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Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
These cheesy mashed potatoes are creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, perfect for any meal or special occasion. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser!
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Make the creamiest, cheesy mashed potatoes ever with this easy recipe! Loaded with cheddar cheese and butter, every bite melts in your mouth. Perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts, these cheesy mashed potatoes will be a hit with everyone. Get ready to serve up comfort food at its best!
This recipe is so easy to make! Just follow the step-by-step photos and directions below. We also include pro tips, tricks, and answers to the most frequently asked recipe questions to help you master it.
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These mashed potatoes with cheese are ready in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts. The creamy texture, combined with melted cheddar cheese, makes every bite rich and flavorful. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or bringing a dish to a potluck, these potatoes will be the star. Try this recipe at home and enjoy comfort food like never before!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this Cheesy Mashed Potatoes recipe:
- 5 pounds of Yukon gold russet potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
- 1 tablespoon of kosher salt
- 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup of sour cream, warmed
- ½ cup of half-and-half, warmed
- 4 tablespoons of salted sweet cream butter, melted
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of salted sweet cream butter, softened (for buttering the baking dish)
- 2 teaspoons of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
- 4 cups of fresh shredded Colby jack cheddar cheese, divided into 2 cups and 2 cups
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives (optional garnish)
Pro Tip
The purpose of warming the cream and sour cream is so that you don’t bring down the temperature of the potatoes when mixing them in.
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your Cheesy Mashed Potatoes recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make your mashed potatoes uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Add Garlic: Stir in roasted garlic for a rich and flavorful addition that pairs perfectly with cheese.
Substitute Cheddar Cheese: Try using Parmesan or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor in your creamy cheesy mashed potatoes.
Substitute Butter: Use sour cream or cream cheese to add extra creaminess and tang to your mashed potatoes.
Add Bacon: Mix in crumbled bacon for a savory, smoky twist on your easy cheesy mashed potato recipe.
How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips and tricks below. Let’s get started on this delicious recipe! You’ll be serving up this cheesy mash in no time!
FIRST STEP: Add the prepared potatoes and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to a 5 to 6-quart stock pot or saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain potatoes and set them aside.
SECOND STEP: Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, half-and-half, and butter to the same pot used to boil the potatoes.
THIRD STEP: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Generously butter a 9×13 casserole dish with the softened butter. Pay close attention to the corners and bottom of the baking dish.
FOURTH STEP: Add the drained cooked potatoes over the ingredients in the pot.
FIFTH STEP: Sprinkle the onion powder, kosher salt, pepper, and dried parsley over the potatoes.
Pro Tip
You can adjust your salt depending on your personal preference. Adding another ½ teaspoon would be fine as there is a large number of potatoes, but if you prefer less salt, leave the quantity as is.
SIXTH STEP: Use a potato masher to mash all the ingredients together. Continue mashing until smooth and very few lumps of cooked potato remain.
SEVENTH STEP: Stir in 2 cups of the shredded Colby jack cheese.
EIGHTH STEP: Evenly spread the cheesy mashed potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake the potato casserole covered for 30 minutes.
Pro Tip
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your cheesy mashed potatoes casserole as the suggested baking time approaches.
NINTH STEP: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheese over the potatoes. Bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tip
The dish will be incredibly hot, so be careful!
How To Serve Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
This cheesy potato mash works for so many occasions, from cozy family dinners to festive holiday celebrations. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it a hit with both kids and adults!
Holiday Feasts: These cheesy mashed potatoes are perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas. They pair beautifully with roast turkey, ham, or prime rib. Their creamy texture complements the bold flavors of holiday meals.
Family Dinners: Serve these mashed potatoes as a side for a cozy weeknight dinner. They go great with meatloaf, grilled chicken, or pork chops. Everyone, especially kids, will love the cheesy goodness.
Potluck Gatherings: Bring this dish to a potluck, and watch it disappear! The creamy, cheesy flavor pairs well with BBQ ribs, baked beans, or a fresh garden salad.
