Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that dazzles on every holiday table or weeknight dinner, look no further than Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. This soul-warming dish features cloud-like potatoes whipped with butter, sour cream, and plenty of gooey, bubbling cheese. Every bite delivers classic mashed potato goodness with the irresistible twist of a golden, cheesy topping. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a potluck, or a cozy Sunday at home, these Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes are about to become your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes is just how simple the ingredient list is, yet how much depth each item brings. Every component, from the starchy spuds to the creamy dairy and melty cheese, plays a starring role in creating both flavor and texture you’ll crave again and again.
- Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes: Perfectly starchy and buttery, these varieties guarantee fluffy mashed potatoes as your base.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter melts seamlessly into the potatoes for rich, savory flavor.
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that keeps the potatoes from being one-dimensional.
- Whole Milk: Warming the milk ensures silky-smooth mash and the perfect consistency.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Brings robust cheesy flavor, both mixed in and baked on top for that mouthwatering crust.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Grants that irresistible gooey cheese pull we all love.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Fundamental for enhancing every other flavor in the recipe.
- Chopped Fresh Chives (optional): A sprinkle of chives adds a pop of color and light oniony freshness for the perfect final flourish.
How to Make Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Prep and Boil the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—this will ensure nothing sticks and your clean-up is a breeze. Peel and chop the potatoes, then add them to a large pot of salted water. Bring everything to a boil, and let those potatoes cook until they’re fork tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Well-cooked potatoes are essential for achieving that light, uniform mash.
Step 2: Mash Until Smooth
Once your potatoes are perfectly tender, drain them thoroughly (no one wants watery mash!) and return them to the still-warm pot. Mash with determination—whether you use a classic masher or a ricer—until you achieve a velvety, lump-free texture. This is your canvas, so take your time to get it right.
Step 3: Stir in Creamy Goodness
Add the softened butter, sour cream, warmed milk, minced garlic, salt, and pepper while the potatoes are still steamy hot. This helps everything meld together beautifully, giving your Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes an impossibly creamy, whipped consistency. Give it a taste, and adjust seasoning if needed—you want each bite to be as flavorful as the next.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Now for the star moment: Gently fold in 1½ cups of cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella. Don’t overmix; just enough to distribute that cheesy goodness throughout the mash. This is where the recipe elevates from classic comfort food to an absolute showstopper.
Step 5: Fill the Baking Dish and Top with Cheese
Spoon the creamy mashed mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Scatter the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the surface—this will bake into a bubbling, golden layer that makes everyone’s mouth water at the first glance.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know your Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes are done when the cheese is gloriously melted and tinged with golden brown spots. Take a peek during the last few minutes, because that top layer turns magical quickly!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
When it emerges hot and bubbling, sprinkle with fresh chives if desired. Their bright color and gentle bite truly make these Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes look and taste restaurant-worthy. Now, resist the urge to dig in right away and let them cool for a few minutes before serving—just enough time to set up that perfect scoop.
How to Serve Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! A sprinkle of fresh chives adds a vibrant, herby pop that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. If you’re feeling adventurous, a handful of crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions scattered on top can bring extra layers of flavor and fun crunch.
Side Dishes
These potatoes are a star next to anything from roasted turkey or glazed ham to a hearty vegetarian main. Pair them with crisp green beans, a fresh Caesar salad, or simply some buttered sweet corn for the ultimate comfort plate. Their cheesy richness makes them a perfect canvas for classic holiday or Sunday meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Try spooning your Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes into individual ramekins before baking, so everyone gets their own bubbling portion. Or, shape scoops with an ice cream scoop and broil until the tops are extra golden for a festive look. For parties, cut the baked potatoes into elegant squares garnished with snipped chives for an appetizer-style twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes are just as satisfying the next day. Once cooled, cover well or transfer to an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. They make a fantastic addition to breakfast skillets or quick, cozy lunches.
Freezing
If you’re planning ahead, you’ll be glad to know these potatoes freeze well. Let them cool completely, then wrap the baking dish tightly in foil or portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot, about 20-30 minutes. If you want that cheesy top to crisp up again, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave, but the oven preserves the best texture.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, simply remove from the fridge while you heat the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed until piping hot.
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Definitely! While cheddar and mozzarella provide a delicious combination of sharpness and melt, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a blend. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well for that irresistible texture.
Are Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for most guests. Just double-check that anything you add, like bacon bits or other garnishes, is gluten-free if you’re serving someone with allergies.
How can I lighten up this recipe?
For a lighter twist, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream and use reduced-fat cheese. The potatoes will still taste amazing and creamy, just with fewer calories!
What’s the best way to get really smooth mashed potatoes?
Use a potato ricer or food mill for the smoothest texture, and make sure your butter and dairy are at room temperature or slightly warmed. Always mash potatoes while hot for a supremely creamy result.
Final Thoughts
Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes deliver everything you love about classic mashed potatoes, but with the added joy of gooey cheese and a bubbling, golden top. If you’re looking to win over a crowd or simply bring a little extra comfort to your table, don’t hesitate—this recipe is pure happiness in every bite. I hope you try it soon and love it as much as my family does!
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Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and cheesy goodness of these Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. Perfect as a comforting side dish for any meal, these potatoes are loaded with flavor and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 3 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Cheese Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Potatoes: Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and mash until smooth.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in butter, sour cream, warm milk, garlic, salt, and pepper. Fold in 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese and mozzarella.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish, top with remaining cheddar cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Finish: Garnish with chives before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the mashed potatoes a day ahead and bake just before serving.
- Enhance flavor with bacon bits or caramelized onions.
- For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
