Easy Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole

Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole gets a little flavor love with the addition of sour cream and cream cheese.

This recipe is the perfect make-ahead side dish that can be reheated in the oven or the microwave.

These creamy potatoes are fluffy with a nice buttery flavor.

Perfect if you ask me!

The Potatoes

For this recipe you’ll need 5 pounds of russet potatoes, or about 6 bakers. I find this variety of potato to yield the perfect smooth and creamy consistency.

No gritty or gluey mashed potatoes here. Please tell me you know what I’m referring to :)

The Cooking Method

Peel and cut potatoes into about 6-8 pieces each and place in large pot of salted cold water. Add a bay leaf, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, a couple garlic cloves and salt to the water. Thank you to the Kitchn for this recipe tip!

We’re going to take advantage of any opportunity to infuse flavor into our potatoes. If you don’t want flecks of thyme leaves in your potatoes you can place the fresh herbs in a cheese cloth bundle, then discard after boiling.

Cook potatoes just until *fork tender, then drain and return to the hot cooking pot to dry. Remove and discard the thyme and bay leaf before mashing.

*the ideal way to achieve fork tender potatoes is when you can insert a fork easily but still lift the potato from the water before it falls off. Not scientific, but tried and true.

I still use a good old fashioned potato masher but have heard of great results when using a potato ricer as well. For best results, please resist the urge to use an electric mixer which tends to deliver a gluey mash.

Add the following ingredients to the mashed potatoes:

• butter (1/2 cup)
• cream cheese (8 ounces)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• salt & pepper to taste

Continue to mash until well combined. Transfer potatoes to a 9×13 baking dish. Add dollops of butter to top, cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

The beauty of this recipe is it can be made up to 2 days in advance of serving. And you can reheat in the oven or microwave.

Oven Heating Method

Oven heating is my preferred method because we love the buttery golden top.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Remove potatoes from refrigerator and allow to rest at room temperature
• Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes or lightly browned and heated through
• Heating times will vary depending on oven and if multiple dishes are being heated together
• Tent with foil If casserole begins to brown too quickly

Microwave Heating Method

Reheating in the microwave comes in very handy, especially during the holidays when oven space is in high demand.

• Microwave potatoes uncovered on high in one minute increments
• Stir after each minute, until hot

Family Favorite Side Dishes

If you’re planning your Thanksgiving or Holiday menu, here are a few our our family’s favorite side dishes.

• Three Cheese Mac ‘n’ Cheese
• Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar & Pecans
• Summer Squash Casserole
• Herb Browned Butter Stuffing
• Fresh Green Bean & Mushroom Casserole with Crispy Shallots

Everyone loves mashed potatoes. When you’re planning a big meal, go ahead and make this side dish in advance. One less thing to worry about as you’re enjoying the company of friends and family.

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All my best,
xo Libby