Mashed potatoes are rarely the centerpiece of a meal, and while they are a crowd-pleasing side dish, getting them to that silky-smooth consistency can be quite a task. Sure, there are lots of tricks to make your mashed potatoes taste better, from using the right potatoes to browning the butter before mixing it in. However, it is often easier to simply use ready-made mashed potatoes and then upgrade them. With all the time and effort you save from not having to boil, peel, mash, and mix those spuds, you can actually take a less-than-perfect container of store-bought mashed potatoes and turn it into a decadent side packed with all the deliciousness of a homemade specialty.
When upgrading ready-made mash, you can choose how much effort you want to put into elevating it. Mayo is the creamy mix-in that instantly and easily levels up mashed potatoes while chips make the perfect crunchy topping for additional texture and flavor. Or, for a more gourmet touch, get some tips from how Ina Garten elevates store-bought mashed potatoes to make them taste like one of her own recipes. Mix-ins aren’t the only way to upgrade this Thanksgiving favorite — you can also bake it into a casserole. You can choose what mix-ins to add for flavor and aroma and you finish with a crispy, browned crust on top. It’s a far cry from the lifeless store-bought spuds you started out with.
Bake mashed potatoes to make a delicious casserole
Since baking removes moisture, remember to mix some in. Sour cream adds both flavor and moisture while also ensuring the mashed potatoes stay moist even if reheated. You can then add seasonings of your choice; salt, pepper, dried herbs, spices, onion powder, and garlic powder all work well. For a more prominent garlic flavor, roast a head of garlic and squeeze out the softened cloves to mix in with the potatoes. Chopped or caramelized onions also add delicious flavor and texture to the potatoes, as does cheese. Consider mixing in sharp cheddar and even layering some on top to brown in the oven. Parmesan cheese adds delicious nutty notes and a mixture of it and bread crumbs gives your mashed potatoes the crumbliest, crispiest crust once baked. Bake them at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes.
A casserole is a great way to include heartier ingredients in mashed potatoes, elevating them to a more substantial side. Bacon bits, roasted vegetables, and even some nuts add nutrition, flavor, and texture. Or, elevate them with some smoked salmon or lobster bits. Want to go a step further? Whip up a quick mixture of vegetables and ground meat to line the casserole dish, and layer mashed potatoes on top for a quick and easy shepherd’s pie.
