Here’s a delicious and comforting recipe for Potato Casserole that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. This dish is perfect for family dinners, holidays, or as a hearty side for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (about 900g) russet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or milk (for a lighter version)
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (60g) butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (50g) finely chopped onion (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and cube the potatoes into small chunks (about 1-inch cubes). Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes well.
2. Mash the potatoes:
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked potatoes until smooth (you can use a potato masher or an electric mixer).
3. Prepare the casserole mixture:
- Add the sour cream, heavy cream (or milk), shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme (or rosemary, if using), and salt and pepper to the mashed potatoes. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and the cheese is well incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. Assemble the casserole:
- Transfer the mashed potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- (Optional) Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole for a crunchy, golden crust.
5. Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- If you added breadcrumbs and want a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end (just be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn).
6. Garnish and serve:
- Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips:
- Add-ins: You can add bacon bits, cooked sausage, or sautéed vegetables (like mushrooms or spinach) to make the casserole heartier.
- Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend. Gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack are great alternatives to cheddar.
- Make-ahead: This casserole can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the casserole, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to increase the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Spicy option: For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the potato mixture.
This Potato Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s sure to be a hit at your next meal!