Paula Deen’s Cozy Fall Mashed Potato Bake Recipe

Mashed potato bake emerges as a soul-soothing symphony of creamy, cheesy deliciousness that elevates the humble potato to gourmet status.

Layers of velvety potatoes whisper comfort with every sumptuous spoonful.

Melted cheese cascades through tender potato valleys, creating a landscape of pure indulgence.

Crispy onion fragments dance atop this dreamy canvas, adding a tantalizing crunch that awakens the senses.

Southern culinary magic transforms simple ingredients into a dish that speaks directly to your hunger and heart.

Butter and herbs weave their enchantment, promising a side dish that steals the spotlight from any main course.

One bite guarantees this recipe will become your new obsession at every family gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 487 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Mashed Potato Bake

• Frozen Hash Browns: Choose crisp, individually quick-frozen potatoes for best texture and even cooking.
• Mashed Potato Mix: Select a high-quality blend that ensures smooth, creamy consistency.
• Boiling Water: Use fresh, filtered water for clean potato preparation.

• Cream Cheese: Pick full-fat variety for rich, luxurious mouthfeel.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Opt for freshly shredded cheese for superior melting quality.
• Sour Cream: Select organic, cultured sour cream for tangy depth.
• Melted Butter: Use unsalted butter to control overall salt content.

• Garlic Salt: Choose fine-grain version for even distribution.
• Salt, Pepper: Select freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt for robust flavor.
• French-Fried Onion Rings: Pick crispy, golden-brown rings for spectacular crunchy topping.

Tools Required for Mashed Potato Bake Prep

• Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious container perfect for combining all the creamy ingredients smoothly.
• Pot: Ideal for boiling water and cooking hash browns evenly.
• Colander: Essential for draining excess water from hash browns quickly.
• 2-Quart Casserole Dish: Sturdy bakeware to hold and shape the delicious potato mixture.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for precise ingredient quantities.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and blending ingredients thoroughly.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot dishes and bakeware.
• Cheese Grater (optional): Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

Directions for Making Paula Deen’s Mashed Potato Bake

• Fire Up the Culinary Magic

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Transform Hash Browns into Creamy Goodness

Boil some water and soften those frozen hash browns. Drain them completely so they’re ready to become the star of our cheesy adventure. Toss the potatoes into a big mixing bowl and blend with velvety cream cheese, melted butter, zesty Monterey Jack, tangy sour cream, and a sprinkle of garlic salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture looks like a dreamy, creamy masterpiece.

• Build Your Comfort Food Castle

Grab a casserole dish and give it a quick grease. Pour in your potato mixture, spreading it smooth like a cozy blanket. Slide the dish into the waiting oven and let the magic happen for 35-45 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown with crispy edges.

• Crown Your Culinary Creation

Pull out the bubbling casserole and shower it with a crunchy cascade of French-fried onion rings. Pop it back in the oven for a quick 5-8 minutes to transform those onions into crispy, golden perfection. Serve immediately and watch everyone swoon over this comfort food triumph!

Smart Tips for a Creamy Mashed Potato Bake

• Cheese Swap Strategy: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or gruyère to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Potato Power Boost: Replace frozen hash browns with freshly grated potatoes for a more authentic, homemade texture that adds extra crispiness to the casserole.
• Protein Punch Option: Fold in cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded chicken to transform this side dish into a hearty main course that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Herb Infusion Hack: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives, parsley, or green onions on top before baking to introduce bright, fresh flavors and a pop of color that elevates the entire dish.

How to Serve the Mashed Potato Bake

• Elevate Your Potato Casserole Experience: Delightful Serving Suggestions
• Pair with Protein Powerhouses: Complement the creamy potato casserole with grilled chicken, roasted ham, or pan-seared steak for a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Fresh Veggie Companions: Add a side of crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli to bring color, nutrition, and a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Transform this dish into a brunch centerpiece by serving alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a crowd-pleasing weekend gathering.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Contribution: Bring this comforting casserole to family gatherings or potluck parties where its cheesy, creamy goodness will make you the hero of the event.

Storage and Meal Prep for Paula Deen’s Potato Bake

• Preserve Peak Flavor: Store leftover potato casserole in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Sealed packaging prevents moisture loss and maintains delicious taste.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to keep crispy edges intact.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Stays fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve original consistency.
• Portion Control Planning: Divide casserole into single-serving containers for quick grab-and-go meals. Perfect for busy weekdays or meal prep strategies that save time and reduce daily cooking stress.

Creamy Paula Deen Mashed Potato Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy paula deen mashed potato bake delivers comfort on a plate with rich, cheesy goodness. Southern-style potatoes combine classic ingredients for a satisfying side dish you’ll crave at family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups frozen hash browns
• 1 package (7.6 oz/216 g) butter & herbed mashed potato mix
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 stick (113 g/½ cup) butter
• 2 cups French-fried onion rings
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp garlic salt

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Instructions

1. Hydration: Bring water to a rolling boil in a large pot, then add frozen hash browns and cook for 5 minutes until partially thawed. Drain thoroughly using a colander, pressing gently to remove excess moisture.
2. Blending: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine drained hash browns with mashed potato mix. Fold in melted butter, softened cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and sour cream until ingredients are evenly integrated.
3. Seasoning: Enhance the potato mixture with garlic salt, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a balanced and robust flavor profile.
4. Preparation: Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Smoothly transfer the potato mixture into the dish, using a spatula to create an even surface.
5. Initial Baking: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 35-45 minutes until edges turn golden and the center is thoroughly heated.
6. Crispy Topping: Sprinkle French-fried onion rings generously across the surface. Return to the oven for an additional 5-8 minutes, allowing the onion rings to become crisp and deep golden brown.

Notes

• Drain Thoroughly: Press hash browns gently in colander to remove maximum moisture, preventing a soggy casserole texture.
• Cheese Temperature Tip: Ensure cream cheese and other dairy are at room temperature for smoother, more even mixing.
• Seasoning Balance: Taste mixture before baking and adjust salt levels carefully, as cheese and butter already contribute sodium.
• Crispy Topping Trick: Watch onion rings closely during final baking to achieve perfect golden-brown crunch without burning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 487
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 914 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 82 mg