Description
This Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes recipe is a creamy, indulgent side dish perfect for holiday meals or comforting dinners. Tender mashed potatoes are blended with butter, sour cream, and a trio of cheeses, then baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Garnished with fresh chives, this dish delivers rich, cheesy flavor and a luscious texture that will satisfy any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Dairy
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold salted water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the cooked potatoes well. Return them to the hot pot to allow excess moisture to evaporate for 1 to 2 minutes. Mash the potatoes thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the butter, warm milk, sour cream, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to the mashed potatoes. Mix everything until fully combined and creamy.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, the mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until they melt and incorporate smoothly into the potato mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the cheesy mashed potatoes evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh chives if desired. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra richness, add 2 ounces of cream cheese to the mashed potatoes.
- You can prepare the mashed potatoes a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
- Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your preferred consistency in the mashed potatoes.
