Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Name: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 4 pounds potatoes, russet or yukon gold (8-10 medium sized); 1 tablespoon salt; ½ cup butter (salted, softened); ¾ - 1 cup milk; ½ cup sour cream; 4 ounces cream cheese (softened); 4 ounces shredded cheddar (I use a white cheddar); ¾ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese; ¼ cup shredded cheddar; 3 green onions (optional)

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These Cheesy Mashed Potatoes are so full of cheesy goodness! Made with white cheddar cheese and creamy cheese along with a bit of Parmesan sprinkled over the top.

Serve for everyday dinners, Sunday suppers, or holiday meals.

A wooden spoon scooping up mashed potatoes in a white casserole dish.

Mashed potatoes with cheese

Mashed potatoes are pure comfort food and they are such a versatile dish. There are so many different versions of mashed potatoes. This version is a creamy, cheesy version.

You whip up a batch of mashed potatoes and then add the cheese. I've used a sharp white cheddar, but you can use your favorite type of cheese.

These potatoes are perfect for serving for family dinners or holiday meals. This recipe makes a large batch and you can easily make it ahead of time and then bake it before dinner.

While these potatoes are creamy and delicious, go ahead and serve with homemade brown gravy for an extra delicious finish!

Key ingredients

This section reviews the best ingredients and substitutions for this recipe. For an exact list of ingredients and quantities, check the recipe card below.

Potatoes - I use russet potatoes but Yukon gold is also a good option
Cheese - Three types of cheese - Cream cheese, cheddar, and parmesan. I used white cheddar cheese. Feel free to use a yellow cheddar, Colby, Monterey jack, or even a pepper jack.
Milk - Use whole milk or 2% milk for the creamiest potatoes
Butter - I use salted butter
Sour Cream - Helps make the potatoes extra creamy and adds extra flavor
Green Onions - Used as a garnish, but pair perfectly with cheesy potatoes. You could also use chives or parsley.

Step by step directions

In this section, I share step-by-step photos, cooking methods, techniques, and a general overview. For detailed instructions, temperatures, and timing, check the printable recipe card below.

Peel and cut potatoes into small chunks. Place potatoes into a large pot and cover with water along with a tablespoon of salt. Place on stove and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until potatoes are fork-tender.
Remove from heat and drain well. Return to the pot, or place in a large bowl. Mash with a potato masher.
Add butter, milk, and sour cream and mix well with a hand mixer or with a large spoon. Mix just until everything is mixed together and don't overmix or the potatoes will become gummy.
Stir in cream cheese

Mashing cooked potatoes in a glass bowl.

Add cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper
Taste potatoes. Add a bit more milk if too dry and add additional salt and pepper if needed.

Adding shredded cheese to a bowl of mashed potatoes.

A glass bowl filled with mashed potatoes.

Scoop potatoes into a lightly greased 2-3 quart casserole dish
Top with parmesan and remaining cheddar cheese
Bake uncovered in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes until the top is browned and the potatoes are heated through
To make ahead of time, once potatoes are in the casserole dish, cover them with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Then bake covered for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until heated through.
Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, if desired

Shredded cheese on top of mashed potatoes.

Mashed potatoes in a white casserole dish.

Recipe tips

Cut potatoes into evenly sized pieces for even cook time.
Make certain the potatoes are fully cooked or you will have lumps. Test with a fork. It should pierce the potato easily and almost fall apart.
These can be mixed with a stand mixer, hand mixer, or by hand. Just don't overmix or the potatoes will become gummy.
The butter and cream cheese should be softened to room temperature so they are easily incorporated into the potatoes.
Add your favorite type of shredded cheese

Frequently asked questions

How long do leftover mashed potatoes last?

Leftover mashed potatoes can be covered and refrigerated for 3-4 days.

How do I reheat leftover mashed potatoes?

For single portions, heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

For larger portions, heat covered in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Make ahead directions

You can easily make these potatoes up to a day ahead of time.

Prepare everything and place potatoes in the casserole dish
Cover with foil and refrigerate
When ready to bake, place the covered casserole dish in a preheated 350° oven
Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the cover
Bake for another 20-30 minutes until potatoes are heated through and the top is nicely browned