Name: Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes peeled and chopped; 2 cloves minced garlic; Kosher salt to taste; Pepper to taste; 2 cups whole milk or milk of choice; 4 tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese or cheese of choice

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 8 reviews

If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug, then this Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine creamy, garlicky potatoes baked to perfection and smothered in gooey melted cheese—it’s pure magic. Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight dinner or looking to wow guests at your next gathering, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and surprisingly easy to pull off. Stick around, and I’ll share all my secret tips to make sure your cheesy baked mashed potatoes come out just right every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple One-Dish Bake: You load everything into a single baking dish, which means less mess and more time to relax.
Creamy & Cheesy: Using Yukon gold potatoes with melted mozzarella and sour cream creates an irresistibly rich texture and flavor.
Hands-Off Cooking: Just pop it in the oven and let it bake while you get other things done.
Customizable Comfort: This recipe is a fantastic base for any tweaks, making it your go-to crowd-pleaser.

Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes, baked mashed potato recipe, cheesy mashed potatoes, cheesy potato casserole, creamy baked mashed potatoes - A white bowl filled with a creamy, light beige puree that is swirled in a circular motion to create soft peaks and curves. The puree is topped with a golden-yellow layer of oil that pools in the swirls, sprinkled with small black pepper flakes and thin green herb bits. Three fresh green leaves are placed on top, one with a mound of dried herbs. A silver spoon with a black handle rests inside the bowl on the left side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a soft striped cloth underneath, and a few green leaves are visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe plays a starring role in delivering that rich, creamy comfort we all crave. Yukon gold potatoes are perfect because their slightly buttery flavor shines through, and the cheese brings that ooey-gooey goodness. Let me walk you through why I choose each one.

Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes, baked mashed potato recipe, cheesy mashed potatoes, cheesy potato casserole, creamy baked mashed potatoes - Flat lay of peeled and chopped Yukon gold potatoes with their smooth yellow skin and creamy texture, a small cluster of whole garlic cloves showing their papery white skins, a half cup of soft, white sour cream dolloped beside a few golden cubes of butter with a shiny surface, and a small pile of shredded mozzarella cheese strands in bright white, all naturally arranged with gentle overlaps and soft shadows, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Yukon gold potatoes: Their creamy texture and natural buttery taste make for smooth mashed potatoes without needing tons of butter.
Whole milk or milk of choice: Adds the perfect creaminess; I like whole milk, but anything from almond to oat milk works if you want a dairy-free twist.
Minced garlic: It adds a subtle depth without overpowering, and baking mellows the intensity beautifully.
Kosher salt: Essential for amplifying all those flavors; taste as you go so it doesn’t get too salty.
Pepper: Just a touch to cut through the creamy richness.
Butter: Adds richness and silkiness; I recommend unsalted so you control the saltiness better.
Sour cream: Brings tang and creaminess that makes the mashed potatoes downright addictive.
Shredded Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and creates that golden, bubbly cheese topping that everyone loves. Feel free to swap in cheddar or gouda for different flavor profiles.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe is like a blank canvas—you can easily personalize it to fit your family’s preferences or whatever you have in the fridge. I’ve tried various cheeses and mix-ins over the years, and each version is its own delicious adventure.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar combined with a sprinkle of parmesan for an extra cheesy punch that my cheese-loving friends rave about.
Make it spicy: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a handful of chopped jalapeños kicked this dish up a notch on game day.
Dairy-free option: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter, plus dairy-free cheese, for a comforting vegan version that still melts beautifully.
Herbs: Fresh chives or thyme stirred in before baking add a freshness I adore—feel free to get creative here!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Potatoes

First things first, set your oven to 375°F. While it’s warming up, peel and chop about 2 ½ pounds of Yukon gold potatoes into roughly even chunks. The key here is uniform size so they cook evenly without drying out or becoming mushy. I usually keep them around 1-2 inches. Pop these chunks in a large baking dish—don’t forget to use a dish that’s deep enough to hold the milk and butter too.

Step 2: Add Milk, Garlic, Salt, and Pepper and Bake

Pour in 2 cups of whole milk (or your chosen milk) so that the potatoes are nestled comfortably and add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sprinkle with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper; I usually start with about 1 teaspoon salt and a few twists of pepper. Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid to keep the steam in, then bake for 50 to 55 minutes. You want the potatoes tender enough to mash easily with a fork or potato masher.

