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4.6 from 84 votes

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

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By: Joanna Cismaru •3/15/23 34 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

pin for cheesy mashed potatoes.

These Cheesy Mashed Potatoes are loaded with 3 different kind of cheese, bacon and chives! They are taken to the next level of deliciousness and are the perfect side dish for the holidays, gatherings or potlucks!

cheesy mashed potatoes in a casserole dish.
Table of Contents Open
  • The Best Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
  • Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Potatoes
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • How To Make Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
    • Preheat The Oven
    • Cook The Potatoes
    • Cook The Bacon
    • Make The Mashed Potatoes
    • Assemble The Casserole
    • Bake
  • What Potatoes Are Best For Mashing?
  • What Else Can I Add To My Mashed Potatoes?
  • Expert Tips
  • How To Serve
  • Leftovers
    • Freezer
  • More Must Try Potato Recipes
  • Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Equipment
    • Notes
    • Nutrition Information
  • Did You Make This?

The Best Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Mashed Potatoes! One of the easiest side dishes you could probably ever make. It is also probably one of the first things I learned to make as a little girl helping my mom out in the kitchen. Although my mom’s version is very simple, but tastes great nonetheless, I like to experiment with my recipes a bit.

My mom’s mashed potatoes are made with milk and butter and she’d whip them up in a mixer so they were always light and fluffy. All I can say is there are never any leftovers. Mashed potatoes with a nice roast chicken and a great salad, my kind of Sunday supper.

These mashed potatoes, however, are taken to the next level. They’re amplified in flavor, texture, and creamy dreamy cheese pulls! They’re super creamy, since they’re mashed with butter, milk and sour cream then I loaded them with 3 different kinds of cheeses; cream cheese, mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese.

If that wasn’t enough, I then added some bacon because, well bacon, and some chives for a bit of onion flavor and most of all some green color among all that cheese.

cheesy mashed potatoes on a black plate.

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Potatoes

  • Easy Recipe! This simple recipe is made with just a few basic ingredients, and requires little prep.
  • Creamy Cheesy Potatoes! Potatoes and melted cheese are a match made in yummy heaven. Then top them with some crispy bacon and it’s next level deliciousness.
  • Crowd Pleaser! Your guests will love these cheesy mashed potatoes. You can serve them any time of year and they are perfect side dish for holiday dinners, potlucks and family gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

ingredients needed to make cheesy mashed potatoes.
  • Potatoes – I prefer Yukon Gold potatoes or Russet Potatoes.
  • Salt and Pepper – Just to taste, you may find that the bacon is salty enough to omit the salt entirely!
  • Butter – I always use unsalted butter in most of my cooking and baking because this way I can control the amount of salt that goes in my food.
  • Half and Half or Milk – My mom usually uses milk but if you would like these potatoes to be a bit creamier go with half and half cream which contains 12 % fat. You can even go ahead and use heavy cream which usually contains 38 % fat.
  • Bacon – I used 8 strips of bacon that I then cooked and crumbled up to include in this dish. I insist on using fresh bacon – none of that pre cooked crumbled up stuff!
  • Dairy – We’re using both sour cream and cream cheese today for flavor, creaminess, and lots of tang. Believe me you’ll want both.
  • Cheese – Fresh shredded mozzarella and cheddar are key for getting those cheese pulls that dreams are made of.
  • Chives – Chopped up nice and fine for a nice and mild onion flavor.

How To Make Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

You really can’t screw this up, it’s really an easy recipe, about as simple as they come. I have to admit this isn’t for those who are watching their weight, but if you aren’t counting calories, well this is for you! Or perhaps, you could have a small portion, I won’t tell!

Preheat The Oven

To start, get your oven hot and ready to go before you even begin the recipe. The dish will not cook as well if the oven is not hot enough before you put the potatoes in to bake. So preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and then move on to the next step.

Cook The Potatoes

process shots showing how to make cheesy mashed potatoes.

Peel the potatoes, and cut them into cubes. Then, add the potatoes to a large saucepan and add enough cold water to cover them by a couple inches. Cook the potatoes on medium heat for about 15 minutes or until you can easily pierce them with a fork. Transfer to a colander to drain.

Cook The Bacon

process shots showing how to make cheesy mashed potatoes.

While the potatoes are cooking, chop the bacon slices into small pieces. Transfer it to a skillet and cook it until crispy and browned. Alternatively, you can cook the bacon slices first, then chop them up into small pieces. Place the bacon on a paper towel lined plate to soak up some of the fat.

Make The Mashed Potatoes

process shots showing how to make cheesy mashed potatoes.

