### Sour Cream and Onion Smashed Potato Casserole

**Introduction:**

The **Sour Cream and Onion Smashed Potato Casserole** is a delightful twist on classic mashed potatoes, bringing a creamy, tangy, and flavorful dish to your table. With the rich taste of sour cream and the sharp, sweet touch of onions, this casserole offers a comforting and satisfying side dish perfect for any occasion. Its roots in European potato dishes meet American comfort food in this recipe, creating a dish that is both versatile and beloved.

**A Perfect Companion:**

This casserole pairs beautifully with a range of main courses, making it an excellent choice for family dinners, holiday feasts, or potlucks. Its creamy texture complements roasted meats like beef, chicken, or pork, and it can also be served alongside steamed green vegetables or a crisp salad to balance out its richness. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a cozy family meal, this dish is sure to be a hit.

**Ingredients:**

– **4 pounds russet potatoes**, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
– **1 cup sour cream**
– **1/2 cup whole milk**
– **1/4 cup unsalted butter**, melted
– **1 cup shredded cheddar cheese**
– **1/2 cup sliced green onions**, plus more for garnish
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **1/2 teaspoon garlic powder**
– **1/4 teaspoon paprika**

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven**:
– Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

2. **Cook the Potatoes**:
– Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

3. **Prepare the Potatoes**:
– Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Using a potato masher, smash the potatoes until they are well combined but still have some texture.

4. **Mix in Cheese and Onions**:
– Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions until evenly distributed throughout the potato mixture.

5. **Transfer and Smooth**:
– Transfer the potato mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula.

6. **Bake**:
– Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the edges are bubbly.

7. **Garnish and Serve**:
– Garnish with additional sliced green onions before serving.

8. **Enjoy**:
– Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, tangy, and flavorful goodness of your Sour Cream and Onion Smashed Potato Casserole.

**Tips for Success:**

– **Potato Texture**: If you prefer a smoother casserole, you can mash the potatoes until they are completely smooth. For a chunkier texture, mash them just enough to combine the ingredients while leaving some potato chunks.

– **Cheese Variations**: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A mix of cheddar and mozzarella or Parmesan can add a unique flavor to the dish.

– **Make-Ahead**: This casserole can be prepared in advance. Assemble it up to a day ahead and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

**Conclusion:**

The **Sour Cream and Onion Smashed Potato Casserole** is a comforting, versatile dish that brings a fresh twist to traditional mashed potatoes. Its creamy, tangy flavor profile makes it a standout side dish at any meal. Whether served at a family dinner or a festive gathering, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy making and savoring this delicious recipe!