Get into the Halloween spirit with this creepy yet delicious Mashed Potato Spider Web Casserole! This fun and festive dish features creamy mashed potatoes topped with a spooky spider web design. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any Halloween-themed dinner!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 2 pounds potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon or cooked sausage (optional)
For the Spider Web:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup black olives (sliced)
- Optional: parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the sour cream, milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash until creamy and smooth.
- Mix in Cheese and Bacon: Stir in the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon (if using) until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer to a Baking Dish: Spoon the mashed potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Create the Spider Web:
- Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the mashed potatoes.
- Form the Web: Use a spoon or a piping bag to create a spiral pattern with the mozzarella, starting from the center and working your way outwards. Then, use a knife to create lines radiating from the center to form the spider web design.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Decorate:
- Add Olives: Once out of the oven, place sliced black olives at various points on the spider web to resemble spiders.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle with parsley for a touch of color.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 300
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 10g
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve
- Serve warm as a side dish at your Halloween dinner or party.
- Pair with roasted meats or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Use a festive serving dish to enhance the Halloween theme.
Additional Tips
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the mashed potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge. Simply reheat before adding the cheese and baking.
- Flavor Variations: Try adding chopped green onions, shredded carrots, or other vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole: Substitute half of the potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter version.
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mashed potatoes for a kick.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: The mashed potatoes can be frozen before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Storage: Baked casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Special Equipment
- Large pot
- Baking dish
- Mixer or potato masher
- Piping bag (optional)
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
A1: Yes! Instant mashed potatoes can be used, but the texture may differ from fresh.
Q2: What if I don’t have black olives?
A2: You can substitute with other toppings like pepperoni or even cherry tomatoes for a fun effect.
Q3: Can I make this vegetarian?
A3: Yes! Simply omit the bacon or sausage for a delicious vegetarian dish.
Q4: How do I reheat leftovers?
A4: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Q5: How can I make it gluten-free?
A5: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no flour, but always check labels for any added ingredients.
Enjoy this spooky and delicious Mashed Potato Spider Web Casserole at your next Halloween gathering, and watch it disappear from the table!
Print
Mashed Potato Spider Web Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole:
- 2 pounds potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon or cooked sausage (optional)
For the Spider Web:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup black olives (sliced)
- Optional: parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the sour cream, milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash until creamy and smooth.
- Mix in Cheese and Bacon: Stir in the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon (if using) until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer to a Baking Dish: Spoon the mashed potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Create the Spider Web:
- Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the mashed potatoes.
- Form the Web: Use a spoon or a piping bag to create a spiral pattern with the mozzarella, starting from the center and working your way outwards. Then, use a knife to create lines radiating from the center to form the spider web design.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Decorate:
- Add Olives: Once out of the oven, place sliced black olives at various points on the spider web to resemble spiders.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle with parsley for a touch of color.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 10g