Using a potato masher or fork, mash the potatoes in a big bowl until fluffy. Add the cream cheese, butter, sour cream, milk, half the cheddar cheese, half the mozzarella cheese and mix until well combined. To make them even fluffier you could use a hand mixer and mix until light and fluffy. Add the chives, half the bacon and salt and pepper. You might also want to reserve some chives for the topping.

Assemble The Casserole

process shots showing how to make cheesy mashed potatoes.

Stir everything together until well combined then transfer it to a buttered baking dish. Finally, you’ll want to top with remaining cheddar, mozzarella cheese and bacon.

Bake

Transfer the casserole dish to the oven and bake it for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

What Potatoes Are Best For Mashing?

You might think that any potatoes can be mashed, and while that may be true, there are certain varieties that make the best mashed potatoes, so without further ado here they are. Yukon golds or russets are perfect for this dish as they result in a creamier and more heavenly mash.

What Else Can I Add To My Mashed Potatoes?

You can add whatever you’d like to this cheesy, crave-able, and oh so rich dish. Here’s some flavorful or creamy additions.

  • Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme or parsley.
  • Eggs – raw eggs that is. This is my husband’s favorite, it totally adds a little extra richness
  • Any kind of mild melty delicious cheese that you’d like!
cheesy mashed potatoes in a casserole dish.

Expert Tips

  1. Just like you always salt your pasta water, you need to salt the water that the potatoes cook in. The starch granules swell and absorb water and salt. If you add salt while cooking the potatoes, you won’t need to add as much later on.
  2. Be sure to drain your potatoes completely before mashing them to prevent mushy potatoes.
  3. Don’t use cold butter in this dish, be sure it’s come up to room temperature before introducing it to your piping hot potatoes.

How To Serve

These mashed potatoes are so rich, cheesy, and bacon-y, I like to snack on them all on their own! If you’d like a nice big entree to spoon these alongside, then here’s some picture perfect dishes!

  • Garlic and Paprika Chicken
  • Baked Chicken Breast
  • Prime Rib Roast
  • Beef Bourguignon
  • Crock Pot Roast
  • Meatloaf
  • Honey Mustard Glazed Ham
  • Pork Schnitzel

Leftovers

Store leftover cheesy mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Be sure it’s completely cooled before putting away.

Freezer

Freeze mashed potatoes in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 10 months.

cheesy mashed potatoes on a black plate.

More Must Try Potato Recipes

  • Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
  • Crockpot Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
  • Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
  • Roasted Potatoes with Garlic Aioli
  • Potatoes Au Gratin
  • Baked Potatoes
  • Funeral Potatoes
  • Colcannon

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

cheesy mashed potatoes in a casserole dish.
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4.64 from 84 votes

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Prep 20 minutes
Cook 50 minutes
Total 1 hour 10 minutes
Rate Recipe
These Cheesy Mashed Potatoes are loaded with 3 different kind of cheese, bacon and chives! They are taken to the next level of deliciousness and are the perfect side dish for the holidays, gatherings or potlucks!
8

Ingredients

  • 2.5 pounds potatoes (such as Russets or Yukon gold)
  • 8 slices bacon
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
  • ¼ cup butter (unsalted, melted)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • ¼ cup chives (minced)
  • salt and pepper (to taste)

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
  • Peel the potatoes, and cut them into cubes. Add the potatoes to a large sauce pan and add enough cold water to cover them by a couple inches. Cook the potatoes on medium heat for about 15 minutes or until you can easily pierce them with a fork. Transfer to a colander to drain.
  • In the meantime chop the bacon slices into small pieces. Cook the bacon until crispy and browned. Alternatively, you can cook the bacon slices first, then chop them up into small pieces. Place the bacon on paper towels to remove some of the fat.
  • Using a potato masher or fork, mash the potatoes in a big bowl until fluffy. Add the cream cheese, butter, sour cream, milk, half the cheddar cheese, half the mozzarella cheese and mix until well combined. To make them even fluffier you could use a hand mixer and mix until light and fluffy. Add the chives, half the bacon and salt and pepper. You might also want to reserve some chives for the topping.
  • Stir everything together and transfer to a buttered baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar, mozzarella, bacon and chives.
  • Bake for about 30 minutes or until top is golden brown.
  • Serve immediately.

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch Casserole Dish

Notes

  1. Just like you always salt your pasta water, you need to salt the water that the potatoes cook in. The starch granules swell and absorb water and salt. If you add salt while cooking the potatoes, you won’t need to add as much later on.
  2. Be sure to drain your potatoes completely before mashing them to prevent mushy potatoes.
  3. Don’t use cold butter in this dish, be sure it’s come up to room temperature before introducing it to your piping hot potatoes.
  4. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
  5. Freeze mashed potatoes in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 10 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1servingCalories: 419kcal (21%)Carbohydrates: 28g (9%)Protein: 14g (28%)Fat: 27g (42%)Saturated Fat: 14g (88%)Cholesterol: 72mg (24%)Sodium: 413mg (18%)Potassium: 734mg (21%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 3g (3%)Vitamin A: 670IU (13%)Vitamin C: 8.9mg (11%)Calcium: 247mg (25%)Iron: 1.5mg (8%)
© Author Joanna Cismaru

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

cheesy mashed potatoes in a casserole dish.

