Imagine sitting down to a dish of warm, creamy mashed potatoes with a slightly golden, crispy top. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this baked mashed potatoes recipe. I made this the best creamiest baked mashed potatoes recipe for a family gathering recently, and everyone kept coming back for seconds (and thirds).
These potatoes are not only rich but also incredibly satisfying, ideal for pairing with almost any meal. If you’re already planning your next indulgent dinner, you might also love trying this breakfast grilled cheese recipe for a hearty start to your day.
Ingredients for Perfect Creamy Baked Mashed Potatoes
To make this recipe truly shine, each ingredient is carefully chosen for flavor and texture.
- Russet potatoes (5 lbs) – These are perfect for a light and fluffy mash. Avoid waxy options like Yukon golds, which can become gummy when mixed.
- Salted butter (8 tbsp, melted + 2 tbsp, cold) – Melted butter evenly coats the potatoes, adding richness. Use the cold butter for creating a golden, crispy top.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened) – Full-fat cream cheese adds an indulgent creaminess. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Half and half (1 cup) – Keeps the potatoes smooth and ensures they’re not overly thick.
- Salt (½ tsp) – Brings out all the great flavors.
- Pepper (to taste) – For that perfect hint of spice.
- Optional chives – These add a pop of color and a slightly oniony flavor if you’d like.
Note: This recipe makes enough to serve 8–10 people as a side dish.
Exciting Variations to Customize Your Potatoes
Want to switch things up? Here are some creative variations you can try:
- Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese and swap the half and half for oat milk or coconut cream.
- Cheesy Delight: Add 4 oz of shredded sharp cheddar and 4 oz of smoked gouda for a richer, cheesy flavor.
- Garlic Mash: Blend in roasted garlic cloves for a subtle, sweet garlic flavor.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh parsley, thyme, or even rosemary for a garden-fresh touch.
Cooking Time
Making these baked mashed potatoes is simpler than you might think. Here’s the breakdown of total time required:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools will make the cooking process a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Large pot – For boiling the potatoes.
- Mixing bowl – To combine and mix the ingredients.
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – Ensures smooth and lump-free potatoes.
- 9×13 baking dish – Perfect for spreading and baking the mashed potatoes evenly.
- Potato masher or spoon – If you prefer to mash by hand.
How to Make Creamy Baked Mashed Potatoes
For the perfect creamy baked mashed potatoes, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and a few key steps to get that smooth, fluffy texture. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday feast or a comforting side dish, these mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit! Here’s how you can make them:
Step 1: Preparing Your Potatoes
Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into evenly sized cubes. Rinse off any excess starch to keep them from becoming gluey. Then, add the potato chunks to a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 10–15 minutes.
Step 2: Steam for Fluffiness
Once boiled, drain the water completely and return the potatoes to the pot. Place them on low heat to steam out excess moisture for 2-3 minutes. This critical step ensures your potatoes won’t end up watery.
Step 3: Mash and Mix
Transfer the steamed potatoes to a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to lightly break up the potatoes before adding the melted butter, softened cream cheese, and half and half, one by one. Season with salt and pepper, and mix until smooth yet fluffy. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the potatoes gummy.
Step 4: Spread and Bake
Scoop everything into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Use the back of a spoon to create swirls on the surface, then dot with cold butter cubes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Here are a few simple tricks to make your dish even better. These are all based on my experience cooking this recipe multiple times.
- Don’t skip the steaming step. The fluffy texture really hinges on eliminating excess moisture.
- Warm your dairy. Use room-temperature cream cheese and slightly warm half and half to mix seamlessly with the potatoes.
- Cut uniformly. Uniformly sized potato chunks will boil evenly, avoiding undercooked or overcooked pieces.
- Taste-test your seasoning. Always taste the potatoes before baking to adjust salt and pepper levels.
How to Serve Creamy Baked Mashed Potatoes
For a dish this comforting, presentation is key. Serve these baked mashed potatoes directly in the baking dish for a rustic look, or scoop them onto plates for a neater presentation. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley for added color and freshness.
Pair this side with roasted meats, like turkey or beef, or enjoy it with elegant dinner staples from this dinner recipes collection.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional facts per serving for this recipe:
- Calories: 235
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fat: 11 g
How to Store Baked Mashed Potatoes
Baked mashed potatoes store beautifully. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze before baking, ideally in a freeze-safe dish. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in the oven at 325°F until hot, or microwave individual portions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re still wondering why these mashed potatoes are so special, here are a few reasons to convince you:
- Foolproof process – It’s easy to execute, even for beginner cooks.
- Customizable – You can modify flavors or ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prepare ahead of time and bake when ready.
- Indulgent yet comforting – The creamy texture and crisp top will charm any palate.
For dessert, why not try making cookie butter cookies to end the meal on a sweet note? Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I substitute half and half with heavy cream or milk?
Yes, both can work. Heavy cream makes the dish even richer, while milk will make it lighter. Start with smaller amounts and adjust based on taste.
Can I add cheese directly to the recipe?
Absolutely! Stir in shredded cheddar or gouda once the potatoes are mashed. This adds a deliciously cheesy kick.
Can these mashed potatoes be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the recipe up to the baking step, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Add extra baking time when ready to serve.
Should I fully mash the potatoes or leave them slightly chunky?
That depends on your preference. For ultra-creamy mashed potatoes, mash until smooth. To retain some texture, leave small potato chunks.
What’s the best serving size for a large group?
This recipe serves 8–10 people, but you can easily double it for larger gatherings.