Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe. Velvety smooth potatoes, heaps of gooey cheese, and a bubbly, golden crust come together in a side dish that’s both simple to make and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re serving a festive feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this crowd-pleaser is ready to steal the spotlight and win hearts at your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe has a big job, making the finished dish extra creamy, flavorful, and visually mouthwatering. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some useful tips to get the best results.
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (3 pounds, peeled and cubed): These are starchy enough to mash up fluffy and light, while also soaking up all that creamy goodness.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds rich flavor and makes the potatoes irresistibly smooth—let it come to room temp for easy mixing.
- Sour cream (1 cup): This secret weapon delivers an unbeatable tang and silkiness in every bite.
- Whole milk (½ cup, warmed): Warm milk keeps everything extra creamy and prevents the potatoes from getting gluey.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups, divided): Sharp cheddar melts perfectly into the mash and creates the ultimate cheesy top.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): For those gooey, stringy cheese pulls everyone loves.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): A touch of garlic gives mellow depth without overpowering the potatoes.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Basic but crucial—salt brings all the flavors to life.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and a gentle kick.
- Chopped chives or parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): A sprinkle of fresh herbs makes the finished dish look and taste bright and inviting.
How to Make Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of butter or nonstick spray. Next, peel and cube your potatoes so they cook evenly and absorb all that creamy flavor. Place them in a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Let the potatoes boil for 15 to 20 minutes. They should be completely fork-tender—when a fork slides in easily, they’re ready. Don’t rush this part; undercooked potatoes will make mashing a nightmare! Once done, drain well and return them to the hot pot to steam off any remaining moisture.
Step 3: Mash and Mix the Creamy Goodness
This is where the magic starts! Add the softened butter, sour cream, warm milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to your hot potatoes. Grab your favorite masher (or ricer if you’re fancy) and mash until luxuriously smooth. Frosting-smooth is ideal, but a little rustic texture is totally fine if you like it. Stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella. The cheese will melt right into the mash, ramping up that gooey factor.
Step 4: Layer and Top with Cheese
Spoon the cheesy mashed potatoes into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese all over for a blanket of melty, golden deliciousness. Make sure you get that cheese all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When you see the top bubbling and turning golden brown, you’ll know it’s ready. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before garnishing with a shower of fresh chives or parsley, if you like a little burst of color and freshness on top.
How to Serve Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley adds that splash of green that makes your Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe look as good as it tastes. For special occasions, you can also add crunchy bacon bits or a dusting of extra black pepper for even more character and flavor.
Side Dishes
This creamy side dish is the perfect partner for just about any dinner, from juicy roast chicken to holiday ham, grilled sausages, or even a pan-seared steak. Don’t forget the veggies! Roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or a crisp salad balance out all that cheesy comfort beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve the Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe family-style in a big, rustic casserole or scoop individual portions into ramekins for an elegant twist. Try piping the mash into decorative swirls or using small cookie cutters to create cheesy “crisps” for an extra-festive presentation at parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your leftover Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe tasting fresh, transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay creamy and delicious for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy them all week long.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these potatoes freeze surprisingly well. Cool the potatoes completely, portion them into freezer-safe containers, and they’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place your potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until hot, about 20 minutes. Add a splash of milk if they seem a bit thick, and finish with a fresh sprinkle of cheese if you’re feeling extra cheesy.
FAQs
Can I make this Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just assemble the dish but don’t bake it—cover and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to serve, bake as directed (you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time).
What’s the best way to mash the potatoes?
For those ultra-creamy results, a potato ricer or food mill is wonderful, but a classic hand masher will do just fine. Avoid using a food processor, as it can turn your potatoes gluey.
Can I add bacon or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Crispy crumbled bacon, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or even a handful of scallions stirred into the mix will elevate this dish to new heights.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check that all your ingredients (especially the cheeses) are labeled gluten-free.
What type Side Dish
Sharp cheddar is classic for flavor and melt, but you can experiment with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack for a spicy kick on top of your potatoes.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of dish that brings everyone running to the table! Whether it’s a holiday crowd or just a regular Tuesday, the Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe always delivers comfort, smiles, and requests for seconds. Give this recipe a try—it’s pure cheesy potato happiness baked right into your favorite side!
Print
Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes are a creamy and indulgent side dish perfect for any occasion. Made with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, these potatoes are a comforting addition to your table.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 3 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and cubed)
Cheese Mixture:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk (warmed)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Potatoes: Boil cubed potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and return to pot.
- Mash Potatoes: Add butter, sour cream, warm milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth. Mix in 1 cup cheddar and mozzarella.
- Bake: Transfer to baking dish, top with remaining cheddar, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Garnish with chives or parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this dish a day ahead—just cover and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
- For extra flavor, add cooked crumbled bacon or caramelized onions to the mashed mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
