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Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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3.9 from 9 reviews

This Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes recipe combines creamy mashed potatoes with a rich blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and gruyere cheeses, infused with garlic and fresh thyme, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting, savory side dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Potatoes and Herbs

  • 1.2 lb potatoes (Maris Piper, King Edward, Russets and the likes)
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 3 springs fresh thyme
  • 2 Tablespoons parsley (finely chopped)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Dairy

  • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1½ cups Milk (You can use up to 2 cups)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • ½ cup gruyere cheese (shredded)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into large chunks of equal size to ensure even cooking. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water about 2 inches above them. Add salt, fresh thyme, and garlic to the pot, then stir briefly.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking later.
  3. Cook the Potatoes: Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook the potatoes until fork-tender, about 12-15 minutes. Drain the potatoes completely and remove the thyme stems. Return the potatoes to the pot and let them cool slightly.
  4. Heat Milk and Butter: While the potatoes cool, heat the milk and butter together in a saucepan just until the butter melts. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Mash the Potatoes: Use a potato ricer, handheld masher, or electric masher to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the warm milk and butter mixture to the mashed potatoes while stirring continuously. Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded mozzarella, gruyere, and cheddar cheeses, saving some cheese to sprinkle on top later.
  8. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Spread the cheesy mashed potato mixture evenly into a casserole dish.
  9. Bake the Dish: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For an extra golden crust, switch to broil for the last few minutes.
  10. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving hot alongside your favorite protein, vegetables, or gravy.

Notes

  • Using starchy potatoes like Russets or Maris Piper ensures a fluffy mash.
  • You can adjust the amount of milk to get your desired consistency.
  • For more garlic flavor, you can mince the garlic cloves instead of boiling whole.
  • If you prefer a stronger herb flavor, you can add thyme leaves directly into the mash.
  • Reserve some cheese for topping to create a crispy, golden crust.
  • Broiling at the end helps to brown the top quickly without drying out the dish.