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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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34 Comments
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kale
kale
Posted: 9 days ago

5 stars
I made this recipe and used garlic herb cream cheese. It turned out sooo delicious!!

0
Reply
Crystal P
Crystal P
Posted: 3 months ago

Can the mashed potatoes be made ahead of time then refrigerated and baked later? Planning ahead for Christmas thank you

0
Reply
Crystal P
Crystal P
Reply to  Crystal P
Posted: 2 months ago

Any input?? I would appreciate. My first time making a big dinner and I’m trying to be organized.

0
Reply
Crystal
Crystal
Posted: 10 months ago

5 stars
I cooked a easter meal for 17 family members and made your baked mashed potatoes, let me tell ya go ahead pat yourself on the back. IT WAS A HUGE HIT 😃 😊 Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Crystal
Posted: 10 months ago

My pleasure, so glad you guys enjoyed it!

0
Reply
Sharon Collis
Sharon Collis
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
We all loved this recipe I added a little more butter before putting it in the oven than suggested as it was dry but turned out perfect

0
Reply
Victoria
Victoria
Posted: 2 years ago

4 stars
This was very good! However, I needed 4lbs of potatoes. I weighed exactly 2.5lbs of potatoes and added the other ingredients that were all measured to the exact weight needed, and it was the consistency of soup. I had to cook the remaining 1.5lbs of potatoes I had and add them to add to the potato mixture. It was still a bit soupier than I would have liked, but it was delicious!

0
Reply
Amber Puckett
Amber Puckett
Posted: 3 years ago

I can’t make this dish with the sour cream, (sour cream doesn’t like me) is there any else I can use?

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team
Jo Cooks Team
Reply to  Amber Puckett
Posted: 3 years ago

You can use some Greek yogurt 🙂

0
Reply
Carol
Carol
Posted: 3 years ago

These look terrific. I’m tempted to try them with egg added. Would you add just one along with cream?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Carol
Posted: 3 years ago

Exactly, I usually whisk it with the cream then add it to the potatoes.

0
Reply
Nicole
Nicole
Posted: 4 years ago

5 stars
Yum! Hosted a dinner & made this. May I say it was quiet haha

0
Reply
Nicole Beaulieu
Nicole Beaulieu
Reply to  Nicole
Posted: 4 years ago

Haha! That’s how you know something is delicious.

0
Reply
Laura hargett
Laura hargett
Posted: 4 years ago

My son doesn’t eat pork can I use turkey bacon instead

0
Reply
Nicole Beaulieu
Nicole Beaulieu
Reply to  Laura hargett
Posted: 4 years ago

Yes of course

0
Reply
Kelly
Kelly
Posted: 4 years ago

What size pan do you use for this recipe?

0
Reply
Nicole Beaulieu
Nicole Beaulieu
Reply to  Kelly
Posted: 4 years ago

A 9×13 casserole dish

0
Reply
Alicia neal
Alicia neal
Posted: 4 years ago

5 stars
My family of picky eaters loved this recipe! Thank you!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Alicia neal
Posted: 4 years ago

My pleasure, so glad you guys enjoyed it!

0
Reply
Ramona Ann Forbes
Ramona Ann Forbes
Posted: 4 years ago

5 stars
Cheesy mash potatoes are the best. I make it for my family at least once a week !!! So yummy !!!!!

0
Reply
Angie
Angie
Posted: 5 years ago

5 stars
If I do not have a oven to bake for about 30 minutes or until top is golden brown, is there any other alternative you can suggest? 🙂 TIA!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Angie
Posted: 5 years ago

You can probably pop it in the microwave for a few minutes until the cheese melts.

0
Reply
Pam
Pam
Posted: 5 years ago

5 stars
Hi there..this recipe sounds wonderful. Can i make this the night before then bake it the following day?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Pam
Posted: 5 years ago

Oh yeah, I don’t see why not.

0
Reply
Jami
Jami
Posted: 6 years ago

5 stars
This recipe is amazing!! I didn’t peel my potatos tho. I love having the skins in my mashed potatoes. Super easy and super tasty

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Jami
Posted: 6 years ago

I know, isn’t it great, bacon, cheese and potatoes….that’s what it’s all about! 🙂

0
Reply

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