Cheezy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes with a hint of green onion and paprika, perfect as comfort food or a hearty side dish for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil unpeeled potatoes for about 30 minutes, or until almost tender.
- Drain and cool slightly.
- Peel and shred the potatoes with a grater.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded potatoes, shredded Cheddar cheese, and margarine. Stir until the margarine is melted.
- Stir in sour cream, chopped green onion, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered at 325°F (163°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, or until hot.
- Before serving, sprinkle with paprika.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding cream cheese or using half-and-half instead of sour cream. If you're short on time, you can use pre-peeled and diced frozen potatoes. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and feel free to mix in some crumbled bacon or cooked broccoli for added flavor. Additionally, this dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Cheezy Mashed Potatoes make a perfect side dish for roasted meats or hearty vegetarian recipes. Pair them with grilled chicken or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. They also complement dishes like Blue-Cheesed Mushrooms. Consider serving them with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or additional cheese on top for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to keep them creamy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheezy Mashed Potatoes contains roughly 712 calories, with 17g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (44% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 524mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cheezy Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply take it out of the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of your favorites for a unique flavor. Just keep in mind that the melting characteristics may vary slightly.
How do I make these potatoes healthier?
To lighten up the recipe, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reducing the amount of margarine or butter. You can also substitute some of the potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb option that still offers a creamy texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).