Transform a weeknight dinner or holiday side dish into a comforting crowd-pleaser with this creamy and cheesy Instant Potato Casserole. Made with pantry staples like instant mashed potato flakes, garlic and onion seasonings, and melted butter, this recipe comes together in just 10 minutes of prep time. A layer of golden, bubbly cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions takes this dish to the next level, while a dollop of sour cream adds a velvety richness. Perfectly baked in under 30 minutes, this casserole is a quick, satisfying option for busy families or last-minute get-togethers. Serve it warm, topped with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and watch it disappear from the table!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x9-inch (or similar-sized) casserole dish.
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the milk and butter until the butter is melted.
Stir the instant mashed potato flakes into the saucepan until smooth and creamy. Let the mixture sit for 1 minute to thicken.
Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and sour cream to the mashed potatoes until well incorporated.
Fold 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the potato mixture until evenly distributed.
Spoon the potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the fried onions are golden brown and crispy.
Garnish the casserole with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Calories |
2452 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 146.7 g | 188% | |
| Saturated Fat | 89.1 g | 446% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 385 mg | 128% | |
| Sodium | 3996 mg | 174% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 228.4 g | 83% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.6 g | 63% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.9 g | ||
| Protein | 72.2 g | 144% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 1812 mg | 139% | |
| Iron | 4.1 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 2229 mg | 47% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.