Prepare to transform your ordinary mashed potatoes into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! These creamy, cheesy baked mashed potatoes are not just a side dish – they're a flavor explosion that elevates any meal from mundane to magnificent. Imagine a golden, crispy top hiding a luxuriously smooth interior packed with rich Parmesan flavor that melts in your mouth with every single bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your baked mashed potatoes will cook evenly and develop a nice golden crust on top.
- Prepare the potatoes by peeling and cubing them into roughly equal-sized pieces, about 1 to 2 inches. This helps them cook uniformly.
- Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water to season the potatoes as they cook.
- Bring the pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the baking dish. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and return them to the pot. Allow them to sit for a minute to let any excess moisture evaporate.
- Add the butter to the hot potatoes, allowing it to melt. Then, pour in the milk and use a potato masher or electric mixer to mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency—smooth or slightly chunky.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted into the potatoes.
- Transfer the mashed potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a little more grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mashed potatoes to create a delicious, cheesy crust as they bake.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the baked mashed potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to scoop out portions.
- Serve the baked mashed potatoes warm as a delightful side dish to your favorite Italian meal or any main course of your choice.
Tips
- Choose the right potato: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture.
- Temperature matters: Ensure your milk and butter are at room temperature to help them blend more smoothly into the potatoes.
- Don't overwork the potatoes: Mash just until combined to avoid a gluey texture. A few small lumps are perfectly acceptable!
- For extra richness, consider replacing some milk with heavy cream or adding a dollop of sour cream.
- If you want a crispier top, broil the potatoes for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Make ahead tip: You can prepare this dish up to a day in advance and reheat in the oven before serving.
- For a flavor variation, try adding roasted garlic, chives, or crispy bacon bits to the potato mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
