Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Our Parmesan mashed potatoes recipe is a rich, creamy side dish that gets bursts of extra flavor from tangy sour cream and nutty Parmesan cheese. Ideal for pairing with everything from holiday recipes to family-dinner favorites, this spud side dish with a smooth and fluffy texture, savory garlic seasoning and a sprinkling of fresh parsley will be a hit at your table. Plus, mashed Parmesan potatoes are simple to make, with minimal ingredients that come together quickly.

Ingredients for Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

• Potatoes: The base of this dish, potatoes provide the creamy texture we love in mashed potatoes. Yukon Gold or russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe, as they mash easily and have a naturally buttery flavor.
• Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps create the smooth, velvety texture of the mashed potatoes. It also enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Sour cream: Sour cream adds a tangy richness to the potatoes, making them creamier and lending a slight zing that complements the Parmesan cheese.
• Parmesan cheese: Adding Parmesan cheese in mashed potatoes gives them a nutty, salty flavor and a savory touch that takes them to the next level.
• Garlic salt: A mix of garlic and salt brings out the flavor of the potatoes while adding a subtle garlic note, which pairs beautifully with the cheese and sour cream.
• Salt and pepper: These essential seasonings enhance all the flavors and help balance the dish. Adjust them to your taste for the perfect level of seasoning.
• Milk: Warmed milk ensures the mashed Parmesan potatoes stay creamy, and it helps achieve the desired consistency. Adjust the amount of milk based on how thick or smooth you like your mashed potatoes.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness to the dish, providing a nice contrast to the richness of the mashed potatoes with Parmesan cheese.

Directions

Step 1: Boil the potatoes

Sonia Bozzo for Taste Recipes

Place the peeled and cut potatoes in a 6-quart stockpot, and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and cook the potatoes, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes or until they’re fork-tender.

Step 2: Drain and dry the potatoes

Sonia Bozzo for Taste Recipes

Drain the potatoes in a colander. Return them to the pot, and stir them over low heat for about a minute to help evaporate any excess moisture.

Step 3: Mash the potatoes

Sonia Bozzo for Taste Recipes

Coarsely mash the potatoes with a potato masher. As you mash, gradually incorporate the softened butter, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, salt and pepper. Keep mashing until all the ingredients are combined, then slowly stir in the warmed milk, a little at a time, until the potatoes reach your desired consistency. Stir in the minced parsley.

Sonia Bozzo for Taste Recipes

Parmesan Mashed Potato Variations

• Make them cheesy: Gruyere cheese and chives take mashed potatoes to a new level of deliciousness.
• Add garlic: Add a few roasted garlic cloves to the potatoes before mashing for a deep, savory flavor.
• Toss in some herbs: Make herbed mashed potatoes with an aromatic twist by stirring in fresh thyme, rosemary or chives.

How to Store Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating them, you may need to add a little milk or butter to restore their creamy texture.

Can you freeze mashed Parmesan potatoes?

A mashed potatoes recipe is a Thanksgiving side dish that freezes well. Place the mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze them for up to two months. To reheat the potatoes, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then warm them gently on the stovetop, adding extra milk if needed.

Can you prepare mashed potatoes with Parmesan cheese ahead of time?

You can prepare these mashed potatoes a day ahead. Simply refrigerate them in an airtight container, then reheat them in a saucepan over low heat before serving.

Parmesan Mashed Potato Tips

Sonia Bozzo for Taste Recipes

Can you make mashed potatoes without butter?

For a dairy-free version of these mashed potatoes, replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute.

What’s the best potato for mashed potatoes?

Yukon Gold and russet potatoes are the most common types of potatoes for mashing because they have a starchy, creamy texture when cooked.

How do you reheat mashed potatoes without drying them out?

To reheat mashed potatoes without sacrificing their creamy texture, gently heat them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of milk or butter to restore moisture.