If you’re craving a side dish that’s both comforting and indulgent, welcome to your new favorite: cheesy, creamy mashed potatoes topped with garlic parmesan potato gratin. This dish marries the rich, buttery mashed potatoes infused with cheese to the crispy golden garlic parmesan gratin crust on top, creating a sensation of textures and flavors that is utterly irresistible. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or any time you want to elevate your potato game, this recipe delivers decadence in every bite while staying simple enough to whip up quickly.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate comfort food: A creamy, cheesy base with a crunchy savory topping makes this dish feel like a warm hug on a plate.
- Easy to prepare: Uses simple pantry staples and requires basic cooking techniques perfect for home cooks of all levels.
- Versatile and customizable: Easily adapt the cheese types or add herbs and spices to suit your personal taste.
- Great for gatherings: Impress guests with a classic dish that feels gourmet but is hassle-free.
- Perfect balance of textures: Creamy mashed potatoes contrast beautifully with the golden, cheesy gratin topping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of cheesy, creamy mashed potatoes topped with garlic parmesan potato gratin lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering smooth creaminess, a touch of garlic punch, and that irresistible golden crust that makes it special.
- Russet potatoes: Perfect for fluffiness, they mash smoothly and hold creamy textures well.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a velvety finish in the mashed potatoes.
- Heavy cream or milk: Enhances creaminess while keeping the mash light and luscious.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves give that fragrant, savory kick essential to the gratin topping.
- Parmesan cheese: For a sharp, nutty flavor that crisps up beautifully on top.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts seamlessly into the mash, boosting cheesy flavor and adding depth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to bring out the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Fresh herbs (optional): Parsley or chives can add freshness and color for presentation.
Variations for Cheesy, creamy mashed potatoes topped with garlic parmesan potato gratin
Feel free to customize this dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs — the base recipe is easy to tweak and still turns out delicious every time.
- Use Gruyere or Mozzarella: Swap the cheese topping for a different melt and flavor profile.
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cheese alternatives.
- Add bacon bits: Sprinkle crispy bacon into the mash or on top for smoky richness.
- Include herbs: Fold in rosemary, thyme, or chives for an herby twist.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the topping for subtle heat.
How to Make Cheesy, creamy mashed potatoes topped with garlic parmesan potato gratin
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and dice the russet potatoes into evenly sized chunks to ensure even cooking. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15–20 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes
Drain the potatoes well, then return them to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Add softened butter, warm heavy cream (or milk), shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mash until silky smooth and creamy. Don’t overwork the potatoes to maintain fluffiness.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Topping
In a small bowl, combine finely minced garlic with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Optionally mix in a bit of melted butter for extra richness. This mixture will create that irresistible gratin topping.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Transfer the mashed potatoes into a buttered baking dish, smoothing the surface evenly. Sprinkle the garlic parmesan mixture generously over the top, ensuring a full coverage for incredible flavor and crunch after baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20–25 minutes, until the topping is bubbling and golden brown. Keep an eye during the last few minutes to avoid burning while achieving that perfect crust.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy, creamy mashed potatoes topped with garlic parmesan potato gratin
- Use starchy potatoes: Russets are key for a fluffy, creamy texture that absorbs flavors well.
- Warm your dairy: Adding room temperature or warm cream and butter helps the potatoes stay light and smooth.
- Don’t skip the garlic topping: It’s the flavor powerhouse that transforms classic mashed potatoes into a showstopper.
- Choose quality cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and sharp cheddar make the biggest difference in taste and melt.
- Let it rest briefly: Allow the gratin to sit for a few minutes after baking so it firms up for easier serving.
How to Serve Cheesy, creamy mashed potatoes topped with garlic parmesan potato gratin
Garnishes
Brighten the dish with a scattering of chopped fresh parsley or chives for vibrant color and a fresh herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork, as well as sautéed green vegetables such as green beans, asparagus, or broccoli for a complete balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a fancy touch, or create a layered casserole with alternating mashed potato and cheese layers for visual appeal and flavor bursts in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out of the mashed potatoes and keep the topping from becoming soggy.
Freezing
This dish freezes well before baking if you assemble it in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the topping re-crisped, about 15–20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve the gratin’s texture.
FAQs
Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes in advance and refrigerate them before assembling the gratin. Bake just before serving for best results.
What cheese works best for the gratin topping?
Parmesan is ideal for its sharp, nutty flavor and excellent browning properties, but you can also mix in Pecorino Romano or Gruyere for variations.
How can I make this side dish dairy-free?
Use non-dairy butter and plant-based milk alternatives, along with vegan cheese substitutes, to create a dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add other flavors to the mash?
Absolutely! Roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary complement the creamy potatoes wonderfully.
What potatoes should I avoid for this recipe?
Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes as they tend to produce gluey mashed potatoes lacking the creamy, fluffy texture we want here.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a side dish that transforms simple potatoes into a celebration of flavor and texture, you’ve found it with cheesy, creamy mashed potatoes topped with garlic parmesan potato gratin. Its perfect balance of creamy comfort and crispy cheesy topping will make it your go-to for family dinners, holidays, and any time you want something truly special on your plate. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Cheesy, creamy mashed potatoes topped with garlic parmesan potato gratin
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian (can be adapted to vegan)
Description
Cheesy, creamy mashed potatoes topped with a golden garlic parmesan potato gratin crust combine smooth, buttery mashed potatoes infused with cheddar cheese and a crispy, savory parmesan topping. This comforting side dish is perfect for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you want to elevate your potato game with simple ingredients and easy techniques.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Mash Base
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk, warmed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garlic Parmesan Gratin Topping
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (optional)
- Salt, a pinch
- Freshly ground black pepper, a pinch
Optional Garnishes and Variations
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
- Bacon bits (optional)
- Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives (optional)
- Cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a spicy kick (optional)
- Alternative cheeses: Gruyere, Mozzarella, or Pecorino Romano (optional)
- Plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cheeses for vegan version (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into evenly sized chunks to ensure even cooking. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15–20 minutes.
- Make the Mashed Potatoes: Drain the potatoes well, then return them to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Add softened butter, warm heavy cream (or milk), shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mash until silky smooth and creamy. Avoid overworking to keep the mash fluffy.
- Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Topping: In a small bowl, combine finely minced garlic with grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt and pepper, and optionally melted butter for extra richness. This mixture will create the crispy gratin topping.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the mashed potatoes into a buttered baking dish and smooth the surface evenly. Sprinkle the garlic parmesan mixture generously over the top, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until the topping is bubbling and golden brown. Watch closely in the last minutes to prevent burning and achieve a perfect crust.
Notes
- Use starchy russet potatoes for fluffy, creamy texture.
- Warm your dairy ingredients before mixing for smoother mashed potatoes.
- Do not skip the garlic parmesan topping—it adds essential savory flavor and crunch.
- Choose quality freshly grated Parmesan and sharp cheddar cheese for best taste and melting.
- Allow the gratin to rest a few minutes after baking to firm up before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg