Looking for the ultimate collection of Thanksgiving Casserole Recipes? You’ve come to the right place! This comprehensive guide offers 12 easy baked side dishes that are guaranteed to elevate your holiday feast. From creamy potato bakes to vibrant vegetable gratins, these recipes provide delicious, crowd-pleasing options that simplify your Thanksgiving meal prep, ensuring a stress-free and flavorful celebration.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole
- 2.5 lbs Russet Potatoes: Peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter: Divided, 1/4 cup for mashing and 1/4 cup for topping.
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream: Warmed, for ultimate creaminess.
- 4 cloves Garlic: Minced, or 1 tablespoon pre-minced garlic.
- 1/2 cup Cream Cheese: Softened, for extra richness.
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Plus 2 tablespoons for topping.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Or to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Or to taste.
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Chives or Parsley: For garnish (optional).
How to Make Creamy Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole
This Creamy Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole is a Thanksgiving dream, offering irresistible creaminess and a comforting garlicky flavor with minimal effort. It’s wonderfully easy to assemble, featuring a rich blend of potatoes, cream, and cheese, baked untilgolden and bubbly.
The total preparation time, including baking, is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it an efficient yet incredibly satisfying addition to your holiday spread.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly. Return them to the hot pot over low heat for 1-2 minutes to evaporate any excess moisture. Remove from heat.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the heavy cream, 1/4 cup of butter, and minced garlic until the butter is melted and the mixture is fragrant. Do not boil.
- Mash and Mix: Add the cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the drained potatoes. Pour the warm cream mixture over the potatoes. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gummy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Topping: Melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter and drizzle it evenly over the top of the potato casserole. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is lightly golden and bubbly. For extra browning, you can place it under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole
You will absolutely adore this Creamy Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole for its unparalleled richness and velvety texture, making it a guaranteed star on your holiday table. The main highlight is undoubtedly the generous infusion of roasted garlic and cream cheese, transforming humble potatoes into a truly luxurious side dish.
Not only is it incredibly delicious, but making it at home also offers significant cost savings compared to store-bought alternatives, allowing you to create a gourmet experience without breaking the bank. The flavorful golden-brown topping of Parmesan cheese and a hint of melted butter adds an irresistible crust that perfectly complements the creamy interior. It’s a delightful step up from traditional mashed potatoes, much like our popular Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping, offering a new family favorite. Don’t just take our word for it—try making this incredible recipe at home and taste the difference!
What to Serve Creamy Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole With
This rich Creamy Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday favorites. Serve it alongside a classic Roasted Turkey or Honey Glazed Ham for a truly traditional feast. For additional vegetable sides, consider Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions or Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon to add contrasting textures and flavors. A robust Red Wine like a Pinot Noir or Merlot, or even a sparkling apple cider, would complement the richness of the casserole perfectly. Don’t forget Cranberry Sauce for a touch of tartness to cut through the creaminess.
Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole
- Don’t Overcook Potatoes: Cook potatoes until just tender. Overcooked potatoes absorb too much water, leading to a watery casserole.
- Hot Dairy is Key: Warm your heavy cream and butter mixture before adding to the potatoes. Cold dairy will cool down the potatoes and can make them less smooth.
- Avoid Over-Mashing: Over-mashing potatoes releases too much starch, resulting in a gummy texture. Mash just until smooth, leaving a few small lumps for texture if you prefer.
- Customize Your Garlic: For a milder garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves whole with a drizzle of olive oil before mincing and adding them. This mellows the sharp bite and adds a sweeter, deeper flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A blend of Gruyere or white cheddar can add extra depth and tanginess.
- Make Ahead: This casserole is excellent for making ahead. Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Crispy Topping: For an extra crispy top, sprinkle with a mix of panko breadcrumbs and melted butter before baking, in addition to or instead of the Parmesan cheese.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To ensure your Creamy Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole remains delicious for days, proper storage is essential.
- Refrigeration: Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, cover the casserole dish tightly with several layers of plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating (Oven): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). If reheating from the refrigerator, cover the casserole loosely with foil to prevent drying out and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of milk or cream if it seems a bit dry. If reheating from frozen, bake covered for 45-60 minutes, then uncover for the last 10 minutes to brown the top.
- Reheating (Microwave): For individual portions, microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the potatoes.
- Optimal Taste: To maintain optimal taste and texture, avoid repeatedly reheating and cooling the casserole. Only reheat the portion you intend to eat.
Final Thoughts
These Thanksgiving Casserole Recipes offer a delightful array of options to simplify your holiday cooking while maximizing flavor. From the creamy indulgence of our featured Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole to sweet potato bakes and savory green bean dishes, each recipe is designed for ease and deliciousness.
By incorporating these straightforward, crowd-pleasing sides, you’ll not only save time but also ensure your holiday table is bursting with comforting, homemade goodness. These casseroles are perfect for complementing your main course and making your Thanksgiving celebration truly unforgettable. Dive into these recipes and discover your new holiday favorites!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Thanksgiving Casserole Recipes FAQs
Q: Can I prepare these casserole recipes ahead of time for Thanksgiving?
A: Yes, many Thanksgiving casserole recipes, including the Creamy Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole, are perfect for making ahead. You can often assemble them completely and refrigerate for up to 1-2 days before baking, or even freeze some components. Always check individual recipe notes for specific make-ahead instructions.
Q: What are the benefits of making casseroles for Thanksgiving?
A: Casseroles are ideal for Thanksgiving because they are often crowd-pleasers, can be prepared in advance (reducing stress on the big day), generally require less active cooking time, and can be easily scaled up to feed a large gathering. They also offer warm, comforting sides that complement a traditional holiday meal.
Q: How can I prevent my casseroles from becoming dry?
A: To prevent dryness, ensure you have enough moisture in your casserole (e.g., cream, broth, or gravy). When baking, cover the casserole with foil for most of the cooking time, removing it only for the last 10-15 minutes to brown the top. For make-ahead casseroles, sometimes adding a little extra liquid before reheating can help.
Q: Are there any gluten-free Thanksgiving casserole options?
A: Absolutely! Many casseroles can be easily adapted to be gluten-free. For example, in green bean casseroles, swap out crispy fried onions for gluten-free fried onions or a homemade gluten-free breadcrumb topping. Most potato and vegetable gratins are naturally gluten-free; just ensure any added sauces or thickeners are also gluten-free.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when making Thanksgiving casseroles?
A: Common mistakes include overcooking vegetables (leading to mushy textures), under-seasoning, not draining ingredients properly (resulting in watery casseroles), and baking at too high a temperature (causing burning before the inside is cooked). Following specific recipe instructions and tips will help you avoid these pitfalls.
Q: Can I freeze leftover Thanksgiving casseroles?
A: Most Thanksgiving casseroles freeze quite well. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or transfer to an airtight, freezer-safe container. They can typically be frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven for best results.