Mashed potatoes are a comfort food classic, but baked mashed potatoes take this simple dish to the next level of creaminess and flavor. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any occasion where you want an easy, make-ahead side dish that’s guaranteed to please. The combination of russet potatoes, cream cheese, and butter gives these mashed potatoes a rich, creamy texture, while baking them results in a golden, irresistible crust. Get ready to make the best creamiest baked mashed potatoes you’ve ever tasted!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a mashed potato recipe that’s both rich and fluffy, this is it. The addition of cream cheese makes them extra smooth, while baking adds a crispy top layer. Here’s why this recipe is a favorite:

Incredibly creamy and smooth mashed potatoes with a perfect buttery flavor.
Easy to prepare ahead of time — ideal for holidays and large gatherings.
Minimal ingredients yet big on flavor thanks to the combination of butter and cream cheese.
Kid-friendly and versatile — pairs perfectly with any main course, from roasted chicken to beef.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create ultra-creamy mashed potatoes:

5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
8 tbsp salted butter, melted
8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 cup half-and-half, warmed
½ tsp salt, or to taste
Pepper, to taste
Optional: chives for garnish

Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before you begin, gather the following kitchen tools:

Large pot for boiling the potatoes
Colander for draining
Stand mixer or hand mixer for mashing
9×13 baking dish (greased) for baking
Potato peeler and knife
Rubber spatula for easy spreading

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for the best baked mashed potatoes:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Peel the potatoes and cut them into medium-sized cubes. Thoroughly rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch. This will help ensure the mashed potatoes aren’t gummy.
In a large pot, cover the potatoes with water and add a few generous pinches of salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook the potatoes until they’re fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them in a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the hot pot over low heat for about 3 minutes to steam out excess moisture. This step is key to avoiding watery mashed potatoes.
Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on low speed until the potatoes are broken up.
Slowly add the warm melted butter, cream cheese, and half-and-half. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary. Add more salt or pepper to taste.
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly into the greased baking dish. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
Remove from the oven, garnish with chives if desired, and serve warm!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe like mashed potatoes, there are a few mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results:

Overboiling the potatoes: Boiling them too long will make them absorb too much water, leading to watery mashed potatoes.
Skipping the steaming step: Steaming out excess moisture is essential for fluffy mashed potatoes. Don’t skip this step after draining!
Adding cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature and your half-and-half is warmed. Cold ingredients will cause the potatoes to stiffen and become less creamy.

Tips for the Creamiest Mashed Potatoes

Achieving the creamiest mashed potatoes isn’t hard if you follow these key tips:

Choose russet potatoes: They have a higher starch content, which creates a fluffier and creamier texture compared to waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold.
Don’t overmix: While it’s important to break down the potatoes thoroughly, overmixing can cause the potatoes to become gluey.
Warm your ingredients: Adding warm butter and half-and-half ensures that the mashed potatoes stay smooth and fluffy.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though they’re so delicious, it’s unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storage: Transfer any leftover mashed potatoes to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the potatoes in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the oven method helps preserve the texture.

Variations of the Recipe

This recipe is flexible, so feel free to customize it to suit your tastes:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add 4-5 cloves of roasted garlic to the potatoes before mixing for an extra layer of flavor.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
Herb Mashed Potatoes: Add fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a more fragrant dish.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and use a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) instead of half-and-half.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These creamy baked mashed potatoes are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of main dishes:

Roast chicken or turkey
Beef tenderloin or steak
Grilled vegetables or sautéed greens

For a simple garnish, sprinkle some fresh chives or parsley on top for a pop of color and a bit of extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before placing them in the oven.

How can I make the mashed potatoes fluffier?

To make them fluffier, ensure that you thoroughly steam out the excess moisture from the potatoes before mixing and avoid overmixing, which can cause them to become dense.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

While mashed potatoes can be frozen, the texture might change slightly upon reheating. If freezing, store them in an airtight container and use within 1 month.

Conclusion

These baked mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal, offering creamy comfort with a golden crust. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinners, this recipe is a must-try. If you loved this dish, be sure to share it with your friends and family and don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!