Created by SassyCook on November 12, 2014
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 2: Coat a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish with soft butter and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water until they are fork-tender, about 20 minutes. Drain; return the potatoes to the same pot and mash well. To the HOT mashed potatoes, mix in the half and half, 1/2 cup butter and cream cheese until completely blended.
Step 4: Mix in the cheddar cheese and 3/4 cup of the Parmesan. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Spoon potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Step 6: TOPPING: Stir the bread crumbs and remaining 1/4 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 24 hours ahead of time; cover and chill).
Step 7: Bake, uncovered, until the topping is golden brown, about 20 minutes or a little more if baking from out of the fridge, I've taken these cold from the fridge to holiday dinners and the host just bakes it.