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Culinary

What Are Cheesy Mashed Potatoes?

By Christina Edwards
Updated May 17, 2024
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Cheesy mashed potatoes are a variation of plain mashed potatoes. To make these potatoes, cheese is added to cooked homemade or instant mashed potatoes. Several different types of cheese can be used, including cheddar and American. Other ingredients, like chopped garlic or bacon pieces, can also be added. They can then be served with additional cheese sprinkled on top.

Homemade cheesy mashed potatoes are made from whole potatoes. Most people prefer to peel the potatoes before they are cooked, but the peels can also be left on for added flavor and texture. The potatoes are usually cut into large chunks before they are boiled. Once the potatoes are tender, they can be drained, mixed with cream and butter, and mashed with a large fork or potato masher. They can also be beaten with an electric mixer for a creamier texture.

Instant mashed potatoes can also be used to make cheesy mashed potatoes, and this option is usually a little simpler and less time consuming. Dried potato flakes are usually mixed with milk, water, and butter before they are cooked. Cheese can be added to plain instant mashed potatoes, but some instant potatoes come with cheese flavor already added.

Nearly any type of cheese can be used to make cheesy mashed potatoes, but cheddar and American are typically the most common. Swiss cheese, Parmesan cheese, goat cheese, and mozzarella cheese can also be used. Hard cheeses are usually shredded or grated before being added to the hot mashed potatoes. Soft cheeses, including cream cheese, can usually simply be cut into chunks. The cheese is typically stirred into very hot mashed potatoes until it is completely melted and mixed in with the potatoes.

For added flavor, other ingredients can also be added to cheesy mashed potatoes. Minced garlic and cooked onions are popular additions, for instance. Cooked bacon pieces, chopped chives, and sour cream can also be added for a baked potato variation.

Like other mashed potato dishes, cheesy mashed potatoes should be served hot. Extra grated or shredded cheese can be sprinkled on top for added color and flavor. Unlike some other mashed potatoes, cheesy mashed potatoes are not usually served with gravy on the side.

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Discussion Comments

By Viranty — On Oct 29, 2014

@Hazali - Even though I've never had instant mashed potatoes, I can certainly relate to what you're talking about. Also, since you brought up mashed potatoes (which can be considered a Holiday food), I thought I would use my own example, just to relate to yours. For years, my Mom would always make homemade stuffing.

However, there was one incident during the Holidays where my parents were trying to save money, and because of that, they bought the store bought stuffing. In my opinion, it was absolutely horrible. While it may not seem like my story relates to the article, I was just giving an example of how instant products aren't always the best.

Even more in relation to this article however, while I can't say I've had cheesy mashed potatoes, I can still relate in a way. A baked potatoes covered in cheese is definitely one of my favorite dishes, and it's piping hot as well.

My advice to someone who isn't a big fan of cheesy (mashed) potatoes, is to give baked potatoes a try. Potatoes are one of those vegetables that can appeal to just about anyone. Whether you're young or old, potatoes have been around for years, and there's enough in them to appeal to the pickiest of eaters.

By Hazali — On Oct 29, 2014

While I do enjoy mashed potatoes quite a bit, I don't know about anyone else, but I prefer to make mine homemade, instead of using the instant mashed potatoes, which the article also mentions. Does anyone else feel the same way? While it's true that the instant kind are easier to make and far less time consuming, don't forget that in some ways, it also might not be as healthy.

More than often, several "instant" food products have additives and artificial preservatives that are not only meant to make it last longer, but even more, it's meant to make the food cook a lot quicker. While I'm certainly not discouraging anyone from eating instant mashed potatoes, I think it's something we should take a second glace at. Does anyone else agree with me?

By Krunchyman — On Oct 28, 2014

I'll admit that I'm not the biggest fan of putting cheese in and on my mashed potatoes, but regardless, this article is a great read. After all, don't forget that while many adults might not like "kiddie" stuff, per se, there are many kids who absolutely love cheese and potatoes, and I used to when I was a kid.

Speaking of traditions that are related to potatoes, for some reason, reading this article reminds me of how many children like to put ketchup on their potatoes.

While it's pretty obvious that some people might not like this, a lot of kids do, and that's the part that matters the most. How does this relate to the article?

Let's say you're reading the article, and for some reason, the idea of cheesy potatoes turns you off. While it may not appeal to you that much, don't forget that even if that is the case, it's still a great recipe that you can make for your kids. Always remember to take that into consideration.

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