Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Our Cheesy Mashed Potatoes recipe is the absolute BEST mashed potatoes around. These make-ahead mashed potatoes for a crowd can be reheated in your crockpot saving time and oven space.

Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are going to become one of your favorite dishes on the table during the holidays. The creamy potatoes combined with the cheese and garlic make this recipe irresistible. 

I have been perfecting these make-ahead mashed potatoes for years. They only come out at Thanksgiving since they are so decadent. 

Over the years, I have tried to make this recipe many different ways and I have to say that the ingredients and directions that I am sharing today are key to a delicious dish. As always, my crockpot comes in handy because I make this recipe a day in advance and rewarm in the slow cooker the day of our holiday event. 

Ingredients 

• 5 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes or Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup salted or unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup 2% milk (or half and half for creamier potatoes)
• 1/2 cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese
• 2 oz. cream cheese
• 3-4 large cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tsp. salt

Ingredients to make for a crowd:

• 10 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup 2% milk (or half and half for creamier potatoes)
• 1 cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese
• 4 oz. cream cheese
• 6-8 large cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp. salt

How To Make

Get started by gathering your ingredients, a large stockpot, and a potato masher or hand mixer.

In a large stockpot, boil potatoes until softened, about 30 minutes. Then, drain the potatoes and add them back to the stockpot.

PRO TIP: I typically peel the potatoes before boiling because that is what my family prefers. However, you can also make this recipe by leaving the peel on the potatoes. 

Add the butter, milk, parmesan cheese, cream cheese, garlic, and salt to the stockpot and stir. 

INGREDIENT SWAP: You can swap the parmesan cheese with shredded cheddar cheese, white cheddar, mozzarella or your personal favorite. 

Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the potatoes to the consistency desired. 

PRO TIP: Be careful not to over mix the potatoes. When potatoes are mixed, starch is released. If too much starch is released, the potatoes will become gummy and unappetizing. 

Once the potatoes are mashed, do a quick taste test to make sure the dish is salted to taste.

Remember that these garlic mashed potatoes with cheese can be made a day or two before your holiday event and rewarmed in the crockpot the day of the event.

If the potatoes are too thick, pour 1/8 cup milk at a time and stir until the desired consistency is reached. 

Happy Holidays! I hope this dish is enjoyed by your family and guests as much as mine. For other delicious holiday sides, check out these recipes: 

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