Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic & Sour Cream (Easy)

Name: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic & Sour Cream (Easy)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2½ lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks); 4 cloves garlic (peeled); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ cup whole milk (warm); ½ cup heavy cream (warm); 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons sour cream; Chopped fresh chives (for garnish)

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Mashed potatoes are the star of the side dishes. They’re loved more than the main dishes. This cheesy mashed potatoes recipe is velvety, fluffiest, and irresistibly good! It’s unjust to call mashed potatoes a “side dish”. I believe they are the ultimate comfort food.

This recipe is perfect for holiday dinners. It’s not dry or boring. You can make it 24 hours ahead of time. They taste and look great. Simple, quick, and easy recipe! One-pot mashed potatoes, extra creamy, made in a Dutch oven. No baking or casserole dish needed!

If you’ve tried my other side dishes you know how important they are for me. They deserve as much attention to detail as any main dish. You can also try some other side dishes, along with mashed potatoes, when hosting a family dinner: Cranberry Sauce from Dried Cranberries, Pumpkin Cheese Ball, Parmesan Ranch Dip.

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CHEESY MASHED POTATOES RECIPE
INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHEESY MASHED POTATOES RECIPE
VARIATIONS FOR THIS EASY MASHED POTATOES RECIPE
Equipment
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHEESY MASHED POTATOES
STORAGE AND REHEATING TIPS
TOP TIPS FOR THE BEST MASHED POTATOES
FAQ
Related
Pairing
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic & Sour Cream (Easy)

Creamy mashed potatoes topped with melted cheese, garnished with fresh chives in a rustic green bowl.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CHEESY MASHED POTATOES RECIPE

Quick & Easy to Make – This cheesy mashed potatoes recipe is simple, easy and quick. Potatoes are lying somewhere in the kitchen almost always. Boil them, peel them, and mix them up with some cheese and butter. This easy mashed potatoes recipe takes less than an hour, but gives you a potato side dish that is delicious, cheesy, and gooey.

Packed with Flavor – The cheese and butter get absorbed in the potatoes and give a rich flavour. There’s a hint of sourness from the sour cream. That garlicky taste blends so well with the potatoes, you’ll be amazed! This potato side dish is not boring or bland at all.

Velvety Texture – This cheesy garlic mashed potatoes recipe has a texture you’ll fall in love with. It’s smooth, creamy, and velvety. Everything melts in your mouth. This is not a basic, boring, dry mashed potato lump!

Versatile – This potato side dish can pair very well with anything! Gravy, pasta, roasted chicken, steak, roasted vegetables, you name it! The cheese and garlic make this side dish fit to be served with fancy dishes and formal gatherings!

Close-up of fluffy mashed potatoes blended with cheese, garlic, and sour cream.

INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

These are the simple, cozy ingredients that turn potatoes into the perfect side dish, the kind everyone keeps sneaking bites of while you’re carving the turkey. They fit right into any Thanksgiving menu, but they’re just as welcome on a weeknight or for a special occasion like a birthday roast. If you’re browsing mashed potato recipes, this one leans extra creamy with butter, sour cream, and a whisper of garlic so every spoonful tastes like home.

Ingredients laid out for making cheesy mashed potatoes.

Yellow Potatoes – Use Yukon Gold Potatoes. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with Maris Piper or russet potatoes or red potatoes.
Butter – Use unsalted butter. Make sure butter is at room temperature so it melts evenly and quickly. Both dairy and dairy-free butter will work.
Garlic – Garlic adds a depth to the mash. It also works as an aromatic in the dish. Garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
Heavy cream – It gives your cheesy mashed potatoes that velvety consistency. You can substitute with little milk.
Whole Milk – Milk also makes the mash creamy, smooth, and fluffy. Dairy or dairy-free, both are fine.creamy, smooth texture.
Sour Cream – Sour cream gives a subtle tangy hint that balances the milk and butter. You can substitute it with cream cheese for a variation.
White Cheddar Cheese – It enhances the gooey texture and gives that gooey texture. You can substitute it with Colby or Monterey Jack. I prefer block cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese
Parmesan Cheese – Don’t skip the Parmesan, you’ll love the subtle taste in the mash.
Salt & Black Pepper – adjust to your preference.
Fresh Chives – You’ll need them for the garnish. Green onions can also be used instead of.

See recipe card for quantities.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHEESY MASHED POTATOES RECIPE

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In a white dutch oven, potatoes are boiling along with garlic to make mashed potatoes.

Place the peeled potato chunks and garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover with cold water that is salted and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about 15–20 minutes.

The cooked potatoes are ready to be mashed with butter.

Drain the potatoes and garlic well, then return them to the warm pot. Use a potato masher or potato ricer, or hand mixer to mash the cooked potatoes and garlic until smooth and fluffy. Add the butter, warm milk, and cream. Stir gently until fully incorporated and creamy.

To the mashed potatoes cheeses are being added along with sour cream.

Mix in the cheddar, Parmesan, and sour cream. Stir until the cheese melts and the potatoes become rich and velvety.

