Golden Mashed Potato Casserole

Indulge in the Ultimate Comfort: Creamy Mashed Potato Bake with French Fried Onions and Cheese

Are you searching for that perfect side dish to elevate your next meal, effortlessly blending rich flavors with satisfying textures? Look no further! This delectable Mashed Potato Bake is precisely what you need. It combines the velvety smoothness of classic mashed potatoes with the irresistible crunch of French fried onions and the gooey goodness of melted cheddar cheese, all baked to golden perfection.

Potatoes are a beloved staple in countless cuisines worldwide, cherished for their versatility and comforting qualities. From simple boiled potatoes to elaborate gratins, they always find a way to impress. However, sometimes we crave a fresh, exciting twist on familiar favorites. This Mashed Potato Bake offers just that – a delightful reinvention that’s both incredibly easy to prepare and profoundly satisfying. It transforms humble mashed potatoes into a show-stopping casserole that will undoubtedly earn a permanent spot on your family’s favorite recipes list.

This recipe stands out as a superb accompaniment to virtually any main course. Its robust flavor profile complements everything from a simple roasted chicken to a grand holiday ham or beef roast. What makes it even more appealing is its convenience: it’s the ideal dish to pop into the oven when you’re already baking your main course. Simply slide it in, and with minimal fuss, you’ll have a sensational side ready to serve. This ease makes it perfect for busy weeknights, yet its impressive taste makes it suitable for special occasions and festive gatherings.

One of the many benefits of this Mashed Potato Bake is its adaptability. You can effortlessly whip it up using freshly made mashed potatoes, or for an even quicker preparation, repurpose leftover mashed potatoes from a previous meal. This makes it an excellent solution for reducing food waste and streamlining your cooking process. Don’t have any leftovers? Instant mashed potatoes work wonderfully too, allowing you to create this delicious bake in a flash without compromising on flavor or texture. The core concept is simplicity and maximum flavor, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

The secret weapon in this recipe, the element that truly takes it over the top, is the generous topping of crispy French fried onions. These golden, savory morsels add an unparalleled textural contrast and a rich, slightly sweet onion flavor that perfectly balances the creamy potatoes and sharp cheese. Seriously, how could anything topped with French fried onions be anything less than spectacular? They provide that delightful crunch in every spoonful, transforming a simple potato dish into a dynamic culinary experience that everyone will rave about. This Mashed Potato Bake isn’t just food; it’s an experience of layers of flavor and texture that come together in a symphony of comfort.

This Mashed Potato Bake isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create a memorable meal with minimal effort. It embodies everything you love about classic comfort food – hearty, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, a family dinner, or a casual potluck with friends, this cheesy, onion-topped potato casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Its rich flavors and comforting aroma will fill your kitchen, making every moment of preparation a joy and every bite a delight.

For those who appreciate the creamy goodness of potatoes, you might also enjoy another fantastic recipe that takes mashed potatoes to another level. Here is another yummy one:

For a hearty, flavor-packed option, try our Loaded Mashed Potatoes recipe, which features all your favorite baked potato toppings mixed right in!

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Contents

Mashed Potato Bake: The Ultimate Cheesy & Crispy Side

Discover how to make the creamiest mashed potatoes, baked to perfection with layers of savory French fried onions and gooey cheddar cheese. This easy Mashed Potato Bake is an irresistible comfort food side dish, ideal for any meal or gathering.

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

35 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Cuisine:
American

Keyword:
Mashed Potato Bake, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, French Fried Onions

Servings:

6
servings

Calories:

356
kcal

Author:
Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients for the Perfect Mashed Potato Bake

3
cups
mashed potatoes (freshly made, leftover, or even instant for convenience)
1
cup
sour cream (adds incredible creaminess and a subtle tang)
1/4
cup
milk (helps achieve the desired smooth consistency)
1/4
teaspoon
garlic powder (for a gentle aromatic enhancement)
1 1/3
cups
French Fried Onions (the essential crispy topping)
1
cup
shredded cheddar cheese (for that irresistible cheesy layer)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Mashed Potato Bake

Prepare your oven and dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step ensures your delicious potato bake won’t stick and makes serving and cleanup a breeze.
Combine the creamy potato base: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine your mashed potatoes with the sour cream, milk, and garlic powder. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps, as this will affect the final texture of your bake. This mixture forms the luscious foundation of your casserole.
First layer of flavor: Spoon precisely half of your prepared potato mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased casserole dish. This creates the first comforting layer. Next, sprinkle 2/3 cup of French fried onions over this potato layer, followed by 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. This initial layering ensures that every bite will have a delightful blend of creamy potatoes, savory onions, and melted cheese.
Bake to golden perfection: Place the uncovered casserole dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. During this time, the potatoes will heat through, and the cheese will start to melt beautifully. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Top with the remaining half of the potato mixture, spreading it gently. Then, generously sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of French fried onions and the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the onions are perfectly golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Serve hot and enjoy this incredible comfort food!

Notes for Your Mashed Potato Bake

This delightful recipe is inspired by the timeless flavors found in the “Church Suppers Cookbook,” a testament to classic American comfort food. For an even more decadent experience, consider adding a dash of onion powder to your potato mixture for intensified flavor, or a pinch of black pepper for a subtle kick. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or a Colby blend, for varying flavor profiles. For make-ahead convenience, prepare the potato mixture and layer it in the casserole dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time, ensuring it’s thoroughly heated before adding the final toppings.

Nutrition Information (per serving)