Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake: 7 Reasons to Try It

The Ultimate Comfort Food Embrace

There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of comforting food wafting through your kitchen. It instantly transports you back to cherished memories, to family gatherings, or simply to a cozy evening in. Today, we’re diving into a dish that embodies pure, unadulterated comfort: the Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake. Forget everything you thought you knew about mashed potatoes – we’re elevating them to a whole new level of creamy, cheesy, golden-brown perfection. Get ready to create a side dish (or even a main!) that will have everyone reaching for seconds, and then probably thirds.

Why Make This Recipe

This Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake is a dish you will love to make. It has an irresistibly creamy texture, so say goodbye to dry, lackluster mashed potatoes! This bake is incredibly smooth and velvety. It also features golden cheesy goodness, a crispy, bubbly layer of melted cheese blankets the top, adding a delightful textural contrast and incredible flavor. This recipe is perfect for effortless entertaining. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish, freeing you up to enjoy your guests without last-minute kitchen stress. It is also crowd-pleasing. Seriously, who can resist a good cheesy mashed potato bake? It’s a universal favorite. Finally, it is versatile. You can easily adapt it to different tastes and dietary needs, making it a staple in your recipe repertoire.

How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake

Making a Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake involves a few simple steps. You will prepare the potatoes, then mash them with dairy and seasonings. After that, you fold in cheese, assemble the bake in a dish, and top it with more cheese and butter. Finally, you bake it until it is golden and bubbly.

Ingredients of Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake

• Potatoes:
• 2-3 lbs Russet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)

• Dairy:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (plus 2 tbsp for topping)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)

• Cheese:
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Gruyere cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

• Seasoning:
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional, but highly recommended)
• Pinch of nutmeg (enhances potato flavor)

• Garnish (Optional):
• Fresh chives or parsley, chopped

Directions of Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water by about an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain and Mash: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly. Return them to the hot pot. Add the 1/2 cup butter, warm milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg.
3. Whip to Perfection: Using a potato masher or an electric mixer on low speed, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Do not overmix, as this can make them gluey.
4. Fold in Cheese: Gently fold in 1.5 cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and all of the Monterey Jack/Gruyere cheese until just combined.
5. Assemble the Bake: Transfer the cheesy mashed potato mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Dab with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, cut into small pieces.
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Serve: Let the Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh chives or parsley and serving warm.

How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake

Serve your Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake in various ways. It is a classic companion to roasted chicken, turkey, pot roast, or steak. It makes an ideal addition to any holiday spread or family dinner. For a breakfast reboot, serve a dollop with a fried egg and some crispy turkey. Honestly, sometimes this Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake is so good, it is a meal in itself!

How to Store Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake

You can store leftover Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake. Allow the baked potatoes to cool completely. You can freeze individual portions or the entire dish in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave until hot.

Tips to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake

• Do Not Overcook: Overcooked potatoes absorb too much water and can result in watery mashed potatoes.
• Warm Dairy: Using warm milk and butter helps them incorporate smoothly into the potatoes without cooling them down.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before baking.
• Creamy Texture: For extra creamy potatoes, a hand mixer or stand mixer can be used, but be careful not to overmix.

Variation

Spice It Up!

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mashed potatoes.
• Jalapeño Popper Style: Fold in finely minced fresh or pickled jalapeños and crispy turkey bits.

Cheesy Delights

• Smoked Gouda: Substitute some of the cheddar with smoked Gouda for a deep, smoky flavor.
• Cream Cheese: A block of softened cream cheese folded in can add extra tang and richness.

Herbal Infusion

• Fresh Herbs: Experiment with fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage for an aromatic twist.

Loaded Bake

• Turkey & Chives: Stir in cooked, crumbled turkey and fresh chives for a classic “loaded” flavor.
• Caramelized Onions: Sweet caramelized onions add a fantastic savory depth.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to 2 days in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, or add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through. If it looks dry, add a splash of milk before reheating.

Q2: What are the best potatoes to use for a creamy Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake?
A2: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this cheesy mashed potato bake. Russets are starchy and produce a fluffy texture, while Yukon Golds are slightly waxy, offering a creamier consistency. A mix of both can also work beautifully!

Q3: How can I prevent my Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake from becoming gluey?
A3: The key is not to overmix! Once the potatoes are tender, drain them well and allow some of the steam to escape before adding dairy and mashing. Use a potato masher or an electric mixer on low speed, and stop as soon as it is smooth. Overworking the starches in potatoes can release too much starch, leading to a gluey texture.

Ultimate Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy mashed potato bake, loaded with sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, then baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect as a hearty side dish for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings 8 servings

Calories 440 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Potato masher or electric mixer
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Oven

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2.5 lbs Russet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 cup for mashing, 1/4 cup for topping)
• 1/2 cup warm whole milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Pinch nutmeg
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1.5 cups for folding, 1/2 cup for topping)
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Place potatoes in a pot, cover with salted cold water, bring to a boil, then simmer until fork-tender (15-20 minutes).
• Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Add 1/2 cup butter, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg.
• Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy, being careful not to overmix.
• Gently fold in 1.5 cups sharp cheddar and all the Monterey Jack cheese until just combined.
• Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
• Sprinkle the remaining sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
• Cut the remaining 1/4 cup butter into small pieces and dab them over the cheese.

Baking

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
• Let the bake rest for a few minutes, then garnish with chives (optional) and serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the mashed potatoes. You can also experiment with other cheese combinations like Gruyere or fontina for a different twist.