Description
This Million Dollar Mashed Potato Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy side dish perfect for holiday meals or family dinners. It combines precooked mashed potatoes with cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese, then is topped with a crispy, buttery breadcrumb and cheddar cheese crust for a decadent twist on traditional mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Mixture
- 2 (24-oz) packages precooked mashed potatoes
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Topping
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
- ⅓ cup Italian bread crumbs
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (from the 1½ cups divided above)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Potato Base: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the precooked mashed potatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This mixture should be creamy and well blended.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, and Italian bread crumbs together until combined.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumb and cheese mixture evenly over the top of the potato layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- You can substitute regular bread crumbs if Italian bread crumbs are unavailable.
- For an extra crispy topping, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- This casserole pairs well with roasted meats and vegetables, making a complete comfort meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
