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- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 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 pepper to taste - ¼ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish) - ½ cup crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (for topping) I love using russet potatoes for this dish because they mash so well. Their fluffy texture creates a creamy base. The sharp cheddar cheese adds a warm, rich flavor. Cream cheese and sour cream bring a nice tang that pairs perfectly with the cheddar. Garlic and onion powders are my go-to spices for a savory kick. Together, they add depth without overpowering the potato flavor. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste. For the topping, I recommend crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. They add a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy potatoes. Green onions provide a fresh finish. They brighten up the dish and add a pop of color. If you want to make this dish even better, you can check out the Full Recipe for detailed instructions and tips. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Boil and cook the cubed potatoes until tender. - Drain and return potatoes to pot to dry. Start by peeling and cubing four large russet potatoes. This will give you a creamy base for your casserole. Put them in a big pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want them soft when you poke them with a fork. Once cooked, drain the potatoes well. Return them to the pot over low heat. This helps to dry them out a bit more. - Incorporate butter, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, and spices. - Mash until smooth and mix in cheddar cheese. Next, add three tablespoons of butter, half a cup of cream cheese, and half a cup of sour cream. Then, pour in half a cup of milk. Don’t forget to add one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mash everything together until it becomes smooth and creamy. Finally, stir in one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Save a little bit of cheese for the top later. - Transfer potato mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with cheese and breadcrumbs. - Bake until golden and bubbly. Now, take your creamy potato mix and spread it into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Make sure it is even. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese on top. Then, add half a cup of crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a crunchy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden and bubbly top. When done, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. If you want the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your delicious Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole! To get the best texture, use a potato masher. This tool helps make the potatoes creamy and smooth. After boiling, drain the potatoes and let them sit in the pot for a few minutes. This step removes extra moisture, which ensures your casserole isn’t watery. Garnish your Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole with chopped green onions. This adds a nice pop of color and a fresh taste. For sides, pair it with roasted veggies or a crisp salad. These options balance the richness of the casserole. To boost the flavor, try adding spices like paprika or smoked paprika. These spices add warmth and depth. You can also mix in different cheeses. Monterey Jack or even a bit of blue cheese can give your dish a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can make this dish lighter without losing flavor. Here are simple swaps: - Use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream. - Try dairy-free alternatives for a vegan option. - Add veggies like broccoli or spinach for a healthy boost. These changes keep the dish tasty while adding nutrition. Want to mix things up? Here are some ideas: - Swap in Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different cheese. - Add crispy bacon bits for a savory crunch. - Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can brighten up the flavor. Experimenting lets you find your perfect taste. You can prepare this casserole in various ways: - Use an Instant Pot for a quick meal. - Cook it in a slow cooker for easy prep. Both methods give tasty results, saving you time and effort. To store leftovers in the fridge, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the casserole cools down before sealing it. This helps keep it fresh. Cheddar mashed potato casserole lasts about three to five days in the fridge. For the best taste, eat it within this time frame. You can freeze cheddar mashed potato casserole if you want to save some for later. First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cut it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag. This method helps to keep the flavor and texture. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. For reheating, you have two main options: the oven or the microwave. The oven gives a better texture. Preheat it to 350°F and warm the casserole for about 20 minutes. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. The microwave is quicker but can make the texture uneven. Heat it for a few minutes, checking to see if it’s warm all the way through. Both methods work, so pick what suits you best! Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Make the casserole, then cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, just bake it as directed. If freezing, wrap it well and store for up to three months. Remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. You have options for cream cheese. Try using Greek yogurt for a tangy touch. Cottage cheese blended until smooth also works well. Sour cream can replace it, but it alters the taste slightly. Always choose what fits your taste best. Look for a golden, bubbly top. The edges should be slightly crispy. If a knife or fork inserted in the center comes out clean, it’s ready. The dish should be hot all the way through, so give it a good check. Adding meat is a great idea! Cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or ground beef can enhance the dish. Just mix it in before baking. Keep the flavors in mind; meats can add saltiness, so adjust seasoning if needed. To make it gluten-free, swap the breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers. Check the cream cheese and sour cream labels to ensure they are gluten-free. Other than that, the recipe stays the same, and you still get that creamy goodness. For the full recipe, check the details above. This blog post shared a simple, tasty recipe for Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole. We covered essential ingredients and steps to make it just right. You’ll elevate the dish using tips for texture and flavor. Variations let you customize it to suit your taste. Don’t forget how to store leftovers for later enjoyment. This casserole is easy to prepare and always a hit. Now, grab your ingredients and start cooking! Enjoy the comfort of this dish that brings smiles to your table.

Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheddar Bliss Mashed Potato Casserole! Creamy potatoes combined with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and a crispy topping create the perfect side dish for any meal. With easy step-by-step instructions, you’ll have a delicious casserole ready in no time. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your dinner table with this tasty delight!
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Ingredients
  

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

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 pepper to taste

¼ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

½ cup crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.

      Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot over low heat. This will help evaporate any excess moisture.

        Add the butter, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the pot. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.

          Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving a bit to sprinkle on top later. Mix until well combined.

            Transfer the potato mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

              Top the mashed potatoes with the reserved cheddar cheese and then sprinkle the crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top for a crunchy texture.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

                  Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole hot, directly from the oven, with a sprinkle of extra green onions for color and freshness. Enjoy as a comforting side dish!