Mashed potatoes being mixed with a spoon on a dutch oven.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl, spreading them evenly for a smooth, finished look. Drizzle a little extra melted butter over the top to enhance the flavor and add a rich, glossy finish. For a pop of color and a fresh, mild onion flavor, sprinkle generously with freshly chopped chives. This final touch not only elevates the presentation but also adds a burst of freshness to the creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for any holiday dinner or weeknight meal.

Hint: For extra creamy and flavorful cheesy mashed potatoes, use warm sour cream and freshly shredded cheese — they melt and blend more smoothly. If you love garlic, roast it first for a sweet, mellow flavor that takes the dish up a notch!

Spoonful of cheesy mashed potatoes showing smooth, creamy texture.

VARIATIONS FOR THIS EASY MASHED POTATOES RECIPE

Herbs and Cheese Mashed Potatoes – Chop fresh Rosemary and Thyme finely. Add to the mashed potatoes before removing from heat. The herbs give a rich flavour and aroma to the mash. Follow the rest of the steps as mentioned in the instructions and you have a flavour packed potato side dish.
Jalapeno Cheesy Mashed Potatoes – Finely chopped jalapeños and mix them in after you’ve mashed the potatoes. This small tweak will give the mashed potatoes a spicy kick. Follow the recipe step by step for the rest of the process.
Mushroom Cheese Mashed Potatoes – Add sautéed mushrooms to the mashed potatoes right before transferring them to the serving bowl. Follow the exact recipe till this point. Top the mushroom cheese mashed potatoes with some butter and chives.
Cheesy Mashed Sweet potatoes - Follow the exact same recipe and use sweet potato instead of regular potatoes.

Equipment

Dutch oven or a large pot
Potato Masher or ricer
Measuring cups and spoons

Creamy mashed potatoes topped with cheese, garnished with fresh chives in a white dutch oven.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHEESY MASHED POTATOES

Roasted Veggies: This potato side diah can pair really well with roasted veggies. Try Roasted Carrots and Asparagus or Roasted Mini Peppers with this recipe instead of a dip. You’ll love how well these taste.

Casserole: Casseroles are the perfect comfort food. Pair them with this cheesy mashed potatoes recipe and you’ll never eat casserole without it. Try my Cheesy Green Bean Casserole or Chicken and Dumplings Casserole.

Main Dishes: This Cheesy Mashed Potatoes recipe is a universal side dish for almost all main dishes. Serve it with Oven Roasted Chicken, Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs, BBQ Chicken Thighs, Air fryer Chicken Meatballs, or Shrimp Skewers.

Pasta and Noodles: Serving cheesy mashed potatoes with pasta? Why stop at Mac n Cheese? Try serving these easy mashed potatoes with Pesto Ricotta Pasta, Chicken Spaghetti, Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine, or Glass Noodles Stir Fry With Chicken.

Close-up of fluffy mashed potatoes blended with cheese, garlic, and sour cream on a green bowl placed on the table.

STORAGE AND REHEATING TIPS

Room Temperature: Mashed potatoes can stay fresh at room temperature for 2-4 hours.

Refrigerator: You can refrigerate the leftovers for 4-5 days. Wrap the cheesy mashed potatoes in an airtight container or tightly wrap the bowl/dish with plastic wrap. in the fridge.

Freezer: This cheesy garlic mashed potatoes recipe is freezer friendly. Allow it to cool completely before freezing. Put it in an airtight freezer safe ziplock back and freeze for up to 4 months.

Reheating: Thaw the frozen mashed potatoes in the fridge first. Reheat them in a pan, adding a splash of milk, on the stovetop. Cover while heating.

TOP TIPS FOR THE BEST MASHED POTATOES

Choose the right potatoes. I recommend Yukon Gold or Maris Piper potatoes.
Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smooth consistency.
Cut the potatoes evenly (same size) so they’re cooked evenly.
Use a wooden spatula to stir the potatoes. It absorbs some of the excess moisture.
If your mash is too thick, add a splash of milk.

Close-up of fluffy mashed potatoes blended with cheese, garlic, and sour cream on a wooden table.

FAQ

What type of cheese works best in cheesy mashed potatoes?

You can use white cheddar cheese for a mild flavor and smooth melt. Other options include Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, and Sharp Cheddar Cheese.

Can I make cheesy mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the oven with a splash of milk or warm cream to restore creaminess.

How do I avoid gummy or gluey mashed potatoes?

Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds, and avoid overmixing. Mash them while they're hot and add cheese gradually to prevent overworking the starch.

Can I make this recipe without dairy?

Yes. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and replace butter and milk with plant-based options like oat milk and vegan butter for a non-dairy version.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this cheesy mashed potatoes recipe:

If you tried this One-Pot Cheesy Mashed Potato recipe or any other recipe from my blog, I’d love to hear your thoughts! ⭐ Please leave a STAR rating and share your experience in the COMMENTS below. Your support means so much and helps me continue creating delicious recipes. Thank you for being part of this journey!