Paula Deen Mashed Potato Bake Recipe Ideas for Fall

Creamy, indulgent mashed potato bake transforms ordinary spuds into a culinary masterpiece that promises pure comfort.

Southern-style cooking brings rich, decadent flavors to this classic side dish that melts hearts and satisfies hunger.

Cheese and butter create a luxurious texture that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening.

Crispy onion toppings add delightful crunch and depth to each delectable bite.

Home cooks adore this crowd-pleasing recipe for its simplicity and irresistible appeal.

Families gather around the table, eagerly anticipating the first forkful of this crowd-favorite dish: get ready to wow everyone at your next meal.

Why Paula Deen’s Mashed Potato Bake is a Comfort Food Favorite

• Unleash Creamy Comfort: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious potato dish that hugs your taste buds with rich, velvety textures and layers of cheesy goodness.
• Quick and Foolproof Cooking: With just one hour of total time and minimal preparation steps, even novice cooks can confidently create a restaurant-worthy side dish without complex techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: The combination of melted cheeses, crispy French-fried onions, and perfectly seasoned potatoes delivers an irresistible blend of creamy, crunchy, and savory elements that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile Meal Companion: This potato bake works brilliantly as a crowd-pleasing side dish for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for pure comfort food with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Mashed Potato Bake

• Frozen Hash Browns: Starchy potatoes that create the foundational texture and bulk of the dish.
• Instant Mashed Potato Mix: Quick-cooking base that helps bind and enhance potato flavor.

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create a smooth texture.
• Cream Cheese: Provides tangy richness and helps create a creamy consistency.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild cheese that melts beautifully and adds subtle creaminess.
• Sour Cream: Contributes tanginess and helps keep the dish moist.

• Garlic Salt: Adds savory depth and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Salt: Helps balance and highlight other seasonings.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and aromatic complexity.
• French-Fried Onion Rings: Crispy topping that adds crunch and golden-brown visual appeal.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Mashed Potato Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C and get ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Prepare the Hash Browns

Boil of water in a pot. Add frozen hash browns and cook for 5 minutes. Drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.

Step 3: Mix the Magical Ingredients

• Cooked hash browns
• Mashed potato mix
• Melted butter
• Cream cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Sour cream
• Garlic salt
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything until well blended and creamy.

Step 4: Create the Casserole Base

Transfer the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Smooth the top evenly to ensure a perfect texture.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the top turns golden and edges are slightly crispy.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Topping

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle French-fried onion rings generously on top. Return to the oven for 5 to 8 minutes until the onions become golden and crisp.

Serve hot and enjoy this comfort food masterpiece!

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s Mashed Potato Bake

• Crisp Those Onion Rings Carefully: Sprinkle French-fried onions during the final minutes of baking to maintain their golden crunch and prevent burning.
• Prevent Over-Browning: Shield casserole edges with aluminum foil if they start turning too dark before the center reaches perfect doneness.
• Blend Ingredients Seamlessly: Stir cream cheese, sour cream, and seasonings until completely integrated, guaranteeing uniform flavor throughout the dish.
• Soften Cream Cheese Smartly: Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing, enabling smoother incorporation and creamier consistency.
• Master Hash Brown Moisture: Thoroughly drain cooked hash browns to eliminate excess liquid, preventing a watery and unappetizing casserole texture.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Mashed Potato Bake

• Refrigerate: Seal the creamy potato bake in an airtight glass container to lock in freshness. Cooling at room temperature prevents condensation and maintains texture. Consume within three days for optimal taste and quality.
• Freeze: Portion the potato bake into individual servings using freezer-safe containers. Wrap tightly with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor. Freeze up to two months, ensuring a delicious backup meal for busy nights.
• Reheat: Splash a tablespoon of milk or cream before warming to restore moisture and creamy consistency. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.

Creative Variations on Paula Deen’s Mashed Potato Bake

• Spicy Southwest Potato Fusion: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and sprinkle pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick that transforms the classic recipe into a bold southwestern-style side dish.
• Mediterranean Herb Potato Casserole: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano to create a Mediterranean-inspired version with vibrant herb flavors and tangy cheese notes.
• Bacon and Cheddar Loaded Potato Bake: Mix in crispy chopped bacon pieces, sharp cheddar cheese, and top with extra bacon crumbles for a hearty, indulgent potato casserole that feels like a loaded baked potato.
• Vegetable Harvest Potato Blend: Stir in roasted diced bell peppers, caramelized onions, and spinach to add nutritious vegetables and create a more complex, colorful potato dish with extra layers of flavor.

Final Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Mashed Potato Bake

Paula Deen’s Mashed Potato Bake emerges as creamy comfort personified, blending nostalgic flavors with modern culinary elegance.

Regional kitchens across America would celebrate such a delightful side dish that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Cheese and potato lovers find pure bliss within each savory spoonful, revealing layers of rich textures and harmonious seasonings.

Southern charm meets gourmet sophistication through this simple yet indulgent recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary experiences.

Crispy French-fried onion rings crown this masterpiece, adding irresistible crunch and visual appeal.

Passionate cooks can elevate holiday meals or weeknight dinners with this crowd-pleasing potato bake – so grab those ingredients, share this recipe with friends, drop a comment below, and let deliciousness reign supreme!

Paula Deen Mashed Potato Bake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Paula Deen’s Mashed Potato Bake delivers comfort straight from Southern kitchens with creamy potatoes layered beneath a golden, crispy cheese crust. Hearty and indulgent, this recipe promises a rich side dish that welcomes friends and family around the table with warmth and classic flavor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups frozen hash browns
• 1 (7.6 ounces/216 grams) package butter & herbed mashed potato mix
• 2 cups water

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 stick (113 grams/½ cup) butter

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 2 cups French-fried onion rings
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot by bringing 475 milliliters (2 cups) of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Add frozen hash browns to the boiling water and cook for 5 minutes, ensuring they are partially thawed and heated through.
3. Thoroughly drain the hash browns using a colander, pressing gently to remove excess moisture.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the drained hash browns with mashed potato mix, creating a uniform base for the casserole.
5. Incorporate melted butter, softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and sour cream into the potato mixture, stirring until ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Season the mixture with garlic salt, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, blending thoroughly to ensure consistent flavor.
7. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or cooking spray, preparing it for the potato mixture.
8. Transfer the prepared mixture into the casserole dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.
9. Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the center is heated through.
10. Remove the casserole from the oven and generously sprinkle French-fried onion rings across the top.
11. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, allowing the onion rings to become crispy and deep golden brown.

Notes

• Crispy onion rings lose their crunch if added too early, so sprinkle them during the final 5 minutes of baking for maximum texture and golden color.
• Aluminum foil acts as a protective shield for casserole edges that tend to brown faster than the center, preventing burning and ensuring even cooking.
• Thorough mixing guarantees every spoonful bursts with balanced flavors, incorporating cream cheese, sour cream, and seasonings uniformly throughout the dish.
• Room-temperature cream cheese eliminates lumps and creates a silky smooth base, preventing unexpected chunks in your final preparation.
• Excess moisture from hash browns can transform your casserole into a soggy mess, so thoroughly drain and pat them dry before mixing to maintain a perfect consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Sugar: 2.7 g
• Sodium: 966 mg
• Fat: 29.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Carbohydrates: 47.8 g
• Fiber: 3.6 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg