Let’s be honest—some days just call for a big, warm bowl of cheesy mashed potatoes. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just life in general, this dish is your cozy, carb-loaded best friend. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar, even if you’re still in your pajamas at 6 PM.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy and Dreamy: With a blend of sour cream, cream cheese, and two types of cheddar, these mashed potatoes are the epitome of comfort food.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare them the night before, and just pop them in the oven when you’re ready. Dinner stress? Gone.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for picky eaters, potlucks, or just treating yourself because you deserve it.Mary’s Whole Life
Ingredients
- 4 pounds Russet potatoes (about 8 medium)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup sour cream
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces white cheddar cheese, grated (about 2½ cups), divided
- 3 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (about ½ cup)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh minced parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into chunks. Rinse them under cold water.
- Boil: In a 5-quart pot, bring about 2 inches of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Carefully add the potatoes, ensuring they’re covered by water. Cover the pot, but don’t seal it all the way—leave the lid just a little off-center so the steam has a way to slip out.
- Cook over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain and Mash: Remove from heat and drain the potatoes. Return them to the pot and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the melted butter and mash until smooth.
- Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, 1¾ cups of the white cheddar (reserving ¾ cup for topping), and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Stir in the sour cream, minced garlic, and black pepper.
- Combine: Gently fold the cheese mixture into the mashed potatoes until just combined. Gently fold the potatoes—mixing them too much will turn them gluey.
- Bake: Spread the mixture into a greased 2 or 3-quart casserole dish. Top evenly with the remaining ¾ cup of white cheddar cheese.
- If making ahead: Cover with nonstick foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are heated through.
- If baking immediately: Since the potatoes are still hot, reduce the baking time by 15 minutes and bake uncovered.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh minced parsley or chives if desired, and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a gluey texture. Mix just until combined.
- Warm Ingredients: Using room temperature or warmed ingredients helps them incorporate more smoothly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yukon Gold potatoes make a wonderful substitute for Russets.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cheesy mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Pop your dish into the oven or zap it in the microwave until it’s hot all the way through
Can I freeze cheesy mashed potatoes?
Let the mashed potatoes cool completely, then spoon them into a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition of cheesy mashed potatoes
| Calories | 539kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 43g |
| Protein | 17g |
| Fat | 34g |
| Saturated Fat | 21g |
| Cholesterol | 98mg |
| Sodium | 539mg |
| Potassium | 1033mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 1097IU |
| Vitamin C | 13mg |
| Calcium | 401mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Just a Friendly Heads-Up on Nutrition Info
I’m not a certified nutritionist or dietitian—just a home cook who loves sharing recipes. Any nutritional details shared here are rough estimates, not medical advice. If you need exact numbers (like calories, carbs, or fat content), I recommend plugging the ingredients into your favorite online nutrition calculator. Things like brand variations and portion sizes can make a big difference!
Final Thoughts
Cheesy mashed potatoes are more than just a side dish—they’re a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, they’re sure to bring smiles to the table. So go ahead, indulge a little. You’ve earned it.
Craving more quick, veggie-forward meals? Swing by MealsBang’s recipe collection for more inspiration!
happy cocking
Lily
