Cheesy Mashed Potatoes – rich, creamy mashed potatoes loaded with cheese. The perfect side dish for any meal.
My family loves potatoes. Classic recipes like Sous Vide Mashed Potatoes and Baked Potato Casserole appear on our holiday table, so I decided to blend the best of both worlds. These cheesy mashed potatoes are rich, velvety and packed with just enough cheese to make everyone ask for seconds.
Mashed Potatoes
You can prepare mashed potatoes using almost any method: Instant Pot, slow cooker, sous vide, or the traditional stovetop boil. For this recipe I prefer boiling the potatoes in a pot of water, but use whichever method you like best. These cheesy mashed potatoes are easy to make, and they reheat well. You can even prepare them ahead of time and bake when needed for a hot, creamy side.
What You’ll Need
- Potatoes (Yukon Gold recommended)
- Garlic
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Sour cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
I like using sour cream here to add extra creaminess and help bind the potatoes, but cream cheese is a fine substitute if you prefer. Adjust cheeses and dairy to suit your taste.
How To Make Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- Peel and dice the potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
- Place potatoes in a large pot, add the garlic, cover with water and bring to a boil. Simmer until fork tender—about 15–20 minutes depending on the size of the pieces.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot or a large bowl. Mash to your preferred texture. For very smooth potatoes, use a mixer; for a rustic texture, mash by hand.
- Stir in the butter, heavy cream and sour cream until combined and creamy.
- Add the cheddar cheese and mix until melted and evenly distributed. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, or transfer to a casserole dish, cover with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Recipe Variations
Mashed potatoes are a versatile base—try these simple variations to change the flavor profile:
- Spicy: Fold in finely diced jalapeño when you add the cheese for a touch of heat.
- Herby: Mix in chopped rosemary, thyme or chives for fresh, aromatic notes.
- Different cheeses: Swap or blend cheeses—Gruyère, Fontina or smoked Gouda all work wonderfully.
Can I Make Mashed Potatoes Ahead Of Time
Yes. After mixing in the cheese, place the potatoes in a casserole dish, cover with foil and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake at 350ºF until heated through, about 30–40 minutes. You can also freeze portions—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What Goes With Mashed Potatoes
Cheesy mashed potatoes pair well with nearly any main course. They’re a holiday favorite and also perfect for busy weeknights.
- Oven roasted turkey
- Prime rib
- Baked ham
- Salisbury steak
- French onion chicken
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. Reheat in the oven for large portions or microwave for individual servings. They keep their texture and flavor well, so making extra is a great idea.
More Great Side Dish Recipes
- Ruth Chris’ Sweet Potato Casserole
- Roasted Butternut Squash
- Sausage Stuffing
- Roasted Squash and Goat Cheese Salad
- French Bread Rolls
- Air Fryer Roasted Carrots
- Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons salt, approximately
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, approximately
Instructions
- Add potatoes and garlic to a large pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Drain and return potatoes to the pot or a large bowl. Mash to your desired consistency; use a mixer for ultra-smooth potatoes.
- Stir in butter, heavy cream and sour cream until creamy.
- Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately or transfer to a casserole dish, cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Notes
Nutrition
|
Calories: 425 kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 26 g
|
Protein: 10 g
|
Fat: 32 g
Nutrition information is approximate.
Additional Info
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