This Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It combines buttery potatoes with a hint of garlic, topped with crispy cheese—you won’t be able to resist!
Honestly, it’s hard to choose what I love most—the creamy potatoes or that golden cheese crust on top. Perfect for sharing, but good luck keeping leftovers! 😂
I love making this casserole because it’s a crowd-pleaser. Just whip up the ingredients, bake, and watch everyone smile as they dig in. So simple and so tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are perfect for mashing due to their high starch content. If you want a creamier texture, you can substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder, but fresh really shines in this recipe.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and a slight tang. For a lighter version, you could use Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream instead.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. You could also use Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses for variety.
Chives/Green Onions: These add a fresh touch. If you can’t find them, fresh parsley or even cooked bacon bits can be great substitutes for added flavor.
How Do You Get the Creamiest Mashed Potatoes?
The trick to creamy mashed potatoes starts with the right cooking technique. First, make sure you cook the potatoes until they’re very tender. This ensures they mash easily.
- After boiling, drain well, and let them steam in the pot for a minute to get rid of excess moisture.
- Use a potato masher or ricer for a smooth texture. Avoid electric mixers, as they can make your potatoes gummy.
- When adding butter, sour cream, and milk, mix slowly to avoid overworking the potatoes.
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a beautifully creamy and flavorful mashed potato casserole that everyone will love!
How to Make Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk (adjust for desired creaminess)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, plan for about 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Potatoes and Garlic:
In a large pot, add the peeled and quartered potatoes along with the whole garlic cloves. Fill the pot with salted water until the potatoes are covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, which will take about 20 minutes.
3. Drain and Dry:
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them along with the garlic well. Return the potatoes and garlic back to the hot pot and let them sit for a minute to dry out any excess moisture.
4. Mash the Potatoes:
Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes and garlic together until nice and smooth. This is where you can decide how smooth you want them—leave a few lumps if you like some texture!
5. Mix in Ingredients:
Add the softened butter, sour cream, and milk to the mash. Stir until creamy and smooth. Feel free to adjust the milk depending on how creamy you like your potatoes.
6. Add Cheese and Chives:
Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the chopped chives. Don’t forget to season generously with salt and pepper, mixing well.
7. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Pour the fluffy mashed potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
8. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes.
9. Bake:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top. If you want an extra crispy top, you can broil for 2-3 minutes, just be sure to keep an eye on it!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, you can garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley if you like. Serve it warm as the perfect side dish for your meal!
Enjoy this warm, cheesy, garlicky comfort dish as a delicious addition to your table! 🍽️
Can I Use Different Potatoes for This Casserole?
Yes, while russet potatoes are great for mashing due to their texture, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier finish. Just keep in mind that different potatoes may alter the flavor and consistency slightly.
How Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly! Just ensure that your cheese and sour cream are sourced from vegetarian-friendly brands if that’s a concern for you.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mashed potatoes a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and bake straight from the fridge, possibly adding a few minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
