4. Combine the ingredients: sour cream, melted butter, and whole milk. Mix until you get a creamy texture.

5. Mix the ingredients into the mashed potatoes. First, add 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Then add the bacon and the green onions. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

6. Put the mixture of mashed potatoes into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.

7. In a basin, mix the leftover 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese with the panko breadcrumbs.

8. Distribute the cheese and breadcrumb combinations uniformly across the potatoes in the baking dish.

9. Put the casserole in a hot oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top looks like it could be sang in a church and the cheese is somehow more melted than it was when the casserole was first put in the oven.

10. Take the casserole out of the oven, and let it cool slightly before you serve it. Then, when it’s cool enough to dish up, enjoy your serving of mashed potato casserole.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large pot
3. Colander
4. Potato masher
5. Mixing bowl
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Greased baking dish
8. Medium bowl
9. Measuring cups
10. Measuring spoons

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of potato?Yukon Gold potatoes can be used for a creamier texture.
• Is Greek yogurt a suitable substitute for sour cream?Certainly, Greek yogurt can serve as a low-fat substitute for a tangy flavor.
• Can this casserole be made ahead of time?Certainly, you can ready the casserole and put it together, cover it, and then chill it for up to one whole day before you pop it in the oven.
• What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?For a similar texture, you can replace them with regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
• How do I make this dish vegetarian?Omit the bacon altogether or substitute it with bits of vegetarian bacon.
• Will a different cheese work in this recipe?You can use any of your favorite cheeses, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a totally different flavor.
• How can I make it extra creamy?An increase in butter and milk will make for a more richly textured, creamier outcome.

Mashed Potato Casserole 2 Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1/2 cup sour cream. Substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
1/4 cup whole milk: Use almond milk or oat milk for a non-dairy version.
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: change it to mozzarella or Monterey Jack and get a new flavor.
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled: For a vegetarian option, use turkey bacon or crumbled tempeh.
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs or smashed crackers as a substitute.

Pro Tips

1. Texture Perfection For extra creamy mashed potatoes, consider adding the sour cream and butter while the potatoes are still hot. This helps them absorb better, resulting in a smoother texture.

2. Flavor Boost When boiling the potatoes, add a couple of garlic cloves to the water. They will cook with the potatoes and add a subtle hint of flavor when mashed together.

3. Uniform Crispiness For an evenly crispy topping, spread the breadcrumb and cheese mixture in a thin, uniform layer. You can also drizzle a bit of melted butter over the breadcrumbs before baking to enhance the crispiness and golden color.

4. Advanced Prep This dish can be made ahead of time. Prepare up to the baking step and store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it a bit longer, about 30 minutes, to ensure it heats through.

5. Customization Tip Feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. You can also garnish with additional green onions or crispy bacon bits right before serving for extra flavor and presentation appeal.