Mashed Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 c.cup whole milk
- 6 sprigssprings thyme
- 2dried bay leaves
- 6 tbsp.tbsp unsalted butter
divided, plus more for pan
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 4 lb.4 lb yukon gold potatoes
peeled and cut into 1" pieces
- 3 clovesgarlic
smashed and peeled
- 8 oz.Oz cream cheese
room temperature
- ½ c.cups finely grated parmesan
divided, about 2 oz.
- 2 largeeggs
beaten to blend
- 1 c.cups panko bread crumbs
- sliced chives
for serving
Directions
- 1
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring milk, thyme, bay leaves, 4 tablespoons butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to a simmer. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand 1 hour.
- 2
Preheat oven to 375°. Grease a 2 1/2- to 3-quart baking dish with butter.
- 3
In a large pot, combine potatoes and garlic. Cover with at least 2" water; season with 2 tablespoons salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Reserve 3/4 cup cooking liquid, then drain. Return potatoes and garlic to pot and mash with a potato masher until smooth.
- 4
Meanwhile, return infused milk to a bare simmer over medium heat; discard thyme and bay leaves. Add cream cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan and stir until smooth and melted. Add to mashed potatoes along with eggs. If needed, gradually add reserved cooking liquid until consistency is thick but spreadable; season with salt and pepper. Transfer mixture to prepared dish.
- 5
In a small skillet over medium heat, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Cook, swirling pan, until butter begins to brown and smell nutty, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in panko and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle over mashed potato mixture. Cover pan with foil.
- 6
Bake casserole 10 minutes. Uncover and continue to bake until hot and topping is golden brown, 20 to 22 minutes. Top with chives.
Mashed Potato Casserole
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 3 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Elevate your holiday spread this year with a Mashed Potato Casserole that transcends the ordinary side dish. Forget plain mashed potatoes; this recipe transforms them into a rich, savory centerpiece perfect for your Thanksgiving or Christmas table.
Why This Mashed Potato Casserole Shines
This recipe goes beyond basic mashed potatoes by incorporating ingredients that deliver unparalleled creaminess and depth of flavor. Infused with whole milk, aromatic thyme, and bay leaves, the Yukon Gold potatoes become incredibly luxurious. The addition of rich cream cheese and savory Parmesan cheese ensures a velvety texture and irresistible taste that sets this casserole apart.
What to Expect from This Holiday Favorite
You'll discover a casserole that’s both wonderfully creamy and deeply satisfying. The naturally buttery Yukon Gold potatoes provide a smooth foundation, enhanced by the subtle aromatic notes of garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Each spoonful offers a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture, complemented by the savory depth of Parmesan and the subtle tang of cream cheese, all crowned with a delightful crunch from the panko bread crumbs.
Customization & Variations
While this Mashed Potato Casserole is designed for perfection, you can easily make it your own. For a different cheesy profile, consider swapping out some of the Parmesan for another hard cheese like Gruyere or sharp white cheddar. If you prefer a simpler topping, you could reduce the amount of panko or even omit it for a purely creamy finish. For those who enjoy a different herbal note, a touch of fresh rosemary could be a delightful addition alongside the thyme.
Serving & Context
This hearty Mashed Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, making it an ideal companion for any festive occasion, especially Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners. Serve it as a standout side dish with your roasted turkey or ham, and garnish generously with fresh sliced chives for a vibrant pop of color and refreshing flavor.