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
Scale
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.
