Super Fluffy Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe: Family Favorite

Creamy, indulgent baked mashed potatoes dance with rich flavor on every dinner plate.

These decadent potatoes blend smooth textures and comforting warmth in a single dish.

Butter and cream weave magic through each delectable bite.

Russet potatoes become the star ingredient in this classic side that elevates any meal.

Cheesy and luxurious, this recipe brings restaurant-quality goodness to your kitchen.

Simple techniques transform ordinary spuds into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Prepare to savor a side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Baked Mashed Potatoes

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy potatoes that create a fluffy and creamy texture when mashed.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Cream Cheese: Provides extra creaminess and a slight tangy flavor to the mashed potatoes.
• Half-and-Half: Helps achieve the perfect creamy texture and adds richness.

• Salt, Freshly Ground Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the mashed potatoes.
• Chives: Adds a fresh, mild onion-like flavor and provides a pop of color as a garnish.

• Cooking Spray or Extra Butter: Helps prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking dish.

How to Make Baked Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Potato Base

Grab russet potatoes and carefully peel their skin.

Chop the potatoes into medium-sized cubes.

Rinse the cubes under cold water to wash away extra starch.

Drop the potato cubes into a large pot and fill with water.

Sprinkle salt generously into the water.

Heat the pot until water boils vigorously, cooking potatoes until they feel soft when pierced with a fork, which takes around 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Remove Moisture

Drain the cooked potatoes completely.

Return them to the pot and set heat to low.

Allow potatoes to steam and release remaining moisture for about 3 minutes, preventing watery results.

Step 3: Create Smooth Texture

Move steamed potatoes into a large mixing bowl or stand mixer.

Start mashing at low speed, breaking down potato chunks gradually.

Work carefully to avoid overmixing and maintain a creamy consistency.

Step 4: Add Creamy Elements

• Melted butter
• Softened cream cheese
• Warm half-and-half

Pour melted butter slowly while mixing.

Add cubed cream cheese and blend until potatoes become silky smooth.

If mixture seems thick, slowly introduce warm half-and-half until reaching desired texture.

Step 5: Season Thoroughly

Taste the potato mixture.

Adjust flavor by adding salt and freshly ground pepper according to personal preference.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Spread potato mixture evenly into a greased baking dish.

Dot remaining butter cubes across the top.

Place in preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for 45 minutes until surface turns golden and crispy.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove baked potatoes from oven.

Let sit for a few minutes.

Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the top for added color and flavor.

Serve immediately while warm and delicious.

Tips for Ultra Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Rinse potatoes thoroughly and drain well to remove excess starch, ensuring a lighter, fluffier texture in your final dish.
• Steam potatoes after boiling to eliminate extra water, preventing soggy or runny mashed potatoes that lack the desired creamy consistency.
• Mix butter and cream cheese slowly into potatoes, working at low speed to create a silky, lump-free texture without overworking the starch.
• Taste and adjust seasonings incrementally, adding salt and pepper in small amounts to develop a balanced, rich potato flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Dot extra butter on the surface before baking to create a beautiful golden-brown crust that adds delightful texture and rich, buttery flavor to the mashed potatoes.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Mash

• Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Transfer cooled mashed potatoes to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place refrigerated mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of half-and-half or milk to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm. Stir well to redistribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread mashed potatoes in a baking dish, add a few butter cubes on top, and cover with foil. Warm for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure consistent heating and prevent drying out.

What to Serve with Creamiest Potatoes

• Pair Savory Red Wine with Creamy Potatoes: Robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah complement the rich, buttery texture of these baked mashed potatoes, cutting through the creaminess with their bold tannins and creating a luxurious dining experience.
• Enhance with Herb-Roasted Protein: Serve alongside roasted chicken or herb-crusted pork tenderloin, which provide a delightful protein contrast to the smooth potato dish and create a balanced, satisfying meal that highlights the potatoes' creamy character.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: A light, tangy green salad with vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing counterpoint to the heavy, indulgent mashed potatoes, balancing the richness and adding a bright, zesty element to the plate.
• Elevate with Caramelized Onion Garnish: Top the mashed potatoes with sweet, golden-brown caramelized onions to introduce a complex depth of flavor that enhances the creamy base and provides a subtle crunch and natural sweetness.

