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- 4 large russet potatoes - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese - ½ cup cream cheese - ½ cup sour cream - ½ cup milk - 3 tablespoons butter - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - ¼ cup green onions for garnish - ½ cup crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers To make my Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole, I start with four large russet potatoes. I peel and cube them for cooking. These potatoes give the casserole its creamy base and fluffy texture. Next, I add one cup of sharp cheddar cheese, which brings a rich, cheesy taste. Cream cheese and sour cream follow. They add creaminess and a slight tang. Then, I mix in half a cup of milk and three tablespoons of butter. This combination makes the mash smooth and luscious. For flavor, I sprinkle in garlic powder and onion powder. These spices enhance the dish without overpowering it. Finally, I season with salt and fresh black pepper. I use green onions for garnish, adding a pop of color and a fresh crunch. Crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers top off the casserole, giving it a delightful crunch. This dish is simple but packed with flavor. You can find the complete recipe for making this cheesy delight in the Full Recipe section. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Cook the potatoes in salted water. Add the cubed potatoes and boil for 15 to 20 minutes. They should be fork-tender. - Drain and dry potatoes. Return them to the pot and keep on low heat for a few minutes to remove extra moisture. - Mash the potatoes with butter and cream cheese. This makes them creamy and rich. - Incorporate sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until smooth and creamy. - Fold in cheddar cheese. Save a bit for the top. - Prepare the casserole dish by greasing it first. This helps with easy serving. - Add toppings and bake. Sprinkle the reserved cheese and breadcrumbs on top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown. For the full recipe, check out the Cheddar Bliss Mashed Potato Casserole. To get the best texture for your Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole, start with russet potatoes. They have a high starch content, which makes them fluffy. Boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender. After draining, let them sit for a few minutes to dry out. This helps keep your mash creamy. To boost the flavor, try adding fresh herbs like chives or parsley. You can also mix in spices like paprika or cayenne for a kick. When it comes to cheese, sharp cheddar works great, but feel free to mix in some mozzarella. This adds a nice stretch and creaminess. Garnish your casserole with chopped green onions for a fresh look. For extra color, sprinkle some paprika on top. When serving, dish out the casserole hot and bubbly. Pair it with a fresh salad or roasted veggies to make a complete meal. {{image_4}} You can make this dish even better with a few fun twists. Adding bacon or ham gives it a savory kick. Just cook the bacon crispy, chop it up, and mix it in with the cheese. You can also add diced ham for a hearty touch. Experimenting with different cheeses can change the flavor, too. Try gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Each cheese adds a new layer of taste to your mashed potato casserole. If you're looking for gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can find these in most stores. They still give the dish that crunchy topping without the gluten. For a plant-based version, swap out the dairy ingredients. Use almond milk instead of regular milk. You can also try vegan cream cheese and sour cream. This way, everyone can enjoy the casserole, no matter their diet. Scaling the recipe is easy for larger gatherings. Just double the ingredients and use a bigger casserole dish. This way, you have enough for everyone at the party. If you're cooking for fewer people, make mini casseroles. Use small ramekins or muffin tins. This makes for great single servings, and they look adorable on the table. For the full recipe, check out the Cheddar Bliss Mashed Potato Casserole 🥔. After you enjoy your Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. This way, your casserole stays creamy and tasty. The casserole lasts for up to four days in the fridge. Be sure to reheat it well before serving again. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great choice. First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place it in a freezer-safe container. This helps keep it from getting freezer burn. You can freeze the casserole for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it is hot all the way through. You can get creative with any leftover casserole. Consider making potato cakes by mixing in some flour and frying them until golden. Or, use them as a filling for savory stuffed peppers. You can also serve them as a side dish with grilled meats. This adds a new twist and reduces waste. Each idea makes your meals fun and different! You can prepare this casserole a day in advance. Make the mashed potatoes and place them in a dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add the toppings. Bake it as instructed in the recipe. It saves time and makes serving easier. Yes, you can use other cheeses if you wish. Try gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack. Each will add its unique flavor to the dish. Mix and match your favorites to create a blend you love. This casserole pairs well with many dishes. Serve it with roasted chicken or grilled steak. It also goes great with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. You can even enjoy it with hearty soups! Yes, you can make a vegan version. Use plant-based butter, cheese, and sour cream. Substitute milk with almond or oat milk. Make sure to check labels for dairy-free options. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy delight! To avoid lumps, use starchy potatoes like russets. Cook them until they are fork-tender. When mashing, be gentle and use a ricer or hand masher. Add warm butter and cream for a smooth texture. The key is to mix well without overworking the potatoes. For the complete details, check the Full Recipe. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole. We explored the key ingredients, detailed step-by-step instructions, and shared helpful tips and tricks. I offered variations for different tastes and dietary needs, along with storage advice for leftovers. Creating this dish is simple and fun. You can customize it to suit any meal or occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors and the warmth it brings to your table. Cooking should be joyful, so take these ideas and make them your own!

Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Cheddar Bliss Mashed Potato Casserole! This creamy, cheesy delight combines sharp cheddar with perfectly mashed russet potatoes, creating a dish that's rich in flavor and perfect for any gathering. Easy to make and topped with crispy breadcrumbs, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Click through to explore the full recipe and turn your meal into a cheesy masterpiece everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, plus extra for topping

½ cup cream cheese, softened

½ cup sour cream

½ cup milk

3 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

¼ cup green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)

½ cup crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Cook the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cubed potatoes and let them cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until fork-tender.

      Drain and Dry: Carefully drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Place the pot back on low heat for a few minutes to help evaporate any excess moisture, which will ensure a creamy texture.

        Mash the Potatoes: Add the butter, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pot with the drained potatoes. Mash the mixture until it's smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

          Incorporate the Cheese: Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, saving a small handful to sprinkle on top of the casserole later. Mix until the cheese is fully incorporated throughout the mashed potatoes.

            Prepare the Casserole Dish: Transfer the creamy potato mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly for uniform baking.

              Add Toppings: Evenly distribute the reserved cheddar cheese over the top of the mashed potato mixture. Then sprinkle the crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top to add a delightful crunch.

                Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and bubbly.

                  Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, garnish with the chopped green onions for a fresh touch.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes | Servings: 8

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole steaming hot, straight from the oven. For an appealing touch, add a final sprinkle of green onions on top for color and vibrant freshness. Enjoy this comforting side dish that’s sure to delight!