Name: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe. The combination of fluffy potatoes, buttery richness, tangy sour cream, and a trio of cheeses creates a soul-warming dish that’s endlessly crave-worthy. Whether you’re making a holiday feast or just want a decadent side for a weeknight dinner, these mashed potatoes will steal the show every time. Creamy, gooey, and with a perfectly golden top, this is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I love most about this Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is how straightforward yet special the ingredients are. Each element brings a different note to the flavor, color, or velvety texture, creating layered deliciousness in every bite.

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (3 pounds): Both varieties mash beautifully, so choose your favorite for extra fluff or butteriness.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Melted into the potatoes for that classic, creamy base with a lovely richness.
Whole milk (1/2 cup, warmed): Warming the milk ensures a smooth mash and keeps everything piping hot.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and an additional layer of creaminess that sets these mashed potatoes apart.
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups, divided): The bold cheddar flavor is the hero here, pulling all the other cheeses together.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1/2 cup): Adds stretch and extra cheesy goodness in every spoonful.
Parmesan cheese, grated (1/4 cup): For a salty, nutty punch that takes the overall flavor up a notch.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): For just a hint of savory depth that doesn’t overpower the dish.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A classic seasoning duo that makes all the flavors pop.
Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional): A bright, colorful finishing touch that brings a little freshness to the top.

How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Start by peeling and chopping your potatoes into even chunks so they cook at the same rate. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water — this helps the potatoes cook evenly and prevents gumminess. Turn the heat to high, bring the water to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Let the potatoes bubble gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender and easily pierced.

Step 2: Drain and Return

Once your potatoes are perfectly tender, drain off the water completely. Return the potatoes to the hot pot right away — the residual heat dries them out just a touch, which gives you fluffier mash. This extra minute or two in the pot makes a big difference!

Step 3: Mash and Cream

While the potatoes are still steamy hot, add in the butter, warmed milk, and sour cream. Use a potato masher (or ricer, if you want extra-smooth spuds) and mash until everything is luscious and creamy. Now sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing to incorporate the flavors evenly.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Here’s where your Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe transforms: Gently fold in 1 cup of the sharp cheddar, all the mozzarella, and the Parmesan while the potatoes are still hot. They’ll melt right in, giving you gooey, cheesy ribbons throughout the mash. Don’t overmix, just enough to blend the cheese in smoothly.

Step 5: Make it Golden

Scoop the mashed potatoes into your favorite bowl or casserole dish, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese right over the top. For that irresistible golden, bubbly finish, pop the dish under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it — it happens quickly! Garnish with fresh chives or parsley and serve it at the table, piping hot.

How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

This dish is already a showstopper, but a simple sprinkle of fresh chives, parsley, or even sliced green onions adds both color and bright flavor. For a fun twist, try a crack of black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

The Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully next to classic mains like roast chicken, turkey, or a savory beef stew. They also make a cozy vegetarian meal with sautéed greens or roasted veggies on the side. These potatoes are versatile crowd-pleasers!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get creative, spoon individual portions into ramekins and broil for personal-sized servings with golden tops. Or, pipe or swirl the mashed potatoes onto a platter for a festive buffet presentation. No matter how you serve them, they look as inviting as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe can be stored easily. Just transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The texture stays creamy and the flavors deepen after a day or two, making for fantastic leftovers.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, portion the mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll still have that perfect creamy texture and cheesy stretch.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the potatoes with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, just add a splash of milk to keep them moist. Stir well and top with a little extra cheese for best results.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in this Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe?

Absolutely! If you want to change up the flavor profile, try smoked cheddar, pepper jack, or even Gruyère for a gourmet touch. Just be sure to keep the same total amount for the best texture.

How can I make these lighter?

You can substitute low-fat milk and light sour cream if you want to lighten things up. The potatoes will still be creamy, just with a bit less richness, though you may miss out on a little flavor intensity.

What’s the best way to mash potatoes for this recipe?

A traditional potato masher works great for a classic fluffy texture, but if you want super-smooth potatoes, a potato ricer is the way to go. Avoid using a food processor, which can turn the potatoes gummy.

Can I make this Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mash and even top with cheese a day in advance. Cover with foil, refrigerate, and then bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes when you’re ready to serve. Add the garnishes just before bringing it to the table!

Why do I need to warm the milk?

Warming the milk ensures the potatoes stay hot and creamy, and helps the butter distribute smoothly. Cold milk can cool down the mixture and make it harder to get that velvety consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe has a way of bringing people together and stealing the spotlight at any meal. I hope you’re inspired to whip up a big bowl soon — it’s the kind of side dish that just might outshine the main event. Give it a try and watch everyone come back for seconds!

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 3 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Mashed Potatoes recipe. Creamy, rich mashed potatoes loaded with three kinds of cheese, these potatoes are a side dish that will steal the show at any dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

3 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

Additional Ingredients:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and return to pot.
Mash Potatoes: Add butter, warmed milk, and sour cream. Mash until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add Cheese: Fold in 1 cup cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted. Transfer to a dish.
Bake: Top with remaining cheddar. Broil for 2-3 minutes until golden. Garnish with chives or parsley.