If you have a craving for something irresistibly comforting and cheesy, this Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe will absolutely hit the spot. Creamy mashed potatoes become even more special when baked with a golden cheesy crust, creating a dish that’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in. This recipe combines the dreamy smoothness of butter, cream cheese, and sour cream with sharp cheddar for bold flavor in every bite. Trust me, once you try this, it will become one of your all-time favorites to serve again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward potato perfection. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the right balance of creaminess, flavor, and that beautifully baked texture you can’t resist.
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: 5 pounds peeled and quartered for a fluffy, buttery base.
- Butter: 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons at room temperature to add richness and smooth texture.
- Cream cheese: 8 ounces at room temperature to elevate creaminess with a subtle tang.
- Sour cream: 3/4 cup for a luscious, velvety finish with a hint of tang.
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups grated, divided to mix in some and sprinkle on top for that golden melt.
- Kosher salt: 2 1/2 teaspoons to perfectly season and bring out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon to add a gentle kick and balance the creaminess.
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon for a savory, aromatic undertone.
- Egg: 1 egg to bind everything together wonderfully when baked.
- Optional garnishes: Chives and bacon crumbles for extra flavor and a fun crunchy finish.
How to Make Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Boil the Potatoes
Start by peeling and quartering your potatoes so they cook evenly. Boil them in salted water until they’re fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. This step ensures that your mashed potatoes will be perfectly smooth and ready to absorb all those creamy flavors.
Step 2: Mash and Mix the Creamy Ingredients
Drain the potatoes well, then mash them until smooth. Add the softened butter, cream cheese, and sour cream, stirring gently until silky. This combination creates the ultimate creamy base that will make your Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe stand out with richness and tang.
Step 3: Season and Add Cheddar Cheese
Sprinkle in kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavor evenly. Fold in half of the grated cheddar cheese for pockets of gooey cheesy goodness throughout the mash.
Step 4: Incorporate the Egg and Transfer to Baking Dish
Beat the egg lightly and stir it into the potato mixture to help everything set beautifully while baking. Then, spread the potato mixture evenly into a buttered baking dish, smoothing the top for an inviting finish.
Step 5: Top and Bake Until Golden
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese generously across the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-45 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns an irresistible golden brown. Your kitchen will fill with that cozy, cheesy aroma in no time.
How to Serve Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe with freshly chopped chives for a pop of color and mild oniony freshness. Crumbled crispy bacon adds a savory crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy base, elevating the dish to something truly special.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork. A simple green salad or steamed veggies offer a light contrast, making your meal balanced while still celebrating indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the mashed potatoes in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties. For a fun twist, swirl in some caramelized onions or chopped herbs before baking, which adds tasty layers and a beautiful visual effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cheesy mash keeps its flavor, though the top may lose some crispness. Simply reheat to enjoy again!
Freezing
This Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to revive the crispy cheese topping. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally to heat evenly without drying out your creamy mashed potatoes.
FAQs
Can I substitute different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar provides a classic sharpness, you can try mozzarella for a milder melt or Gouda for a smoky twist. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well for that perfect baked texture.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese and sour cream?
While not mandatory, both are key to achieving a silky, creamy consistency and a touch of tang that elevates the flavor beyond basic mashed potatoes. They truly make this recipe special.
Can I prepare this dish ahead and bake later?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it a little longer to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly on top.
What type of potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they break down well and create a fluffy, creamy mash perfect for baking. Avoid waxy varieties as they might turn out too dense or gluey.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for its signature richness, but you can substitute with vegan butter, plant-based cream cheese, and a non-dairy sour cream alternative. Use a dairy-free cheese that melts well to keep it just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a dish straight from the oven that combines creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes with a perfectly baked golden crust. This Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe promises to become your go-to comfort food for any occasion. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can be so incredibly satisfying!
Print
Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes recipe combines creamy mashed potatoes with a rich blend of cheeses, butter, and sour cream, baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 5 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
Dairy & Butter
- 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cheesy mashed potatoes.
- Cook Potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the potatoes until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Begin mashing the potatoes until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Dairy and Seasonings: Add the softened butter, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups of the grated cheddar cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the mashed potatoes. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy.
- Add Egg: Crack the egg into the mixture and stir thoroughly to combine. The egg helps to bind the mashed potatoes for baking.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the cheesy mashed potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mashed potatoes for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and optionally garnish with chopped chives and crispy bacon crumbles before serving warm.
Notes
- Choose Russet potatoes for a fluffier mash or Yukon Gold for a creamier texture.
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to blend easily.
- You can substitute cheddar with other cheese types like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for variation.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding roasted garlic or green onions.
