I've never met a potato dish that I didn't love and this cheesy mashed potato recipe is no exceptions. This garlic herb mashed potatoes has two different types of cheese and is the perfect side dish for weeknight meals. I have been making this mashed potatoes with herbs and cheese a couple of times a month for atleast 5 years now. This recipe is one of my son's favorite side dishes and he absolutely loves it.

Why you'll love this cheesy garlic mashed potatoes

You’ll love a cheesy mashed potatoes recipe because:

Creamy and Comforting: The perfect blend of smooth mashed potatoes and melted cheese creates an irresistibly creamy texture.
Rich Flavor: Smoked Gouda, cheddar, or your favorite cheese adds a rich, savory flavor to elevate this classic side dish.
Family Favorite: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for holidays, weeknight dinners, or potlucks.
Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe with your favorite cheeses, add-ins like bacon or chives, or seasoning for your ideal dish.
Simple and Satisfying: With just a few ingredients, it’s easy to make yet delivers maximum comfort and indulgence.

This dish transforms mashed potatoes into a cheesy masterpiece everyone will adore!

Ingredients needed for this mashed cheesy potatoes recipe

Russet Potatoes (Idaho potatoes)
Heavy Cream
Fresh Thyme
Fresh Rosemary
Fresh Sage
Garlic Cloves
Smoked Gouda Cheese
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Unsalted Butter
Salt and Black Pepper

Instructions to make this easy mashed potatoes

Peel and chop the russet potatoes.
Place the peeled, chopped potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

In a small saucepan, place the garlic, sage, rosemary, chives, thyme, butter and heavy cream. Bring to a light simmer over low heat. (Warming the cream helps it incorporate better into the potatoes without cooling them down.)

Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes while still hot until they are smooth and free of lumps.
Pour the warm butter and milk mixture through a sieve into the mashed potatoes.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts into the potatoes, creating a creamy, cheesy texture.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more heavy cream if you want a creamier consistency.
Garnish with chopped chives and an extra pad of butter.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make cheesy mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them up to 2 days in advance. Store in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

2. How can I make my mashed potatoes extra creamy?
Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds, and add warm milk, butter, or cream while mashing. Avoid over-mixing to prevent a gummy texture.

3. Can I freeze cheesy mashed potatoes?
Yes! You can freeze them for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat with added milk or butter.

4. How do I prevent mashed potatoes from becoming gummy?
Overmixing or using a blender/food processor can make the potatoes gluey. Mash by hand or use a potato ricer for fluffy results.

6. Can I use plant-based milk or cheese for a dairy-free version?
Yes! Substitute plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or soy milk) and dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly alternative.

7. How can I prevent my mashed potatoes from becoming watery?
To prevent your mashed potatoes from becoming watery, make sure to drain the potatoes well after boiling.

8. How do I avoid lumps in my mashed potatoes?
Make sure the potatoes are fully cooked by boiling them until they are fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes). Undercooked potatoes are harder to mash and will result in lumps. For lump-free potatoes, use a potato ricer or food mill, which creates a fine, fluffy texture.

Variations and Substitutions to this simple mashed potato recipe

Here are some variations and substitutions for a cheesy mashed potatoes recipe to suit different tastes and preferences:

Cheese Variations:

Parmesan: Add nutty, salty notes for an Italian twist.
Gruyère: Provides a creamy, slightly nutty flavor for a gourmet touch.
Blue Cheese: For a strong, bold flavor. Blue cheese adds a sharp bite to mashed potatoes.
Cream Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and a slight tang.
Goat Cheese: For a creamy, tangy, and slightly earthy flavor. It pairs well with herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Potato Substitutions:

Yukon Gold: Naturally creamy with a buttery flavor.
Red Potatoes: Keep the skins on for added texture and a rustic look.
White Potatoes: Similar to Yukon Golds but slightly less starchy, they create a rich, smooth mash.

Add-Ins:

Bacon: Crumbled crispy bacon for a smoky, savory boost.
Caramelized Onions: Stir in for a sweet and savory addition.
Spices: Enhance with paprika, cayenne pepper, or nutmeg for added depth.

Dairy Substitutions:

Whole Milk: Use instead of heavy cream for lighter mashed potatoes.
Greek Yogurt: Swap for sour cream for a healthier option with tang.
Plant-Based Milk: Almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Vegan Butter or Coconut Oil: Replace butter for a vegan-friendly dish.

Storage needed for this garlic cheesy mashed potatoes

Refrigerator Storage:

Timeframe: Store cheesy mashed potatoes in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Container: Use an airtight container or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out or absorbing odors.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess before reheating.

Freezer Storage:

Timeframe: Freeze cheesy mashed potatoes for up to 2 months.
Method: Allow the potatoes to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or resealable freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop or in the oven, stirring in a little milk, cream, or butter for smooth consistency.

Proper storage ensures your cheesy mashed potatoes stay fresh and delicious, ready to enjoy whenever you need them!

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe