If you’re craving a cozy, soul-satisfying side dish that feels like a warm hug, this Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, these mashed potatoes are elevated with a golden baked crust that adds just the right touch of texture and flavor. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for turning simple potatoes into an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to making this dish shine. Each component plays an essential role: buttery richness, creamy tang, savory seasoning, and sharp cheese all come together to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- 5 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: These varieties provide the ideal starchiness and creaminess for smooth mashed potatoes.
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature: Adds richness and helps create a velvety texture.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature: Brings a tangy smoothness that elevates the creaminess.
- 3/4 cup sour cream: Introduces a subtle tang and sharpness that balances the richness.
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided: Half for mixing in, half for topping to get that irresistible golden crust.
- 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses savory notes without overpowering.
- 1 egg: Binds the mixture and helps create structure during baking.
- Optional garnish – chives and bacon crumbles: Fresh herbs and crunchy bacon add color and texture.
How to Make Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Start by peeling and quartering your Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Place them in a large pot of cold, salted water to ensure even cooking. Bring to a boil and let them simmer until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. The potatoes should be soft enough to mash easily without any lumps.
Step 2: Mash and Mix
Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot or a large bowl. Add the butter, cream cheese, and sour cream while the potatoes are still warm. Mash everything together until silky smooth. Stir in half of the grated cheddar cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, creating a flavorful and creamy base.
Step 3: Bind and Season
Crack the egg into the potato mixture and mix thoroughly. The egg will give the baked dish stability to hold its shape while keeping the interior creamy. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mashed potatoes into a buttered baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese generously over the top. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. This crust adds the perfect cheesy crunch that makes this Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe stand out.
How to Serve Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped chives add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that brightens up the richness, while crispy bacon crumbles introduce a smoky, crunchy contrast. Sprinkle them on top right before serving for extra appeal.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with hearty mains like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a holiday ham. The creamy potatoes help balance out richer meats, offering a luscious, comforting bite alongside your proteins.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, bake the cheesy mashed potatoes in individual ramekins for elegant individual servings, or stuff them inside baked vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for a clever presentation. You could also layer the mixture with sautéed spinach and extra cheese for a layered casserole experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover baked cheesy mashed potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making the leftovers just as enjoyable as fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish before baking by storing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as instructed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. To keep the top from over-browning, cover loosely with foil. You can also microwave individual portions but be mindful the texture will be less crisp.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a sharp Parmesan for different flavor profiles. Just ensure you pick cheeses that melt well.
Do I have to use cream cheese and sour cream?
These ingredients add creaminess and tang that elevate the flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with heavy cream or whole milk combined with extra butter. The texture may be slightly different but still tasty.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by swapping butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar with dairy-free alternatives like plant-based butter and cheeses, you can create a delicious dairy-free version that still delivers on flavor and creaminess.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare everything up to mixing and then refrigerate the potato mixture before baking. Just bring it to room temperature and bake as directed when you’re ready.
Can I add extra ingredients like herbs or vegetables?
Yes! Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme can be folded into the potatoes. You can also mix in roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or even steamed broccoli for a fun variation that still honors the original cheesy comfort.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is truly a winner every time. The perfect marriage of creamy, tangy, and cheesy flavors combined with that crunchy baked top makes it a dish that is sure to delight any crowd. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe collection — the kind you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes recipe combines creamy mashed potatoes with rich cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting side dish perfect for family dinners and holiday feasts, offering a luscious blend of butter, cream cheese, and sour cream enriched with savory seasonings and a cheesy crust.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 5 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
Dairy
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 egg
Seasonings
- 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Garnish
- Chives
- Bacon crumbles
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel and quarter 5 pounds of Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes to ensure even cooking and soft texture.
- Boil Potatoes: Cook the quartered potatoes in boiling water until they are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and Mash: Drain potatoes thoroughly and mash them while still hot to create a smooth base.
- Add Dairy and Seasonings: Mix in 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of butter, 8 ounces of cream cheese, 3/4 cup sour cream, 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder until fully combined and creamy.
- Incorporate Egg: Beat 1 egg and stir it into the mashed potato mixture to help bind the ingredients for baking.
- Add Cheese: Fold in 1 1/2 cups of grated cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes, reserving 1/2 cup for topping.
- Transfer and Top: Spread the cheesy mashed potatoes evenly into a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped chives and crispy bacon crumbles before serving to add color and extra flavor.
Notes
- Use Russet potatoes for fluffier texture or Yukon Gold for a buttery flavor.
- Allow cream cheese and butter to come to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Make sure to fully drain the potatoes to avoid watery mashed potatoes.
- Egg helps the mashed potatoes hold their shape when baked.
- Extra cheese on top creates a delicious golden crust.
- Optional toppings like chopped chives and bacon crumbles add fresh and smoky notes.
