Whipped Mashed Potato Casserole with Cheddar and Chives

Prep: 20 minCook: 45 min6 servingsmediumAmerican
Whipped Mashed Potato Casserole with Cheddar and Chives

A creamy, indulgent side dish that transforms ordinary mashed potatoes into an elegant casserole. The whipped texture creates an incredibly light and fluffy base, while sour cream adds tanginess and richness. Topped with melted cheddar cheese that bubbles to golden perfection, this comforting dish is ideal for holiday dinners, potluck gatherings, and family meals when you want something more special than regular mashed potatoes. The fresh chives provide a mild onion flavor and vibrant color contrast.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 4 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
    Yukon Gold potatoes1:1vegetarian

    creamier texture

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup Milk
    Heavy cream1:1vegetarian

    richer flavor

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup Butter, melted
  • 1 cup Sour cream
    Greek yogurt1:1vegetarian

    tangier flavor, less fat

    Full guide →
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Black pepper
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
    Gruyere cheese1:1vegetarian

    more complex flavor

    Full guide →
  • 2 tbsp Chives, chopped
    Green onions1:1vegetarian

    similar flavor profile

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F

  2. 2

    Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes then drain well

  3. 3

    Whip potatoes with mixer until smooth

  4. 4

    Add milk, butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper then mix until well combined

  5. 5

    Spread potato mixture into greased casserole dish

  6. 6

    Top with shredded cheddar cheese

  7. 7

    Bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly

  8. 8

    Garnish with chopped chives before serving

Tips

Tip 1

Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to achieve the fluffiest texture - avoid overmixing which can make potatoes gluey

Tip 2

Make sure potatoes are well-drained after boiling to prevent a watery casserole

Tip 3

Add warm milk gradually to prevent the mixture from becoming too thin

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate covered up to 3 days

Make Ahead

Can be assembled up to 1 day ahead, cover and refrigerate, then bake before serving

Serve With

Serve hot as a side dish with roasted meats or holiday meals

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Drain potatoes thoroughly to avoid watery texture

Watch

Don't overmix once potatoes are whipped to prevent gluey consistency

Substitutions

Russet potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes1:1vegetarian

creamier texture

Full guide →
Chives
Green onions1:1vegetarian

similar flavor profile

Full guide →
Milk
Heavy cream1:1vegetarian

richer flavor

Full guide →
Sour cream
Greek yogurt1:1vegetarian

tangier flavor, less fat

Full guide →
Cheddar cheese
Gruyere cheese1:1vegetarian

more complex flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to 1 day ahead, cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. You may need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, freeze the unbaked assembled casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking, or bake from frozen adding 15-20 extra minutes.

What if I don't have a mixer?

You can mash by hand with a potato masher, but the texture won't be as light and fluffy. For best results, use a ricer or food mill instead.