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
Scale
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.
