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 cups whole milk or milk of choice; 4 cloves minced garlic; Kosher salt to taste; Pepper to taste; 4 Tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese or cheese of choice

Jump to Recipe·5 from 10 reviews

If you love comfort food that feels like a warm hug, this Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It’s creamy, downright cheesy, and baked to golden perfection with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will become your go-to side for family dinners or those lazy weekends when you want something cozy but effortless.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Technique: Baking the potatoes in milk with garlic infuses rich flavors while keeping prep hands-off.
Creamy & Cheesy: The combo of sour cream and mozzarella creates the perfect melty, indulgent texture.
Customizable Comfort: You can easily swap cheeses or add herbs to match your family’s favorites.
Feeds a Crowd: Makes around 10 servings, so it’s great for gatherings or meal prepping.

Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes, cheesy mashed potato side dish, baked potato casserole, creamy cheesy mashed potatoes, comfort food recipes - 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 part in making creamy, flavorful magic happen. Yukon golds are my favorite for their buttery texture, and using whole milk adds richness without heaviness. Plus, fresh garlic and quality cheese really lift the dish to the next level.

Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes, cheesy mashed potato side dish, baked potato casserole, creamy cheesy mashed potatoes, comfort food recipes - 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: Creamy and buttery naturally—perfect for smooth mashed potatoes that hold up well in the oven.
Whole milk (or milk of choice): Adds creaminess; you can swap with almond or oat milk if you prefer dairy-free versions.
Minced garlic: Roasted right along with the potatoes so the garlic flavor becomes mellow and sweet.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning throughout, helping each ingredient shine.
Black pepper: Adds just enough pizazz without overpowering the dish.
Butter: Brings richness and a silky mouthfeel to the mash.
Sour cream: My secret ingredient for tangy creaminess that balances the cheese.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, making the top lightly golden and rich; you can try cheddar or Gruyère as well.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love to tailor this cheesy baked mashed potatoes recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand — it’s so forgiving! You can easily swap cheeses or add in different mix-ins to make it uniquely yours.

Herb Boost: Adding fresh chopped chives or rosemary stirred into the mash after baking adds a lovely freshness I swear by.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for those who like their comfort food with a little heat—I do!
Dairy-Free Swap: Use plant-based butter and a non-dairy sour cream substitute, plus vegan cheese, and you’re good to go without missing out on creaminess.
Extra Crispy Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking for a crunchy finish that my family always raves about.

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

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes in Milk and Garlic

First off, preheat your oven to 375°F. Toss your peeled and chopped Yukon gold potatoes into a large baking dish. Pour in the milk, add the minced garlic, and season well with kosher salt and black pepper. Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid to trap the steam. Bake for about 50 to 55 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender—this slow baking method infuses flavor and keeps the potatoes super creamy without boiling or mashing at this stage. Keep a close eye toward the end to avoid drying out.

Step 2: Mash with Butter, Sour Cream, and Cheese

Take your baking dish out of the oven (careful, it’s hot!) and remove the cover. Add your butter, sour cream, and shredded mozzarella right on top. Grab a potato masher and gently mash everything together until it’s smooth and cheesy but still has some texture. This part is so satisfying and smells amazing. If you’re feeling fancy, you can fold in herbs or extra cheese at this point. No need to put it back in the oven unless you want to melt the cheese a little more or brown the top using the broiler for a minute or two.

Step 3: Serve Warm and Enjoy!

Serve your cheesy baked mashed potatoes straight from the dish while they’re still warm and ooey-gooey. This recipe is perfect as a side for roast chicken, turkey, or even a hearty vegetarian main. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Using Yukon Gold: I always choose Yukon gold potatoes because they mash up creamy without needing tons of butter.
Don’t Skip Covering: Covering the baking dish keeps the potatoes tender and prevents the milk from evaporating too fast.
Mashing Gently: I avoid over-mixing to prevent gluey potatoes — a few lumps make it extra comforting!
Garlic Freshness: Mince garlic fresh and toss it right in to bake for a mellow but aromatic punch.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes, cheesy mashed potato side dish, baked potato casserole, creamy cheesy mashed potatoes, comfort food recipes - 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 mine with extra shredded mozzarella and finely chopped fresh chives or green onions — they add a pretty pop of color and a fresh bite that balances the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

This cheesy baked mashed potatoes recipe pairs wonderfully with roast chicken, glazed carrots, or even a crisp green salad. Sometimes I serve it alongside grilled steak for a special weekend dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I like scooping the mashed potatoes into individual ramekins, topping with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, then broiling them until golden and bubbly. It’s a small touch that really wows guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they stay delicious for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cool them quickly before covering to keep the texture fresh.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze cheesy baked mashed potatoes! I freeze them in portion-sized freezer-safe containers so I can thaw just what I need. They reheat well but might need a splash of milk to regain perfect creaminess.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming leftover cheesy mashed potatoes in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to avoid drying out, stirring once halfway through. Microwaving works too but can sometimes dry the edges.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Yukon gold gives you the creamiest results, russet potatoes work fine too; they’ll be fluffier but might require a bit more liquid and butter to reach the same creaminess.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free cheese and sour cream. Just avoid any topping with breadcrumbs to keep it safe.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the potatoes and bake them, then mash and heat just before serving. Alternatively, assemble everything and refrigerate until ready to heat and serve.
What cheese works best in this recipe?

Mozzarella is perfect for melty stretchiness, but sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even a blend of cheeses can add extra depth and flavor if you want to experiment.
Is there a way to make it less rich?

Swap whole milk for low-fat or plant-based milk, reduce butter slightly, and use lighter sour cream or yogurt to lighten the dish without sacrificing creaminess completely.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe holds a special place in my heart as a foolproof crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and easy to make. I hope you find it as cozy and satisfying as I do, whether it’s a holiday side or a simple weeknight treat. Give it a try—I promise your taste buds will thank you, and soon enough, it’ll be your favorite way to enjoy potatoes too!

Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 10 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes recipe is a comforting and creamy side dish made with Yukon gold potatoes, garlic, and a blend of butter, sour cream, and mozzarella cheese. Baked until tender and then mashed to a smooth consistency, it’s perfect for family dinners or holiday meals.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes peeled and chopped
2 cups whole milk or milk of choice
4 cloves minced garlic
Kosher salt to taste
Pepper to taste

For Mashing

4 Tablespoons butter
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese or cheese of choice

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375° F to prepare for baking the potatoes.
Bake Potatoes: In a large baking dish, combine the peeled and chopped Yukon gold potatoes, whole milk, minced garlic, kosher salt, and pepper. Cover the dish and bake for 55 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender.
Add Creamy Ingredients: Remove the baking dish from the oven and add the butter, sour cream, and shredded mozzarella cheese to the potatoes.
Mash Potatoes: Using a potato masher, mash the mixture until it reaches a creamy and smooth consistency, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
Serve Warm: Serve the cheesy baked mashed potatoes warm as a delicious side dish to complement your meal.

Notes

Use Yukon gold potatoes for their creamy texture and buttery flavor when baked and mashed.
You can substitute mozzarella cheese with cheddar or gouda for different flavor profiles.
If you prefer a lighter dish, use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of butter.
For an extra garlicky flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the dish.
If you want a smoother mash, use a hand mixer or immersion blender for mashing instead of a potato masher.