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Mashed potatoes with cheddar are a beloved favorite for so many reasons, offering comfort and flavor in every bite!
Rich and Creamy Texture: These mashed potatoes are loaded with cheddar cheese and butter, creating a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. The balance of flavors keeps you coming back for more.
Comfort Food Classic: This recipe brings that perfect blend of warmth and satisfaction, making it a family favorite for dinners, holidays, and get-togethers. It's a dish that feels like home.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish is quick to prepare and delivers on taste every time. Perfect for busy weeknights or holiday feasts.
Cheesy mashed potatoes aren’t just a side—they’re a crowd-pleasing comfort dish that adds joy to every occasion!
Recipe FAQ
How do I get my mashed potatoes extra creamy?
Use warm milk and butter, and mash the potatoes thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy texture.
What type of potatoes are best for mashed potatoes?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best because they’re starchy, creating fluffy and creamy mashed potatoes when cooked.
Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, prepare them in advance, then reheat in the oven or on the stove while stirring frequently for best results.
How do I prevent my mashed potatoes from becoming gluey?
Avoid over-mixing the potatoes; use a masher or ricer to keep the texture light and fluffy instead of gummy.
Serving FAQ
What’s the best way to serve cheesy mashed potatoes for a crowd?
Serve them in a large, warm dish, and keep them heated in a slow cooker for easy self-serving.
Can I serve cheesy mashed potatoes as a main dish?
Yes! Add extra cheese or toppings like bacon or chives to turn these mashed potatoes into a hearty main dish.
Should I garnish cheesy mashed potatoes before serving?
Garnishing with chopped herbs like parsley or green onions adds a fresh, colorful touch before serving these cheesy mashed potatoes.
How do I keep mashed potatoes warm while serving?
Use a double boiler or slow cooker to keep mashed potatoes warm without drying them out during serving.
Storage FAQ
Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below for the best storage of your cheesy mashed potatoes. From making ahead to reheating, we’ve got you covered!
Can I make cheesy mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare cheesy mashed potatoes in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before serving.
What's the best way to store leftover cheesy mashed potatoes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep fresh for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze cheesy mashed potatoes?
Yes, cheesy mashed potatoes can be frozen. Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to one month.
How do I reheat cheesy mashed potatoes?
Reheat the potatoes in the oven at 350°F or gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently until heated through.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
These cheesy mashed potatoes are creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, perfect for any meal or special occasion. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- 5 pounds Yukon gold russet potatoes (peeled and cut into quarters)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temeprature)
- ½ cup sour cream (warmed)
- ½ cup half and half (warmed)
- 4 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter (melted)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter (softened (for buttering the baking dish))
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 4 cups fresh shredded Colby jack cheddar cheese (divided into 2 cups and 2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional garnish)
DIRECTIONS
- Add the prepared potatoes and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to a 5 to 6-quart stock pot or saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
- Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, half and half, and butter to the same pot used to boil the potatoes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Generously butter a 9×13 baking dish with the softened butter. Pay close attention to the corners and bottom of the baking dish.
- Add the drained cooked potatoes over the ingredients in the pot.
- Sprinkle the onion powder, kosher salt, pepper, and dried parsley over the potatoes.
- Use a potato masher to mash all the ingredients together. Continue mashing until smooth and very few lumps of cooked potato remain.
- Stir in 2 cups of the shredded Colby jack cheese.
- Evenly spread the cheesy mashed potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake covered for 30 minutes.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheese over the potatoes. Bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. (Remember, this will be incredibly hot, so be careful)
Notes
- The purpose of warming the cream and sour cream is so that you don’t bring down the temperature of the potatoes when mixing them in.
- You can adjust your salt depending on your personal preference. Adding another ½ teaspoon would be fine as there is a large number of potatoes, but if you prefer less salt, leave the quantity as is.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your cheesy mashed potatoes casserole as the suggested baking time approaches.
Nutrition
Calories: 529kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 1386mg | Potassium: 1050mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1056IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 403mg | Iron: 2mg
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