Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

Nothing screams comfort food like jazzed up mashed potatoes.

This version has cheesy deliciousness written all over it!

You know what's fun?

Adding cheese to mashed potatoes.

Other things I'm finding fun.

• Coffee dates with my girlfriends.
• Grocery shopping by myself.
• Wearing leggings and blousy sweatshirts now the weather has cooled down.
• Watching our oldest play football.
• Baking with ALL THE PUMPKIN {this dessert}.
• Following these women {eunamaes, Emma Hicks and The Lemon Bowl} on Instagram.

The moral here is to find little things FUN.  Life is short.  Enjoy what makes you happy.  And you know what really makes me happy?

Adding ALL THE THINGS to mashed potatoes.

My oldest requested mashed potatoes for dinner weeks ago and well, life got in the way, and it took me a long time to actually get them on the table.

Instead of our usual version, I jazzed these up, added a TON of stuff and baked them off in the oven.  Not traditional, but very delicious.

And since I'm a food blogger and we work ahead {Christmas recipes in October, Valentine's Day sweets in early January, 4th of July treats in May...you get the picture} I'm making Thanksgiving side dishes in late September.

It's what I do.

For the last few years I've had many, many Thanksgiving recipes go haywire {in a good way} on the interwebs.  Remember this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese?  This Iowa Pumpkin Sheet Cake?  Or this version of Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes?  Maybe this Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole?

All are good.

This new one is good.

You need to pick ONE {or all four} and have them grace your holiday table this year. It's never too early to start planning!

Double, super, added bonus to this Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole?  You can make it ahead.  Up to 3 days ahead!  

It keeps brillantly in the fridge, sealed tight - again, ideal for Thanksgiving.  Prepping side dishes ahead is pretty much a needed given on this busy, Thursday holiday.

Enjoy this one - it's a keeper!

Yield: 8-10Author: Ally

Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

A great prep-ahead comfort casserole! Ideal for the holidays, this cheesy, rich potato dish is a big hit.

prep time: 20 minscook time: 45 minstotal time: 65 mins

ingredients

• 6 large potatoes
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese + add'l 1/2 cup
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 egg
• 1 T. minced onion flakes
• 1 t. garlic powder
• 1 t. salt
• 1 t. pepper

instructions

1. Scrub, wash and peel the potatoes.  Cut the potatoes into thirds.  If using an Instant Pot to cook them, place in the pot, cover with water and set to 6 minutes.  When finished, release the steam, drain and place in a large mixing bowl.  If using the stovetop method, put the potatoes in a pot, cover with water and bring to a boil.  When fork tender, drain and place in the large mixing bowl.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees if baking right away.  Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
3. Add all ingredients to the mixing bowl and using a potato masher or hand-held mixer combine with the soft potatoes until smooth.  Taste to adjust any seasonings.
4. Transfer the potatoes to the baking dish.  Cover with foil.  If not baking immediately, place in the fridge for up to 3 days.  Otherwise bake for 45 minutes.  Uncover and sprinkle with the additional 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes until melted.
5. Serve warm.

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