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
For Potato Base:For Creamy Blending Elements:For Seasoning Boosters:Tools Required for Mashed Potato Bake Prep
Directions for Making Paula Deen’s Mashed Potato Bake
Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance.
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.
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.
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
How to Serve the Mashed Potato Bake
Storage and Meal Prep for Paula Deen’s Potato Bake
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Creamy Paula Deen Mashed Potato Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
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.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Seasoning: Enhance the potato mixture with garlic salt, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a balanced and robust flavor profile.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Jessica Martinez
Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography
Education
Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)
Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.
She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.