Baked Mashed Potatoes with Parmesan Cheese

INGREDIENTS    

• 1 T. butter
• 4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1⁄2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 1 1⁄2 cups grated mozzarella
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 T. plain dry bread crumbs 
  

DIRECTIONS   

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. 
2. Coat a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish with 1 T. of butter and set aside.
3. Cook the potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water until they are very tender, about 15 minutes. Drain; return the potatoes to the same pot and mash well. Mix in the milk and melted butter. Mix in the mozzarella and 3⁄4 cup of the Parmesan. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer the potatoes to the prepared baking dish. Stir the bread crumbs and remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan in a small bowl to blend. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the mashed potatoes. Recipe can be prepared up to this point 6 hours ahead of time; cover and chill.
5. Bake, uncovered, until the topping is golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Recipe Author: Taste of Home