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Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole with Parmesan and Panko Topping Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 67 reviews

A creamy and comforting Mashed Potato Casserole featuring Yukon Gold potatoes blended with infused milk, cream cheese, and Parmesan, topped with nutty browned butter panko breadcrumbs, then baked to golden perfection. This hearty side dish is perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Infused Milk

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 6 sprigs thyme
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Mashed Potatoes

  • 4 lb. Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt (for boiling water)

Mash Mixture

  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, divided
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 oz.), divided
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Topping

  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • Sliced chives, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Infuse the milk: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, 4 tablespoons butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat. Cover and let it steep for 1 hour to infuse flavors.
  2. Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2 1/2- to 3-quart baking dish generously with butter to prevent sticking and add richness.
  3. Cook potatoes and garlic: In a large pot, combine peeled and cut Yukon Gold potatoes with smashed garlic cloves. Cover with at least 2 inches of water, season with 2 tablespoons salt, and bring to a boil. Boil until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. Reserve 3/4 cup of cooking liquid, then drain the potatoes and garlic.
  4. Mash potatoes: Return the drained potatoes and garlic to the pot. Using a potato masher, mash them until smooth and creamy, removing lumps.
  5. Prepare the infused milk mixture: Return the steeped milk to a bare simmer over medium heat. Discard the thyme and bay leaves. Add the cream cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan to the milk, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
  6. Combine mash components: Pour the warm cream cheese and Parmesan milk mixture into the mashed potatoes. Add the beaten eggs. Gradually add reserved cooking liquid as needed to adjust the consistency to thick but spreadable. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Transfer this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  7. Make the topping: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Cook and swirl the pan until the butter browns slightly and emits a nutty aroma, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the panko bread crumbs and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the browned butter panko topping evenly over the mashed potato mixture in the baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  9. Bake the casserole: Bake covered for 10 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking uncovered until the casserole is hot throughout and the topping is golden brown and crisp, about 20 to 22 more minutes.
  10. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle sliced chives over the top for a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • For best results, use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and buttery flavor.
  • You can prepare the infused milk up to a day in advance and keep refrigerated; warm it gently before use.
  • If you prefer a richer topping, substitute some of the panko with crushed Ritz crackers.
  • This casserole can be made ahead of time and reheated; cover with foil and bake until hot.
  • Use fresh herbs if dried bay leaves are unavailable, though the flavor will vary slightly.

Keywords: mashed potato casserole, baked mashed potatoes, creamy potato casserole, holiday side dish, comfort food

Find it online: https://delishfamilyrecipe.com/creamy-mashed-potato-casserole-with-parmesan-and-panko-topping-recipe/