Mashed potato casserole is a versatile dish made with mashed potatoes and various ingredients. Russet potatoes are the best for mashing, while red and golden potatoes are better for boiling or frying. Recipes vary in ingredients, but the dish is ideal for any occasion and can be prepared ahead of time.
A mashed potato casserole is a hot dish, usually made with potatoes that have first been cooked and mashed and then baked. The additional ingredients can vary depending on the desired taste, texture and nutritional value, but the dish can be prepared in any way that suits the occasion. With mashed potatoes serving as a key ingredient, there are several potato varieties to choose from.
The most common commercially grown potatoes are russet, red, gold, and white. Russet potatoes are perhaps the most popular potato variety, and while the most bitter potato, they are versatile enough to boil, mash, and cook well, making them the ideal potato for mashed potato casseroles. Red potatoes are great for steaming, but not as good for mashing. White and golden potatoes, like red, are smaller than russet potatoes and are better suited for boiling or frying.
There are a number of recipes for mashed potato casserole that vary with the addition of ingredients. Some recipes call for cream cheese, sour cream, butter, cream, and any variety of cheeses. These added ingredients make for a hearty, if somewhat high-calorie casserole. Other recipes may strive to cut fat and calories by using skim milk and seasoning for added flavor. One of the culinary facets of the mashed potato casserole is its versatility in preparation, without greatly affecting the result. Mixing ingredients ranging from chopped bacon and onion to grated cheese and shallot toppings all provide a variety of different final flavors.
The primary method of making mashed potato casserole is to peel, boil, and mash the potatoes and then add any additional ingredients before cooking. Sometimes egg is added to “prep” the dish, but many recipes simply add ingredients that create a creamy texture. Substituting ingredients to accommodate dairy allergies or sensitivities is also simple using non-dairy ingredients and does little to alter the taste and texture of the potato. You can also substitute canned or frozen mashed potatoes for convenience, but the taste and texture will definitely be affected, so experiment before serving.
Recipes for mashed potato casserole are available in a variety of online cooking sites and in a variety of cookbooks and magazines. Often categorized as “comfort” food, the dish is ideal for dinner parties, business lunches, and business lunches of all sizes. Most recipes will allow you to prepare the day before and cook just before serving, allowing for more flexibility. Follow food safety guidelines for all added ingredients and refrigerate or discard leftovers promptly.
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