Cheesy Caramelized Onion Mashed Potato Bake Recipe

This recipe is my ultimate comfort food, combining creamy mashed potatoes with the rich, sweet depth of caramelized onions and the indulgence of melted cheese. It’s like a warm hug on a plate that brings back all the cozy vibes, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in solo bliss.

My Cheesy Caramelized Onion Mashed Potato Bake is what I love to make for cozy dinners. It has creamy russet potatoes, perfectly balanced with the richness of unsalted butter and milk.

The sweetness of the caramelized onions, with a touch of sugar to really bring out the flavor, melds so well with the sharpness of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. A hint of garlic and thyme adds wonderful depth of flavor, while the fresh chives bring a burst of flavor.

To eat this dish is to eat something satisfying, and not only that, it is a good and tasty source of calcium and potassium.

Ingredients

Russet Potatoes:
Rich in carbs, supplying energy and smoothness.

Onions:
Provide sweetness and depth of flavor; enrich taste.

Cheddar Cheese:
Calcium and protein are abundant in this.

It contributes creaminess and saltiness.

Olive Oil:
Fats that are healthy, used to caramelize onions to give them an extra boost of deliciousness.

Milk:
Contributes a smooth, creamy texture to recipes, plus a good shot of calcium and vitamin D.

Thyme:
Herb with aroma; flavor, earthy; benefits, potential antioxidant.

Chives:
Good source of vitamin A, good source of vitamin C, and good with essential nutrients.

Not just because of freshness and flavor, but also because of the health benefits!

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to begin the process of preheating.

2. In a large pot, cover the potatoes, which have been cut into cubes, with water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot.

3. At the same time, in a large skillet, combine 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil and heat over medium. When the butter has melted, add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown, about 20 minutes. To help with caramelization, stir in the sugar halfway through.

4. When the onions are caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and the fresh thyme. Cook for 1-2 more minutes, until you can smell them, and then set them aside.

5. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the drained potatoes. Blend in the milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

6. Mix well after adding to the potatoes: half of the shredded cheddar cheese, the Parmesan cheese, and the caramelized onion mixture.

7. Pour the mixture of mashed potatoes into a baking dish that has been greased. Over the top, add the rest of the cheese, the cheddar kind.

8. Place the dish in the oven, which has been preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, for no fewer than 20 minutes or no more than 25 minutes. At the end of the baking time, the cheese should be melted and bubbly.

9. Take out from the oven and give it a few minutes to cool.

10. Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped chives. Enjoy your Cheesy Caramelized Onion Mashed Potato Bake!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large pot
3. Large skillet
4. Baking dish
5. Potato masher or fork
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Measuring cups and spoons
9. Wooden spoon or spatula
10. Colander or sieve
11. Grease brush or paper towel

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of potato?You can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture, but russet potatoes are preferred for their fluffiness.
• How can I make the onions caramelize evenly?Take the onions and prepare them for a slow cook. Put them in a pan and set the heat to medium. Wait for about 25-30 minutes. Stir the onions frequently in that time frame. Watch for the next stage in onion cooking: when they turn a nice golden brown.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?Indeed, you can make the caramelized onions and mashed potatoes ahead of time, but they should come together just before serving. Ovens should be set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and the bake should be preheated until hot throughout—about 35 to 40 minutes. Without the nearly melted cheese that tops the bake, the reheated dish is just a tad dry. With the cheese, it’s perfectly luscious.
• What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?Other cheeses, like Gruyère or Monterey Jack, can be used for a different flavor profile.
• Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?Substitute plant-based butter, almond or soy milk, and dairy-free-cheese alternatives for a version that is free of dairy.
• How can leftovers be stored?Place remnants of meals in a seal-tight container and stash in the fridge for a maximum of 72 hours. Rewarm in the oven for superior outcomes.
• Can I add bacon to the recipe?Indeed, the mashed potatoes can be enhanced with the addition of either cooked and crumbled bacon or bacon itself. The two can certainly make an appearance at the same time.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute medium-size Yukon Gold potatoes for russet potatoes for a creamier texture.
Use 5 to 6 Yukon Gold potatoes.
Peel the potatoes and cut them into fourths.
Combine potatoes with 3 quarts of cold water and 3 teaspoons of salt in a large pot.
Replace the unsalted butter with salted butter, but adjust the sodium.
Substitute half-and-half for milk to achieve a richer flavor.
Replace olive oil with avocado oil for a flavor profile that’s almost the same but not quite.
Substitute Gruyère for cheddar cheese for a flavor that is nuttier and more complex.

Pro Tips

1. Perfect Caramelized Onions To achieve deep, sweet caramelized onions, cook them slowly over medium-low heat rather than medium. This might take a bit longer but enhances the flavor significantly. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

2. Creamier Potatoes Ensure optimal creaminess by warming the milk slightly before adding it to the mashed potatoes. Cold milk can cool down the potatoes and make it harder to achieve the right texture.

3. Cheese Selection For a bit of a flavor twist, consider using a sharp cheddar or a mix of different cheeses like Gouda or Gruyere alongside the cheddar for a more complex taste.

4. Smooth Texture For extra smooth mashed potatoes, you can pass them through a potato ricer instead of mashing by hand. This prevents lumps and creates a smoother texture.

5. Advanced Flavor Enhance the dish by adding a splash of white wine or a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce while caramelizing the onions for extra depth of flavor.