Creative Takes on Baked Mashed Potatoes

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese and half-and-half with unsweetened coconut milk and vegan butter alternative. Use nutritional yeast for additional creamy flavor.
• Herb-Infused Option: Mix in fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage during the mashing stage. Sprinkle additional herbs on top before baking for enhanced aromatic profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with steamed cauliflower florets. Use same butter and cream cheese method, reducing baking time to 25-30 minutes. Perfect for keto dieters.
• Protein-Packed Version: Fold in crumbled crispy bacon bits or shredded rotisserie chicken during the mashing process. Add grated sharp cheddar cheese on top before final baking for extra protein boost.

FAQs

• Why use russet potatoes for this recipe?

Russet potatoes have high starch content, making them perfect for creating fluffy and creamy mashed potatoes. Their dry and light texture helps absorb butter and cream cheese more effectively, resulting in a smoother consistency.

• Can I use a different type of potato?

While russet potatoes work best, you can substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes. They have a naturally buttery flavor and will still produce creamy mashed potatoes, though the texture might be slightly different.

• How do I prevent lumpy mashed potatoes?

To avoid lumps, ensure potatoes are cooked until fork-tender, steam off excess moisture, and mash them gradually using low speed. If using a hand mixer, work in small batches and avoid overmixing, which can make potatoes gluey.

• What makes these mashed potatoes extra creamy?

The combination of melted butter, softened cream cheese, and warm half-and-half creates an incredibly rich and smooth texture. The slow incorporation of these ingredients ensures a luxurious, velvety consistency.

Why Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes Shine

• Creamy mashed potatoes transform a classic side dish into a luxurious experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Minimal cooking skills required, with straightforward steps anyone can follow, making this recipe perfect for beginner and experienced home cooks alike.
• Ideal for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or potluck events where people crave a delicious and satisfying potato dish that appeals to all ages.
• Prepare the potatoes in advance and bake just before serving, reducing stress and allowing more time to enjoy with family and friends during special meals.

Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy baked mashed potatoes elevate comfort food to gourmet heights with their luxurious texture and rich flavor profile. Silky potato perfection brings warmth and indulgence to family gatherings, promising a delightful side dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 pounds (2.27 kilograms) russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 8 tablespoons (113 grams) salted butter, melted

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) half-and-half, warmed
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter for topping

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 12 teaspoons salt, to taste
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• Optional: Fresh chives, finely chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Peel russet potatoes and slice into uniform cubes, ensuring even cooking. Rinse thoroughly under cold water to eliminate excess starch, preventing gumminess.
2. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge potato cubes and cook for 12-15 minutes until easily pierced with a fork, indicating perfect tenderness.
3. Drain potatoes completely and return to the pot. Place on low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing residual moisture to evaporate and preventing watery texture.
4. Transfer potatoes to a mixing bowl or stand mixer. Mash gently on low speed, breaking down potatoes into a smooth consistency without over-processing.
5. Gradually incorporate melted butter, blending smoothly. Add softened cream cheese, mixing until potatoes become creamy and luxurious. Adjust thickness by slowly introducing warm half-and-half.
6. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, tasting and adjusting flavors to personal preference.
7. Spread mashed potatoes evenly into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Strategically dot remaining butter cubes across the surface for enhanced richness.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake potatoes for 40-45 minutes until the top develops a golden, crispy crust and edges become slightly caramelized.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped chives, adding a vibrant color and subtle onion-like flavor to the dish.

Notes

• Choose russet potatoes for their high starch content, ensuring a fluffy and creamy texture when mashed.
• Rinse potatoes thoroughly to remove excess starch, preventing gummy or sticky mashed potatoes.
• Steam out moisture after boiling to guarantee light and airy potato consistency.
• Avoid overmixing potatoes to prevent a gluey, dense result that lacks the desired creamy texture.
• Gradually add warm half-and-half to control the potato’s final consistency and prevent runny mashed potatoes.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for smoother integration into the potato mixture.
• Use low-speed mixing to maintain the potatoes’ delicate structure and prevent breaking down their texture.
• Consider using a potato ricer for extra-smooth mashed potatoes with no lumps.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg