Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, is the perfect recipe to use leftover mashed potatoes, made with the perfect combination of Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and then baked to a creamy perfection! The perfect comfort food side dish that makes any meal even better.

I guess you could say I love carbohydrates, from a delicious Pasta dish to homemade bread to yes Risotto and of course potatoes, especially rosemary baked potatoes.

Recipe Ingredients

• Potatoes –
• Onion – half a white or yellow onion or even some chopped green onions
• Butter – salted
• Milk – 2% or whole milk
• Mozzarella – firm mozzarella
• Salt
• Pepper – dash or two of black pepper
• Parmesan cheese – freshly grated
• Parsley – freshly chopped Italian parsley also known as flat head parsley

Best Potatoes for Mashing?

The best potatoes to use for mashed potatoes are Russet potatoes or Idaho potatoes because of their high starch content. Yukon gold potatoes are another good option, the texture of Yukon gold is a bit more buttery and not quite as starchy.

Should you peel the potatoes before boiling?

I don’t usually because I have always been told the peel will help keep the vitamins and nutrients in the potato while boiling, it keeps the potatoes from being too watery when mashing which means the taste and texture are better!

How to make a Cheesy Mashed Potato Recipe

If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes then …

In a large saucepan or pot of boiling water boil the potatoes until fork tender, drain well. If they are unpeeled then carefully remove the peel (I usually hold the potato with a fork and remove with a knife) before mashing.

In a small frying pan add the butter and chopped onion sauté until slightly golden.

Place drained potatoes in a large bowl and mash with a potato masher or pass them through a potato ricer, then add the salt, pepper, butter and milk and beat with a hand mixer until creamy. Fold in the onion butter mixture and shredded mozzarella cheese or cheese of choice.

Spoon into the prepared baking dish or casserole dish. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Bake until browned on top. Let sit a couple of minutes before serving.

Variations

1. Cheesy garlic twist: Fold in some roasted garlic with the grated Parmesan for a more robust flavor.
2. Different cheese: Instead of mozzarella substitute with a sharp cheddar cheese or gouda or even fontina cheese.
3. Jalapeno cheddar: Add diced pickled jalapenos and extra-sharp cheddar for a spicy kick.
4. Herb-Infused: Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, chives or oregano to elevate the taste of herbs.
5. Blue cheese bliss: Embrace bold flavors by incorporating crumbled blue cheese or even pecorino and a touch of cream, sour cream or cream cheese.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes like russets, as they yield a fluffier texture when mashed.
2. Warm Ingredients: Use warm milk and melted butter to avoid cooling down the potatoes during the mashing process.
3. Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing potatoes can result in a gluey texture. Mash until just combined for a light and airy consistency.
4. Grate Your Cheese: Grate your cheese from a block for the best melting quality. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture and taste of the dish.
5. Taste and Adjust: Keep tasting and adjusting the seasoning as you go to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.

What to serve with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

I think these go great with most dishes from a simple Italian Chicken recipe to a delicious Involtini dish to one of my favorite Italian Breaded Pork Chops.

How to store leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, make sure they have cooled completely, this will prevent sogginess. It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Re heat in the oven, stove top or microwave, stir the leftovers to make sure they heat through.

Cheesy mashed potatoes can also be frozen, freeze the completely cooled dish in a freezer safe container. They will last for up to two months in the freezer.

So if you are a mashed potato cheese lover I hope you try out this Baked Double Cheese Mashed Potatoes and let me know if you. Buon Appetito!

Updated from November 6, 2017.