Description
Baked Mashed Potatoes with Cheddar are the ultimate comfort food—creamy, buttery, and topped with a golden layer of melted white cheddar for a side dish that’s both indulgent and crowd-pleasing. This classic dish transforms simple ingredients into something truly satisfying, with a golden, cheesy crust and fluffy, flavorful mashed potatoes underneath.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and halved
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 3 cups shredded white cheddar, plus 1 cup for topping
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- Fresh chopped chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and halve your russet potatoes, then place them in a large pot. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- Add the butter, sour cream, milk, and 3 cups of shredded white cheddar. Mash everything together over low heat until smooth and fluffy.
- Mix in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes into a greased 9×13-inch ovenproof dish. Smooth the top and sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar evenly across the surface.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and bubbling.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped chives before serving.
Notes
- Use starchy russet potatoes for the fluffiest texture.
- Warm milk and butter before mixing for smoother results.
- Make ahead: Prepare and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Optional add-ins: Try bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic for extra flavor.
- Storage: Refrigerate 4 days or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 60mg