Trust us when we say that our baked cheesy mashed potatoes recipe is the epitome of comfort food! It’s easy, creamy, and downright delicious, making it the perfect addition to family dinners, holiday feasts, and any occasion in between.
These creamy mashed potatoes are loaded with gooey melted cheese and baked to golden perfection. It’s a side dish that pairs well with almost any main course and it’s sure to have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds)!
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Why We Love These Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes are one of our favorite comfort foods! Nothing beats warm baked mashed potatoes… until you add cheese!
We grew up enjoying this recipe around the holidays. Now that we’re grown, we prepare them for our own families, and they’re always a hit! Baked in the oven, these cheesy mashed potatoes are:
- Made in one dish without boiling.
- Extra indulgent and creamy.
- Great to make ahead of time.
- Super versatile to fit all your needs!
Ingredients
We do our best to keep our recipes simple, and these cheesy mashed potatoes are no exception! With just a handful of kitchen staples, you’ll be able to create the most indulgent side dish ever. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Potatoes – We prefer to use Yukon gold potatoes for their soft texture and buttery taste, but red or Russet potatoes would work, too.
- Milk – For the richest flavor, we recommend using whole milk.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic will have the boldest taste.
- Butter – This melts into the potatoes for out-of-this-world flavor.
- Sour Cream – Our favorite secret ingredient, adding a dollop of sour cream helps create a thicker, richer texture.
- Cheese – We love mozzarella, but feel free to use whatever you like best.
- Salt and Pepper – Add as much or as little as you’d like!
How to Make Baked Mashed Potatoes
Once you read how easy this cheesy mashed potatoes recipe is to make, you’ll never go back to any other method again!
- Preheat the oven.
- Add the potatoes, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper to a large baking dish.
- Cover with foil, and bake until potatoes are soft.
- Add the remaining ingredients, and use a potato masher to create a creamy texture.
- Serve warm, and enjoy!
Flavor Variations
If you want to take these cheesy mashed potatoes to the next level, try adding extra ingredients for even more flavor! Some of our favorites include:
Fresh Herbs. Include rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a distinct taste.
Bacon. Crumble pieces of bacon or turkey bacon, and mix them in for a hearty mashed potatoes recipe.
Jalapeños. If you’re not afraid of spice, chopping up jalapeños can be a great way to add a bit of heat!
Serving Suggestions
Honestly, there’s nothing this cheesy mashed potatoes recipe can’t be served with! However, some of our favorite pairings include:
Common Questions about Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
We love mozzarella but sharp cheddar is another classic choice. You can also use gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a creamy havarti for a unique twist.
Absolutely! You can bake them ahead of time and reheat them later. Just make sure to cover them tightly with foil to prevent drying out.
We like the texture of Yukon Gold potatoes but you can also achieve perfectly rich mashed potatoes with Russets.
You can add a little more milk or cream to moisten them up. Or, simply top them with some extra cheese or sour cream!
Storage Options
This recipe is great to make ahead of time and heat up for later, especially if you’re feeding a crowd! Once completely cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Or, keep them in the freezer for up to 10 months.
When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm your potatoes in the oven or microwave.
More Ways to Use Potatoes
If you’re a potato lover like us, you’re in for a treat. Check out these fantastic, family-friendly side dishes that’ll have everyone running to the dinner table:
- Boiled to tender perfection and tossed in a zesty lemon dressing, this Lemon Greek Roasted Potatoes recipe makes for the most flavorful Greek potatoes you’ll ever taste.
- Crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, and loaded with flavor, these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges couldn’t be easier to make!
- These Crispy
Air Fryer Potato Nuggets are beyond simple to put together and outrageously tasty. - Batata Harra is a popular Lebanese potato side dish that’s spicy and full of flavor, served over a creamy and cool whipped feta dip!
- Dairy-Free Mashed Sweet Potatoes are sweet, creamy, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes peeled and chopped
- 2 cups whole milk or milk of choice
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- Kosher salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese or cheese of choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375° F.
- In a large baking dish add potatoes, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cover, and bake 50-55 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.2 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, 2 cups whole milk or milk of choice, 4 cloves minced garlic, Kosher salt to taste, Pepper to taste
- Add butter, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Use a potato masher, and mash until creamy.4 Tablespoons butter, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese or cheese of choice
- Serve warm!
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Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is my new go to recipe for mashed potatoes!! They’re so smooth and creamy and are packed with all the buttery garlicky flavor you want in a mashed potato. The mozzarella and sour cream put it over the edge in the best way possible. Go make these now!