The Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for pure comfort food, look no further than The Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes. This irresistible dish transforms everyday potatoes into a velvety, decadent side that steals the spotlight at any meal. The secret? A magical blend of rich butter, tangy cream cheese, and a touch of half and half, all baked into a pillowy-soft casserole that holds its warmth and flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners, this recipe is my go-to when I want to wow my guests with something familiar yet extraordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making The Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes is all about simplicity and quality. Each ingredient shines in its own right, contributing to that dreamy texture and rich flavor we all crave. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to guarantee perfect potatoes every time.

• Russet potatoes (5 lbs, peeled and cubed): Russets are the gold standard for fluffy, airy mashed potatoes thanks to their high starch content.
• Salted butter (8 tbsp, melted): Melted butter seeps into every bite, delivering that signature richness and a glossy finish.
• Salted butter (2 tbsp, cold): Dotting the top with cold butter before baking creates little pools of golden flavor on the finished potatoes.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened and cubed): This secret ingredient makes your mashed potatoes creamy, tangy, and ultra-smooth.
• Half and half (1 cup): Adds lusciousness and helps marry all the dairy together, making the potatoes perfectly spoonable.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): A proper pop of salt highlights the potatoes’ flavor—don’t be shy, taste and adjust as you go!
• Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper brings a gentle heat and balance to all the richness.
• Chives (optional, for topping): These bring a vibrant hint of green and a fresh bite to finish the dish (so pretty, too!).

How to Make The Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—this gives you time to tackle the potatoes. Peel and cube your russets into even pieces (think about a golf ball-sized cube), which helps them cook evenly and quickly. Rinse the cubes under cold water to remove extra starch for that fluffy texture later.

Step 2: Boil Until Fork-Tender

Transfer the rinsed potatoes into a large pot and fill with enough water to cover them completely. Add a couple of big pinches of salt—that water should taste a little like the sea. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the hot pot.

Step 3: Steam Off Excess Moisture

With the heat still on low, let the potatoes sit in the pot for about three minutes, giving them an occasional gentle stir. This extra step ensures excess water evaporates so your finished mash is never watery—just pure, concentrated potato goodness.

Step 4: Mash and Enrich

Move your potatoes to a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl. Beat on low until they look crumbly and broken up (you want to avoid over-mixing here). Pour in the melted butter, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Next, mix in your cubed cream cheese until marshmallow-fluffy. Slowly stream in warm half and half, just until you reach your favorite level of creaminess—sometimes you’ll need less than a cup, sometimes the full thing. Taste! Adjust salt and pepper to dial in the flavor.

Step 5: Spread and Top

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes evenly into the pan. Finally, cut the remaining cold butter into little cubes and scatter them over the top. These will melt during baking and create inviting golden dots on your casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the top is slightly crisp. The Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes will tempt everyone with their irresistible aroma. Let them cool slightly, then serve while warm for maximum indulgence.

How to Serve The Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

Finish your masterpiece by sprinkling on fresh chopped chives, which provide a pop of color and a mild oniony crunch. If you’re feeling extra festive, try a dusting of paprika or a handful of crispy bacon bits for even more flavor. The Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes are just begging for a little flourish!

Side Dishes

These dreamy mashed potatoes are endlessly versatile. They’re divine alongside roasted meats, turkey, ham, or even a simple weeknight chicken. For a vegetarian feast, pair them with grilled mushrooms or nutty roasted Brussels sprouts. Really, The Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes can find a home at any meal where comfort food is welcome.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, use a piping bag to swirl the mashed potatoes into individual ramekins before baking, or spoon dollops onto a rustic wooden board for buffet-style serving. Top with microgreens or shaved parmesan for an elegant touch. The Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes also make amazing leftovers—try forming little patties for crispy mashed potato cakes the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover The Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes should be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay hearty and delicious for up to four days, making them great for weeknight dinners or midnight snacks.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these mashed potatoes! Pack them tightly in a freezer-safe dish, smoothing the top and sealing well with foil or plastic wrap. They’ll keep their creamy texture for up to two months. When you’re ready for more comfort food, just thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the potatoes back into a 350°F oven (covered) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. If the potatoes seem a bit thick after freezing, stir in a splash of warm milk or half and half. The Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes will bounce right back to their dreamy texture!

FAQs

Can I use Yukon Gold potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! Yukon Golds will give you a naturally buttery flavor and a slightly different texture. The Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes work beautifully with either russets or Yukons, so use what you love.

Is it okay to prepare the dish a day ahead?

Yes—assemble the dish up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to serve, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed until hot.

Can I make The Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes without a stand mixer?

Of course! A sturdy hand mixer or even a traditional potato masher will get the job done. Just be gentle so you don’t overwork the potatoes, which can lead to a gluey texture.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

Swap out the half and half for whole milk, use light cream cheese, or reduce the butter a bit. The potatoes will still be delicious—just a tad less rich, but every bit as satisfying.

What’s the best way to reheat single servings?

Single portions reheat beautifully in the microwave. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring gently, until steamy and smooth.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the ultimate side dish that everyone will rave about, you have to give The Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes a try. They’re a guarantee of empty plates and happy hearts—so gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to the coziest, creamiest potatoes ever!

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