Cheesy Parmesan Mashed Potato Bake with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping
Indulge in this creamy and cheesy baked mashed potato dish, featuring rich flavors of mozzarella and parmesan, capped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping that brings a delightful contrast to the velvety texture of the mashed potatoes. Perfect as a comforting side dish for holiday gatherings or family dinners, this recipe not only satisfies with its taste but also showcases the simplicity of classic comfort food. Prepare it in advance to make entertaining effortless!
6
Servings
350
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 tablespoon (for greasing the baking dish)
russet potatoes
4 lbs (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces)
whole milk
1 cup (for mixing into the mashed potatoes)
butter
1/2 cup (melted for mixing into the potatoes)
mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups (grated, for mixing into the mashed potatoes)
parmesan cheese
1 cup (freshly grated, for mixing into the mashed potatoes and topping)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground, for seasoning)
plain breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously coat a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter and set it aside.
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and cut russet potatoes and cook until very tender, around 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes well, then return them to the pot.
3
Mash the potatoes until smooth, then stir in the whole milk and melted butter until perfectly creamy.
4
Add the grated mozzarella and 3/4 cup of the freshly grated parmesan cheese to the potatoes, mixing until the cheese melts and is well incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5
Transfer the cheesy mashed potatoes into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
6
In a small bowl, combine the plain breadcrumbs with the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, stirring to blend well. Evenly sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the top of the mashed potatoes.
7
If making ahead, you can prepare the dish up to this point and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Cover tightly to prevent drying out.
8
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
9
Allow to cool slightly before serving, and enjoy your cheesy, comforting baked mashed potatoes!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
40g
Carbs
9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Parmesan Mashed Potato Bake?
It is a creamy, cheesy side dish made with mashed russet potatoes, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, finished with a crispy breadcrumb topping.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for baking the dish.
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are recommended for their high starch content, which makes for fluffy mashed potatoes.
How long do I need to boil the potatoes?
Boil the peeled and cut potatoes for about 15 minutes until they are very tender.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish is the ideal size for this potato bake.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the topping and refrigerate it for up to 6 hours.
What types of cheese are used in the mash?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of grated mozzarella and 3/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
How much milk is required for the mashed potatoes?
The recipe uses 1 cup of whole milk to achieve a creamy consistency.
What goes into the crispy topping?
The topping is a blend of 2 tablespoons of plain breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
How long should the dish bake in the oven?
Bake the dish uncovered for about 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains about 20 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content of this recipe?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this side dish provide?
Each serving provides about 9 grams of protein.
Can I use panko breadcrumbs instead of plain breadcrumbs?
Yes, panko breadcrumbs can be used for an even crunchier texture.
Should the butter be melted before adding it to the potatoes?
Yes, 1/2 cup of butter should be melted before stirring it into the mashed potatoes.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Generously coat the baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter before adding the potato mixture.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
No, the dish should be baked uncovered to allow the breadcrumb topping to become crispy.
What is the best way to mash the potatoes?
Mash them until smooth before stirring in the milk and butter to ensure a velvety texture.
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
While whole milk provides the richest flavor, you can substitute with lower-fat options if desired.
What kind of parmesan cheese is recommended?
Freshly grated parmesan is recommended for the best flavor and melting properties.
How small should I cut the potatoes before boiling?
The potatoes should be cut into 1-inch pieces for even and efficient cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, it is designed as a comforting side dish perfect for family dinners or holidays.
How should I season the potatoes?
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste after mixing in the cheese.
Should the potatoes be drained before mashing?
Yes, drain the potatoes well after boiling before returning them to the pot to mash.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, adding minced or roasted garlic would be a delicious variation to the cheesy mash.
What texture should the potato topping have?
The topping should be golden brown and provide a crispy contrast to the soft potatoes.
Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese?
You can use Monterey Jack or white cheddar as a substitute for mozzarella if needed.
How long should I let the dish cool before serving?
Allow the bake to cool slightly for a few minutes to help the structure set before serving.