Party Potatoes – Irresistible Mashed Potato Casserole
Transform your ordinary mashed potatoes into this Party Potatoes recipe with the perfect combination of creamy goodness and cheesiness from the inside out with cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Whether you’re just making a weeknight dinner or a holiday dinner, this irresistible mashed potato casserole recipe will leave no leftover mashed potatoes. If you have had the hashbrown version of party potatoes you will want to try the mashed potatoes version of party potatoes.
These cheesy potatoes are perfect for holidays like Easter and Christmas. Many people may call a potato casserole like this one funeral potatoes because they are perfect for potlucks, too. But these mashed potatoes are also perfect with things like Salisbury steak. The inspiration for these potatoes came from my college days. In my sorority, 4-H House at the University of Illinois, we made a similar recipe with instant potatoes. After making hashbrown casseroles and loaded twice baked potatoes, I knew it was time to make the mashed potatoes casserole we called party potatoes.
Ingredients
While the ingredients for these mashed potatoes can be switched out for your preferences, here are the essentials for the party potatoes.
- Mashed potatoes – You can make your own mashed potatoes, like these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, or you can use store-bought mashed potatoes like my family’s favorite Bob Evan’s Mashed Potatoes.
- Cream Cheese – A block of cream cheese is perfect in any mashed potato casserole, especially party potatoes.
- Sour Cream – The creamy tanginess of sour cream is needed to give the party potatoes the loaded potato flavors.
- Cheese – Shredded cheddar or Colby-jack cheese is what I recommend to top off the party potatoes. Shredded Americaan cheese can work too.
- Butter
- French Fry Seasoning – The fry seasoning salts are good with all potatoes, not just French fries. This is one of my favorite fry seasoning salts.
- Paprika
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions for How to Make Party Potatoes
Start your Party Potatoes with 8 cups of rich and creamy mashed potatoes. If you are not using store bought mashed potatoes, just boil your peeled potatoes until tender, mash them to perfection, and then add butter, cream, salt, and pepper to taste. This velvety base sets the stage for the extraordinary flavors to come.
Mix the mashed potatoes, melted butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and French fry seasoning in a large bowl. Stir to combine into the base of the mashed potato casserole.
Spread the creamy mashed potato base into a greased casserole dish or 13×9 baking dish. Top off with melted butter.
Sprinkle shredded cheese paprika over the mashed potatoes and then bake in the oven for 30 minutes 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cook the party potato recipe until the edges turn crispy and the tops develop a tantalizing golden color. Remove from the oven and let set for 5 minutes before serving.
When you serve these party potatoes, consider having sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, chives, and sour cream on the side for a loaded baked potato flavor explosion. This loaded mashed potato casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! With its smooth, creamy mashed potato base, it makes for the ultimate potato dish. Perfect for parties or potlucks year-round.
Hint: The cheese topping is a crusty layer of cheese. If you want a softer top, mix the shredded cheese into the mashed potatoes and bake covered with aluminum foil.
Substitutions
If you’re looking to substitute or modify elements in your party potatoes recipe, there are various options for dietary preferences, allergies, or personal taste. Here are some potential substitutions:
- Potato Alternatives:
- Sweet Potatoes: For a sweeter and slightly healthier option.
- Cauliflower: Create a lower-carb version by using mashed cauliflower.
- Butternut Squash: Adds a unique flavor and color to your party potatoes.
- Dairy Substitutes:
- Vegan Butter: Replace traditional butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Coconut Cream: Substitute for heavy cream or milk to achieve a dairy-free and tropical twist.
- Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Cheese Alternatives:
- Vegan Cheese: Use your favorite plant-based cheese to cater to a vegan diet.
- Nut Cheeses: Experiment with cashew or almond-based cheeses for a unique touch.
- Flavor Enhancers:
- Smoked Paprika: Substitute for regular paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: Add a tangy kick to your party potatoes.
- Sriracha or Hot Sauce: Spice things up for those who enjoy the heat.
Variations
You can also experiment with roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or even diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. The variation possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor your Party Potatoes to suit any taste. Here are even more ideas on how to doctor up your party potatoes.
- Loaded Nacho Party Potatoes:
- Mix in taco seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and black olives. Checkout the Papas con Chile Recipe!
- Top with a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro.
- Italian-inspired Pesto Party Potatoes:
- Incorporate basil pesto into your mashed potatoes for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts for a Mediterranean touch.
- Garlic Parmesan Party Potatoes:
- Infuse your mashed potatoes with roasted garlic for a robust flavor.
- Mix in grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and a drizzle of truffle oil for a touch of luxury.
- Buffalo Blue Cheese Party Potatoes:
- Spice things up with buffalo sauce stirred into your mashed potatoes.
- Add crumbled blue cheese, chopped celery, and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a tangy and savory combination.
- Tex-Mex Fiesta Party Potatoes:
- Mix in taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced green chilies.
- Top with shredded Mexican blend cheese, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
- Sweet Potato Maple Pecan Party Potatoes:
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter twist.
- Mix in maple syrup, cinnamon, and a handful of chopped pecans.
- Top with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
- Caramelized Onion and Gouda Party Potatoes:
- Caramelize onions until golden brown and mix them into the mashed potatoes.
- Add shredded Gouda cheese for a rich and smoky flavor.
Essentials for Making Casseroles
All the best tools and ingredients for making the ultimate casseroles. Check out my recommendations for baking dishes, seasonings, and prep tools on my Amazon storefront.
Leftovers and Freezer Meal Option
This potato recipe is great as leftovers. You can store the leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheat in the microwave.
This is a great freezer recipe too. Make the party potatoes and wrap them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label with the recipe name and date made and place in the freezer. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw before baking.
Top tip
For a softer cheese topping, bake the mashed potatoes casserole covered. This will keep the cheese from forming a crusty top and browning.
FAQ
Potato casseroles are staples at potlocks and pitch-ins, especially funeral dinners. This is why the mashed potato casseroles and hashbrown casseroles topped off with corn flakes are called funeral potatoes.
You can absolutely freeze party potatoes before you bake them. Just pull the pan off mashed potato casserole out of the freezer and thaw before baking.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing with Beef
These party potatoes pair well with lots of beef entrees. Here are some of my favorites.
Party Potatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6-8 cups mashed potatoes
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons fry seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Make mashed potatoes or use store bought mashed potatoes.
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with room temperature cream cheese, the sour cream, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, and the fry seasoning.
- Grease a casserole baking dish and pour the mashed potatoes into the pan.
- Top with shredded cheese and sprinkle with paprika for color.
- Bake in a preheated 350℉ oven for 30 minutes until it is golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition
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