Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food to win over your family and friends, look no further than these Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes. This irresistible dish combines fluffy potatoes with swoon-worthy creamy goodness, then bakes it to golden perfection for a side dish that’s pure decadence with every spoonful. Whether you’re gathering for a holiday, a weekend dinner, or simply want to elevate your meal, this recipe promises a crowd-pleaser that’s strikingly easy to make and even easier to love!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes comes from a handful of staple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the dish’s signature richness and flavor. Every component brings it all together for potatoes that are soft, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy.
- Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture makes these mashed potatoes ultra smooth and perfect for baking.
- Salt (for boiling water): Don’t skip this—the right amount of salt in the boiling water helps flavor the potatoes from the inside out.
- Unsalted butter: For luscious richness that melts beautifully into the mash.
- Cream cheese: This secret ingredient takes the texture from plain to unbelievably creamy with just the right tang.
- Sour cream: Adds even more creaminess plus a gentle zing that lingers in each bite.
- Whole milk (warmed): Helps everything blend together without cooling down your potatoes.
- Garlic powder: For subtle flavor that doesn’t overpower the cheesy, creamy base.
- Salt: Bringing out all the other flavors for potatoes that are never bland.
- Black pepper: Just enough to add warmth and balance without distracting from the creamy stars of the show.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For a savory, golden topping that bakes up beautifully.
- Fresh chives (optional): Sprinkle these on top for color and a gentle oniony finish.
How to Make Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by peeling and chopping your russet potatoes into even chunks; this ensures they cook evenly. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water, adding a generous tablespoon of salt. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and practically falling apart. Don’t rush this step—the texture of your mash hinges on perfectly cooked spuds!
Step 2: Drain and Mash
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them thoroughly. Give the potatoes a moment in the colander to let out any lingering steam—this extra moment prevents watery mashed potatoes! Return them to the hot pot and mash until smooth using your favorite method, whether it’s a masher, ricer, or even a hand mixer if you like them super smooth and fluffy.
Step 3: Blend in the Creamy Goodness
With your potatoes still hot, add in the softened butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and warmed milk. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, remaining salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until it’s gloriously creamy and cohesive; the heat will help the butter and cream cheese melt smoothly into the mix. By now, the aroma is tempting enough to eat by the spoonful—but hold tight, the best is yet to come!
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Spoon the mashed potato mixture evenly into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula to create a gorgeous, inviting surface. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over everything. This will form a savory, golden crust as the potatoes bake.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a light golden top and potatoes that are piping hot all the way through. If you love a toastier finish, pop the dish under the broiler for an extra minute or two—just keep an eye on them!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before bringing these Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes to the table, sprinkle with freshly chopped chives if you wish. This last touch adds a lovely pop of green and a whisper of onion flavor, making your masterpiece look and taste even more special.
How to Serve Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes
Garnishes
You can keep things classic with a sprinkle of chives, or go bold with a dusting of crispy bacon bits or extra Parmesan. For even more decadence, add a pat of butter or a drizzle of browned butter just before serving. The Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes are incredibly versatile, lending themselves to endless finishing touches.
Side Dishes
These dreamy potatoes love to share the stage with everything from roast turkey and glazed ham to simple grilled chicken or vibrant veggie dishes. Their creamy nature makes them the perfect foil for sharper, brighter flavors—think roasted carrots or a crisp green salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes in a big family-style dish, or spoon them into mini ramekins for a personal touch. If you’re hosting a buffet, keep them warm in a slow cooker for stress-free serving. For special occasions, add edible flowers or a swirl of herb oil for a restaurant-worthy presentation that wows.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and creamy for up to three days, making them perfect for quick reheats or next-day lunches.
Freezing
Believe it or not, these mashed potatoes freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot throughout—usually about 25 to 30 minutes. If reheating single servings, a microwave works just fine; add a splash of milk and stir halfway through to keep everything luxuriously smooth.
FAQs
Can I make Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to serve, allow an extra 10 minutes of bake time to ensure everything’s heated through and golden on top.
What kind of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are the top choice for creamy baked mashed potatoes thanks to their high starch content and fluffy texture, but Yukon Golds also work well for a slightly richer, denser result.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
You can swap in light cream cheese or sour cream, and use 2% milk instead of whole, but keep in mind the final result won’t be quite as luscious or creamy.
How do I keep mashed potatoes from becoming gummy?
Make sure to thoroughly drain the potatoes before mashing and mix just until creamy—overworking them, especially with a food processor, can cause a gluey texture.
Can I add extra flavors or mix-ins?
Definitely! Roasted garlic, shredded cheddar, or crispy bacon can be stirred in with the dairy for fun twists. Just keep the overall ratios the same to maintain the creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never experienced the magic of Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes, now’s the time! Even if you’re a mashed potato purist, this baked version wins hearts with sheer richness and amazing ease. Give it a try—you might just find your new signature side dish for every occasion.
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Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes. This rich and creamy side dish is perfect for holidays or any special meal.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
Potatoes:
Mashed Potatoes:
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil Potatoes: Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, then drain.
- Mash Potatoes: Mash potatoes and mix with butter, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bake: Spread mashed potatoes in dish, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with chives before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of milk.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead; refrigerate and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
