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Quick Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Onions

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This Quick Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Onions is the ultimate comfort food side dish, ready in about 30 minutes using leftover or pre-made mashed potatoes. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with crunchy fried onions, it’s a weeknight winner that feels like a holiday hug.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (about 1.5 kg) prepared mashed potatoes, warmed
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk, plus more if needed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups (about 85 g) crispy fried onions (e.g., French’s)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish (8×8-inch or 9-inch round) with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. If using cold leftover mashed potatoes, microwave them for 60-90 seconds until warm but not hot, stirring halfway through.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm mashed potatoes, softened cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined but not overmixed. If too thick, add another tablespoon of milk.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, remembering the crispy onions and extra cheese will add saltiness.
  5. Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  7. Bake on the middle rack for 20 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the cheese is melted.
  8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning, until the onions are golden and fragrant.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature dairy ingredients to avoid lumps. Add crispy onions only in the last 5-7 minutes to keep them crunchy. The casserole can be assembled a day ahead (without onions) and refrigerated; add 10 minutes to baking time. To double the recipe, use a 9×13-inch dish and bake for 25-30 minutes before adding onions.

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed potato casserole, loaded mashed potatoes, crispy onion casserole, quick side dish, comfort food, leftover mashed potatoes, cheesy potatoes

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/quick-loaded-mashed-potato-casserole-with-crispy-onions/