Mashed Potato Casserole

Along the accompaniments that you need at your Thanksgiving table are mashed potatoes, the ultimate comfort food. However, if you are looking to diversify this classic side dish, this Mashed Potato Casserole recipe is for you.

The recipe combines mashed potatoes with fennel, a wonderful addition, which brings a subtle licorice and anise like, flavor to the casserole- so fitting for an autumn feast. Gruyere cheese, and bacon along with a topping of crushed pretzels complete this amazing dish.

If you are in a time crunch, you can always prepare the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Reserve topping them with the pretzel crumbs, for just before you are ready to bake them and increase the baking time by an extra 10-15 min.

How to make mashed potato casserole

Begin by cooking sliced fennel in a skillet with butter, salt, and pepper until it’s softened and aromatic. This adds a lovely anise-like flavor to the dish that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

While the fennel is cooking, you can start the bacon topping. Simply lay out some bacon strips on a baking sheet. Bake them in the oven until they’re crispy and golden brown. Transfer them to paper towels to remove any excess fat. Crumble them into small pieces, and set them aside for later.

Next, boil some potatoes in generously salted water until they’re perfectly tender. Drain them and return them to the pot to remove any excess moisture. Mash the potatoes with butter, sour cream, half and half, salt, pepper, and a generous amount of gruyere cheese. This will create a rich and creamy base for the casserole that’s sure to please your taste buds.

Once the mashed potatoes are ready, it’s time to assemble the casserole. Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish and top it with the crumbled bacon, the remaining gruyere cheese, and a mixture of crushed pretzels, melted butter, and Dijon mustard. The pretzel crumbs add a wonderful crunch and salty flavor to the dish, while the mustard adds a touch of tanginess.

Bake the casserole in the oven until the cheese is melted and the crumbs are golden brown, for about 20 minutes. It results in a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for serving as a main course or as a side dish.

Feel free to tailor the recipe according to your taste. You can substitute or take away some of the ingredients listed here-the possibilities are endless. Do not plan on leftovers-this Mashed Potato Casserole is so delicious – everyone will come back for seconds!  If you try it out, make sure to share the photos with me on Instagram. Enjoy!

Other potato recipes you may like to try

Introducing our delicious Potato Gratin, a classic French dish that’s sure to please your taste buds. We layer thinly sliced potatoes with creamy and cheesy goodness. Then bake the dish to perfection until it achieves a crispy golden crust on top.

These flavorful Basic Mashed Potatoes are so comforting, creamy and buttery that you shouldn’t miss any holiday table. They are very easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. 

Whether you’re looking to impress your dinner guests or just craving a delicious snack, our Parmesan Potato Stacks are sure to hit the spot. Try them today and discover the perfect combination of cheesy and crispy flavors!

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