Name: Cheesy Holiday Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 5 potatoes; 1 tsp salt; 2 Tbsp butter ((divided)); 8 oz French onion dip; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese ((shredded))

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These cheesy holiday mashed potatoes have been a family favorite for generations, thanks to my granny, who will be 101 in February! They’re a Christmas Eve tradition in our family, made with creamy mashed potatoes, French onion dip, and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese. They’re rich, cheesy, and perfect for the holiday table, but easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner, too.

Cheesy mashed potatoes in a bowl next to a white plate with a silver spoon.

Serves: 4
Prep Time (including boiling the potatoes): 25 minutes
Bake Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Ingredients

5 potatoes
2 Tbsp butter, divided
1 tsp salt
8 oz French onion dip
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

potatoes, French onion dip, butter, salt and shredded cheese on a counter

Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Peel and rinse potatoes, then slice into equal size pieces. I like to cut them in two, then cut each half in two again (quarters). Place cut potatoes into a large pot then fill pot with enough water to cover the potatoes by a couple of inches. Bring pot of water with potatoes to a boil over high heat. Cover and reduce heat to medium. Continue boiling.

potatoes being cut into quarters on a cutting board

Step 2: Check potatoes for doneness after about 20 minutes. They may need up to 30 minutes depending on size. They are ready when they start to fall apart when pierced with a fork.

Potatoes in boiling water in a large pot being pierced with a fork.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Carefully drain the potatoes and return them to the warm pot. Stir gently for 1–2 minutes to evaporate any remaining moisture. Add the salt, 1 tablespoon of butter, and French onion dip, then whip with a hand mixer until creamy. You can also use a potato masher if you prefer.

Creamy mashed potatoes being prepared in a stainless steel mixer bowl with a hand mixer attached, on a wooden surface.

Step 4: Use the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to grease the bottom and sides of an oven-safe baking dish. Spoon in the mashed potatoes and smooth the top. Sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are heated through.

Person sprinkling shredded cheese over creamy mashed potatoes in a white bowl, ready to be baked or served.

🍋 Simply Made Suggestions

Make them ahead: Prepare the potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add about 20 minutes to the baking time if they’re going into the oven cold.
Feeding a crowd? The recipe serves 4, but the photos show a doubled batch serving 8. You can easily double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings.
Mom’s potato rule: Plan on one medium potato per person, plus one for the pot. That’s 5 potatoes for 4 people. Mom’s math has never failed me!
Short on time? Use store-bought prepared mashed potatoes, stir in the French onion dip, top with cheddar cheese, and bake as directed.

🎄 Before You Go…

Planning your holiday menu? Browse our Thanksgiving Side Dishes for more family favorites, or try our Apricot Glazed Carrots for another easy side dish that works just as well for Christmas dinner.