Description
This Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic featuring tender mashed russet potatoes blended with sour cream, butter, and sharp cheddar, all baked to a golden, bubbly perfection. Enhanced with green onions, garlic powder, and optional add-ins like ranch seasoning and jalapeños, this savory casserole makes an irresistible side dish for any family dinner or holiday feast.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup Sour cream (full-fat or Greek yogurt substitute)
- ½ cup Butter, softened and unsalted
- 1 cup Whole milk, warmed
- 2 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 4 Green onions, chopped
- ½ cup Sour cream, for topping
- 1 cup Cream cheese, optional, for extra creaminess
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix, optional
- 1 Jalapeño, diced, optional
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed russet potatoes into a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash Ingredients: Mash the drained potatoes in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Add the softened butter, warmed milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Add Cheese and Mix-ins: Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese along with chopped green onions. If using, also fold in the cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix at this stage for added richness and flavor. Optionally, add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mashed potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
- Bake Casserole: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, golden, and bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set.
Notes
- You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist and lighter option.
- Add cooked, crumbled bacon on top before baking for extra smokiness and texture.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on your preference and the saltiness of the cheese and seasoning mix.
- For extra creaminess, include the optional cream cheese in the mash.
- To make this dish spicier, add more diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
