Few side dishes can match the comfort and satisfaction of a big spoonful of creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes. Whether you’re serving a hearty Sunday roast, juicy grilled chicken, or a festive holiday dinner, Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Cheddar are always the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
These mashed potatoes are not your average side dish—they’re rich, velvety, and loaded with gooey, melted cheddar cheese that infuses every bite with warmth and flavor. Perfectly smooth with just the right amount of stretch from the cheese, this recipe brings the indulgent taste of a steakhouse side straight to your own kitchen.
Ideal for cozy winter dinners, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you’re craving something creamy and comforting, these extra cheesy mashed potatoes will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Extra cheesy & creamy: Every bite is rich with melted cheddar flavor.
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Classic comfort food: Familiar, cozy, and satisfying for any occasion.
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Perfect texture: Fluffy mashed potatoes blended with creamy butter and gooey cheese.
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Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything on hand.
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Crowd favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.
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Customizable: Works with any cheese variety—sharp cheddar, white cheddar, or even a blend!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistibly cheesy mashed potatoes:
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2 ½ pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes – These types make the fluffiest, creamiest mashed potatoes.
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¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping) – Sharp cheddar adds rich, tangy flavor and melts beautifully.
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½ cup heavy cream (or milk) – Creates smooth, velvety texture.
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and depth of flavor.
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2 garlic cloves, minced (optional) – For subtle savory undertones.
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Salt and black pepper, to taste – Brings out the best in the potatoes and cheese.
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional) – Adds freshness and color.
Optional Add-ins for Variety:
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2 tablespoons sour cream – for tang and extra creaminess
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¼ cup grated Parmesan – for extra cheesy depth
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A pinch of paprika – adds warmth and color
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A drizzle of olive oil – for a glossy finish
Best Potatoes for Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
The key to perfect mashed potatoes lies in the potatoes themselves. The type you choose affects texture and flavor:
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Yukon Gold: Buttery flavor and naturally creamy—excellent for rich mashed potatoes.
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Russet Potatoes: Light, fluffy, and absorb butter and cream well.
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Combination of Both: The perfect balance of creamy and airy.
Avoid waxy varieties like red potatoes for this recipe—they tend to become gluey when mashed.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
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Peel the potatoes and cut them into even chunks (about 1½-inch pieces).
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Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch.
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Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
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Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
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Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Drain and Dry the Potatoes
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Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander.
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Return them to the warm pot and let them sit uncovered for 2–3 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
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This step ensures your mashed potatoes stay fluffy instead of watery.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
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Use a potato masher or ricer to mash until smooth and lump-free.
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Avoid using a blender or food processor—they can overwork the starch and turn the potatoes gluey.
Step 4: Heat the Cream and Butter
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In a small saucepan, warm heavy cream (or milk) and butter together until melted and just steaming.
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Do not boil. Warming the dairy helps it blend smoothly with the potatoes.
Step 5: Combine Everything
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Slowly pour the warm cream-butter mixture into the mashed potatoes, stirring gently.
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Once smooth, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely and blends throughout.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Optional: For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle a little more cheddar on top and cover the pot for a minute or two until melted.
Step 6: Serve
Spoon the cheesy mashed potatoes into a serving dish.
Top with:
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A sprinkle of extra cheddar
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Chopped chives or parsley
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A small pat of butter for shine
Serve immediately while warm and melty.
Expert Tips for the Creamiest Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
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Warm ingredients are key: Warm cream and butter mix better and keep the potatoes light and creamy.
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Don’t overmix: Overworking the potatoes can make them sticky. Mash gently.
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Grate cheese yourself: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
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Salt in layers: Add salt to the cooking water and taste again before serving.
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Add cheese last: Mixing it in at the end keeps the cheese gooey instead of stringy.
Flavor Variations
Loaded Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Add sour cream, green onions, and a sprinkle of paprika or roasted garlic for a flavor-packed twist.
Garlic Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
Roast a whole head of garlic until golden and soft, then mash it into the potatoes before adding cheese.
Three-Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Mix cheddar with mozzarella and Parmesan for ultra-rich flavor and creaminess.
Herbed Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
Stir in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a fragrant, gourmet touch.
Vegan Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Use vegan butter, dairy-free milk, and a plant-based cheddar substitute—still creamy and delicious!
Make-Ahead Instructions
Mashed potatoes can be made ahead and reheated without losing their creamy texture. Here’s how:
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Prepare the mashed potatoes completely, then let them cool.
