Buzz
The gap between a hot dip and a casserole is subtle—both have golden, crispy tops and creamy textures, but the key difference? If you can scoop it up with a chip or cracker, it’s a dip. That’s the rule.
Mashed potato dip is basically ultra-creamy mashed potatoes designed for dipping with crackers. Sure, you could eat it with a spoon (guilty!), but there’s something delightfully indulgent about pairing a soft, starchy bite with a crispy, crunchy one. It's pure comfort food bliss.
It’s the perfect way to repurpose that awkward, not-quite-enough serving of mashed potatoes. A dollop of sour cream makes leftovers stretch further for sharing. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—top it with classic baked potato fixings, crumble in blue cheese, toss in shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, or mix in a packet of ranch (or even ramen) seasoning. Got fresh herbs on the verge of wilting? Chop them up and toss them in. Love nutritional yeast? Stir in those umami-packed yellow flakes. I added a teaspoon of Trader Joe’s mushroom powder to mine, and it was fantastic.
The 'recipe' for mashed potato dip is basically 'mix a ridiculous amount of sour cream into mashed potatoes,' but a solid guideline is two parts potato to one part sour cream for a spreadable texture. If you prefer a looser dip, gradually add more sour cream, a quarter cup at a time, until it reaches the consistency you like. I also enjoy tossing in a tablespoon or two of mayo for an extra creamy boost. While I’ve been known to eat it cold, baking it with a layer of shredded cheese on top is the ultimate indulgence.
Here’s what you’ll need to make mashed potato dip:
1 cup mashed potatoes
1/2-1 cup sour cream, depending on your preferred consistency
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional mix-ins: bacon bits, shredded chicken, fresh herbs, assorted cheeses, or a packet of ranch seasoning
1/4 cup shredded cheese for topping
In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, sour cream, and mayo, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. If a thinner consistency is desired, add more sour cream. Stir in any mix-ins, then transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish. Cover with shredded cheese and bake at 375°F until melted. Switch to 'broil' for a bubbly, golden-brown finish. Garnish with scallions and serve immediately.
Updated 12/14/19 3:45 pm: Additional details included regarding sour cream measurements.
