Italian Mashed Potato Casserole is delicious and easy make-ahead dish for making mashed potatoes. Don’t miss this simple recipe that’s great for Thanksgiving dinner, holidays, or even weeknights.

Never stress about getting mashed potatoes right again! This easy Italian Mashed Potato Casserole can be made in advance and baked right before serving. Moreover, these mashed potatoes stay creamy and delicious thanks to the ricotta and parmesan cheese.
What I love about this dish is that you can assemble the entire dish ahead of time. Then, just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat! In the market for a new casserole dish? Get a great baking dish like mine from Amazon here: Le Creuset Heritage Stoneware 9″ Square Dish, White.
Italian Mashed Potato Casserole
Mashed Potato Casserole is the perfect make ahead potato dish for the holidays. Guests are going to love the Italian flavors of this dish. You can’t beat the perfect creamy and cheesy mashed potato with a fun bread crumb topping.
To make, just cut and boil red potatoes… no need to peel! Drain the potatoes and return to pot. Add in the rest of the ingredients and mash.
Spread the potatoes into a 9 x 9 inch baking dish.
Lastly, top with parmesan and breadcrumbs.
At this point, you and either refrigerate the casserole or bake if serving immediately.
If baking straight from the refrigerator, just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Insert a meat thermometer in the middle of the potatoes to ensure that they are warmed through.
Be sure to remove foil for the last 5 minutes to brown the top. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Looking for more stress-free holiday dishes?
- Don’t miss my easy and delicious Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze and free up some oven space this year.
- Completely Make-Ahead Brussels Sprouts Salad is a hearty and easy to put together side that holds up great when made ahead.
- Classic Cornbread Stuffing is a delicious traditional dish that has simple make-ahead instructions.
- Another great make-ahead dish to add to your Thanksgiving menu is Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Topping.
- For a lighter alternative to pecan pie, try my lighted up Pecan Pie Date Bars – the perfect make-ahead dessert for your Thanksgiving table.
Hope you love this recipe for simple Italian-style Mashed Potato Casserole!
Mashed Potato Casserole with Ricotta and Parmesan
Equipment
- 9 x 9 inch casserole dish
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds red-skinned potatoes
- ¼ cup unsalted butter half a stick
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (part-skim or whole)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup milk (2% or whole)
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
Topping
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- If serving immediatley, preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Cut potatoes into quarters and place in a large pot. Add enough cold water to cover the top of the potatoes about an inch. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer. Simmer until fork tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and return to pot.
- In the pot along with the potatoes, add in the butter, ricotta, parmesan, milk, salt, and garlic powder. Mash with a potato masher until desired consistency is reached. Spoon potato mixture into a greased casserole dish and smooth the top.
- For the topping, in a small bowl mix together the parmesan and breadcrumbs. Pour on top of potatoes and drizzle with olive oil. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes until crust is golden.
Nathan
A mashed potato casserole? Sign me up immediately! I’m definitely going to be trying this recipe soon, how could I resist?
Jacqueline Meldrum
You had me at potatoes! I’m in! Yum!
Teodora Grujic
This is the perfect side dish for a big family dinner! Thank you!
angelakallison
It really is! Enjoy!
Whitney
There is nothing better than mashed potatoes. I have never dreamed of making it into a casserole, brilliant idea!
Tara
Oh yum! Such a flavorful casserole for the upcoming holiday season. I love the addition of all that cheese!
angelakallison
The cheeses make it extra special 🙂