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Transfer to an oven-safe dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
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When ready to serve, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
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Stir in a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
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Sprinkle extra cheese on top before reheating for a golden crust.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate:
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze:
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Scoop portions into freezer-safe bags, flatten, and freeze for up to 1 month.
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Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat:
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Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth.
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Stir frequently to restore creamy texture.
What to Serve with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
These creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes pair beautifully with just about any main course. Try serving them with:
Main Dishes:
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Roasted chicken or turkey
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Grilled steak or beef tenderloin
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Herb-crusted salmon
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Vegetable medley or mushroom gravy
Side Dish Pairings:
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Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts
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Green bean almondine
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Garlic butter corn
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Fresh garden salad
Sauces and Toppings:
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Classic gravy
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Garlic herb butter
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Sour cream
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Caramelized onions
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
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Calories: 285
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Protein: 8g
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Fat: 16g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Sodium: 340mg
(Values may vary depending on cheese and dairy choices.)
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Why are my mashed potatoes gluey?
They were likely overmixed or made with a high-starch potato and blended too vigorously. Mash gently and avoid electric mixers.
Why are they lumpy?
The potatoes might not have been cooked long enough. Make sure they’re tender all the way through before mashing.
Why did my cheese clump instead of melting?
If the potatoes were too cool when you added the cheese, it won’t melt evenly. Fold in cheese while the potatoes are still hot.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly grated cheddar melts smoother and gives better flavor.
Can I use low-fat cheese?
You can, but full-fat cheddar delivers richer flavor and smoother texture.
Flavor Pairing Ideas
To elevate your cheesy mashed potatoes even more, try pairing them with complementary flavors:
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Smoky: Add roasted paprika or chipotle powder.
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Fresh: Top with chopped scallions, chives, or dill.
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Tangy: Mix in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
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Earthy: Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.
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Rich: Drizzle with a little brown butter before serving.
Holiday or Party Presentation Ideas
For a stunning presentation at dinner parties or holidays, try one of these serving ideas:
Cheddar Mashed Potato Casserole:
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Spoon the mashed potatoes into a baking dish.
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Top with shredded cheddar and bake at 375°F until golden and bubbly.
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Garnish with herbs for a beautiful side dish.
Mini Cheesy Potato Cups:
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Spoon mashed potatoes into greased muffin tins.
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Sprinkle with cheese and bake until the tops are crispy.
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Serve as individual portions for parties.
Swirled Cheesy Potatoes:
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Before serving, swirl melted cheddar through the top of the mashed potatoes for a marbled look.
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Sprinkle with fresh herbs for color.
FAQs About Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Can I use other cheeses besides cheddar?
Yes! Try mozzarella for a stretchy texture, Parmesan for salty umami flavor, or a blend of Monterey Jack and Colby for mild creaminess.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, substitute plant-based butter, dairy-free cheese, and oat or almond milk.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
You can, though texture and flavor will be different. Fresh potatoes always yield better results.
Can I make them in advance for a party?
Absolutely. Prepare up to two days in advance, store in the fridge, and reheat in the oven.
Can I make these mashed potatoes lighter?
Use low-fat milk instead of cream and reduce the butter. You can also replace half the potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter version.
Can I add more cheese?
Of course! For extra indulgence, add more cheddar or top with a mix of cheeses before serving.
Can I turn this into a casserole?
Yes—spread the mashed potatoes into a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.
The Secret to Perfectly Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
The magic of this recipe lies in timing and balance. Add your cheese while the potatoes are still hot so it melts evenly, creating that luscious, creamy consistency. Using freshly grated cheddar (especially sharp cheddar) gives the best melt and flavor payoff.
And don’t forget the finishing touches—a sprinkle of herbs, a small drizzle of melted butter, and maybe even an extra layer of cheese on top. That’s the difference between good mashed potatoes and unforgettable cheesy mashed potatoes.
Why This Recipe Belongs on Every Dinner Table
Cheesy mashed potatoes are more than just a side dish—they’re comfort, nostalgia, and satisfaction in every spoonful. Whether you’re serving a festive roast, hosting friends for dinner, or simply craving cozy food on a cold night, this dish delivers warmth and happiness.
They’re simple enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for holidays, and their rich, cheesy flavor pairs with almost everything. Once you’ve tried these extra cheesy cheddar mashed potatoes, plain mash just won’t cut it anymore.