Step 3: Butter, Sour Cream, Cheese, and Mash

Once the potatoes are fork-tender, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Add 4 tablespoons of butter, half a cup of sour cream, and a generous cup of shredded mozzarella cheese right on top. Now comes the fun part—grab a potato masher and mash everything until it reaches your desired creamy consistency. If you like it extra creamy, you can add a splash more milk here.

Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy!

Serve these cheesy baked mashed potatoes warm and watch how quickly they disappear. The baked cheese topping gets lightly browned and bubbly, making for a perfectly irresistible dish. Honestly, I sometimes eat it straight from the baking dish when no one’s looking!

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Choose the Right Potato: Yukon golds are superb because they mash creamy without becoming gluey like some starchy varieties can.
Don’t Skip the Cover: Covering the baking dish traps steam and ensures potatoes cook evenly and stay moist.
Mash While Warm: It’s much easier to mash and blend all the ingredients when the potatoes are hot—cold potatoes tend to be stiff.
Cheese Timing Matters: Adding cheese after baking avoids dryness and keeps that gooey texture that makes this dish special.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes, baked mashed potato recipe, cheesy mashed potatoes, cheesy potato casserole, creamy baked mashed potatoes - A close-up view of a white bowl filled with creamy hummus forming soft swirls, with a pool of golden olive oil settled on one side. On top, a square pat of butter melts slowly, sprinkled with dried herbs and small dark specks scattered across the hummus. Fresh basil leaves add a bright green color, with one leaf holding a small amount of dried seasoning. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred blue and white striped cloth in the background, and a spoon partially visible in the hummus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping these cheesy baked mashed potatoes with fresh chopped chives or green onions—the pop of color and mild oniony flavor brighten the richness. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle crispy bacon bits or a little cracked black pepper on top for an added punch.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, BBQ ribs, or even a simple green salad if you want to keep things light. For a full holiday spread, serve alongside glazed carrots and sautéed green beans—your guests will be asking for seconds!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake individual portions in ramekins topped with a little extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a crunchy crust. Another fun idea is to turn leftovers into crispy potato cakes—the cheesy filling makes them irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating is easy, and the flavors actually deepen overnight.

Freezing

This Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe freezes really well—pack it in a freezer-safe container and you can keep it frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I find reheating in the oven at 350°F covered with foil preserves the creamy texture best—microwaving works too, but the edges can dry out. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps keep things moist.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Yukon golds work best for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, you can use russets for a fluffier mash—just be aware that the texture will be a bit different and sometimes more starchy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the milk for a plant-based alternative, use vegan butter, and try dairy-free cheese options. The texture might shift slightly, but it’s still delicious and comforting.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the potatoes and assemble everything a day ahead—just wait to bake until ready to serve and add the cheese right before baking for the best ooey-gooey top.
How do I prevent the potatoes from drying out while baking?

Covering the baking dish tightly traps steam that keeps the potatoes moist. Also, ensure there’s enough milk to partially submerge the potato chunks so they don’t dry.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it marries ease with incredible comfort. Whenever life gets busy, I know I can toss everything in the oven and come back to a dish that feels homemade and hearty. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—trust me, once you do, it’ll become one of your favorite go-tos too!

Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 8 reviews

Author: Taylor
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes recipe combines creamy Yukon gold potatoes with garlic, butter, sour cream, and melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for any dinner.

Ingredients

Potatoes and Seasoning

2 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes peeled and chopped
2 cloves minced garlic
Kosher salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Liquids and Dairy

2 cups whole milk or milk of choice
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese or cheese of choice

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375° F to prepare for baking the potatoes.
Bake the potatoes: In a large baking dish, combine the peeled and chopped potatoes, whole milk, minced garlic, kosher salt, and pepper. Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid and bake for 55 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender.
Mash and mix: Remove the baking dish from the oven, then add butter, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes directly in the baking dish until creamy and well combined.
Serve warm: Dish out the cheesy mashed potatoes immediately while hot, perfect as a comforting side for your meal.

Notes

Yukon gold potatoes provide a naturally creamy texture but russets can also be used.
You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or a cheese blend for different flavors.
Use whole milk for richness, or milk alternatives to suit dietary needs.
If you prefer a smoother texture, use a hand mixer or food mill to mash the potatoes.
For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top before serving.