Bess' Mashed Potato Casserole
A creamy, cheesy mashed potato casserole with chive cream cheese and a hint of paprika, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and cook the potatoes until tender.
- Mash the cooked potatoes with cream cheese and sour cream.
- Add butter and sprinkle paprika on top.
- If the mixture is too thick, add milk to reach desired consistency.
- Transfer to a casserole dish and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a potato ricer instead of a masher. If you're out of chive cream cheese, plain cream cheese mixed with chopped chives works well. Experiment with different seasonings such as garlic powder or fresh herbs for added flavor. This dish can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Bess' Mashed Potato Casserole makes a delightful side dish for holiday dinners or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, serve alongside Individual Apple Dumplings for dessert or a light soup to start. This comforting dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover with foil to prevent drying out and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. For a quick reheat, you can also use the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bess' Mashed Potato Casserole contains roughly 724 calories, with 12g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (48% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for mashed potatoes due to their starchy texture and ability to become fluffy when mashed. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they won't give you the creamy consistency desired for this casserole.
Can I add other ingredients to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your casserole by adding cooked bacon, shredded cheese, or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be mindful of the moisture content if you add ingredients that may release water during baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).