This is one of my ‘oldie but goodie’ recipes from 2017 that I just refreshed with a new video. The best mashed potatoes are the ones that are as smooth and creamy as they can be. These particular ones are made with heavy cream, melted butter, two cheeses (white cheddar and mozzarella), and the addition of fresh rosemary—like posh mashed potatoes and my kind of comfort food. I turned them into a casserole because the addition of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan is the proverbial cherry on the cake.
This is the only mash potatoes recipe you need and this is a potato side dish that will be the first to disappear at the dinner table. You could call this the ultimate mashed potatoes that are baked in a casserole dish. Whether you’re making a Sunday family meal, Thanksgiving or Christmas, this easy recipe can be prepared up 2 days in advance, refrigerate in the casserole dish and bake right before serving.
Best Potatoes for this Mashed Potato Recipe
Any potatoes you like. Russet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes or red potatoes. Jersey royals or King Edwards if you’re in the UK and even yams and sweet potatoes.
How to get the Smoothest Mash
I do not own a potato masher. I prefer to mash my potatoes through a potato ricer. There are never any lumps and the result is a smoother texture, when then leads to a creamier texture when milk and cheese are added (which is the ultimate goal). A food milll is also a great option. I never use an electric mixer or food processor as over mixing the potatoes can make them gummy.
Cheesy Rosemary Mashed Potato Casserole Cheese
There are three cheeses in these creamy mashed potatoes: white cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan in the crispy topping. A good, sharp white cheddar adds amazing flavor, the mozzarella adds creaminess (and that irresistible cheese pull), and the Parmesan brings a nutty flavor to the panko breadcrumb topping.
Different Cheeses for Mash
Blue cheese would bring a delightful tangy element, goat cheese or cream cheese for an extra creamy element.
Optional additions to Potato Casserole
Sour cream, roasted garlic, Greek yogurt, green onions/scallions, the possibilities are almost endless.
How to Make the Creamiest Potatoes
Heavy cream is the key. You can also use whole milk, but you wont achieve the velvet, creamy texture that you get with the cream.
Secret to the Best Mashed Potatoes
When boiling potatoes for mash, it’s best to ensure they are well-dried after draining. This can be easily done by placing the drained potatoes back into the hot pan to evaporate any excess liquid. This helps make them fluffier when mashed. If you don’t want to boil potatoes, I also have a very handy way of making Microwave Mashed Potatoes.
Panko Breadcrumb Topping
To gild the lily, the breadcrumb topping mixed with Parmesan cheese adds a crispy, golden crunch that perfectly complements the creamy mash.
How to Boil Potatoes Evenly
By adding the potatoes to cold water and bringing them up to temperature with the water, you ensure they cook evenly and perfectly through until fork-tender.
How to Serve Mashed Potato Casserole
This was just one of two side dishes I served with Herb Roasted Beef Tenderloin, Slow Cooker Green Beans, and Creamy Horseradish Sauce. You can see them all above.
If you’ve made this Cheesy Rosemary Mashed Potato Casserole or any other recipe, leave a comment or question below. I love to hear from my readers and feedback is very important.
