Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a dish of creamy baked mashed potatoes to complete a comforting meal. This version takes a classic side and turns it into a luxurious, smooth, and buttery masterpiece. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, Thanksgiving, or just craving a creamy mashed side, this recipe will not disappoint. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on how to make the creamiest baked mashed potatoes you’ll ever taste.

Why You’ll Love This Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe

These baked mashed potatoes are rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfectly seasoned, with a velvety texture that melts in your mouth, they’re not your average mashed potatoes. Baking them after mashing adds an extra layer of flavor and fluffiness that traditional mashed potatoes often lack. This recipe is for anyone who loves comfort food done right and wants to impress family and friends with a side dish that’s both familiar and elevated.

Ingredients Breakdown

To achieve the creamiest baked mashed potatoes, you’ll need a few key ingredients that work together to create a rich and flavorful dish.

• 5 lbs of russet potatoes, peeled and cubed: Russet potatoes are starchy, making them perfect for creamy mashed potatoes. Their texture helps create that smooth and fluffy consistency.
• 8 tbsp of salted butter, melted: Butter is essential for adding richness and a deep, savory flavor.
• 8 oz of cream cheese, softened and cubed: This secret ingredient makes the potatoes extra creamy with a slight tang that balances the richness.
• 1 cup of half and half: Half and half adds moisture and makes the mashed potatoes lighter than if you were to use only cream.
• ½ tsp salt, plus extra to taste: Salt brings out the flavor of the potatoes, butter, and cheese.
• Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice and depth.
• Optional: chives on top for garnish: Adding chives brings a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the creaminess.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute half and half with whole milk, though it will be less rich.
• You can swap cream cheese for sour cream for a slightly tangier flavor.

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this dish, gather the following kitchen tools:

• A large pot to boil the potatoes
• A colander for draining
• A stand mixer or hand mixer for mashing
• A 9×13 baking dish to bake the mashed potatoes
• Potato peeler for easy peeling
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts to handle the hot baking dish safely

Having the right tools makes preparation easier and ensures the potatoes turn out perfectly smooth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes

1. Prepping and Boiling the Potatoes

Start by peeling the 5 lbs of russet potatoes and cutting them into medium-sized cubes. This ensures even cooking and faster boiling. Once peeled, thoroughly rinse the potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch.

Fill a large pot with water, add a few big pinches of salt, and bring it to a boil. Carefully add the cubed potatoes into the boiling water. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, which should take around 10 to 15 minutes. To test, poke a potato with a fork – it should slide off easily. Once done, drain the potatoes using a colander and let them sit in the pot over low heat for about 3 minutes to remove excess moisture.

2. Mashing and Mixing for a Velvety Texture

Transfer the steamed potatoes to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Begin mashing the potatoes on low speed until they break down. If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand mixer or potato masher works too, but the mixer ensures a smoother consistency.

Slowly add the melted butter and salt into the mashed potatoes, mixing continuously. Next, incorporate the cream cheese, allowing it to melt into the warm potatoes. Gradually pour in the half and half, adjusting the amount until you reach your desired consistency – creamy, but not runny. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed, and don’t forget a pinch of pepper.

3. Baking to Perfection

Once the potatoes are perfectly mashed and creamy, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes evenly into the dish.

For an extra touch of flavor, cut the remaining 2 tbsp of butter into small cubes and scatter them over the top of the potatoes. Bake the dish uncovered for 45 minutes until the top is slightly golden and the butter is melted.

When done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle fresh chives on top for a colorful garnish and mild flavor.

Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes

• Warm your dairy ingredients: Using warm butter, cream cheese, and half and half helps the potatoes absorb the flavors better and prevents them from becoming gluey.
• Don’t over-mix: Over-mixing can lead to dense or gummy mashed potatoes. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Season in stages: Always taste and adjust salt as you go, especially after boiling and mashing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the potatoes: Make sure you don’t boil the potatoes for too long, or they’ll become waterlogged. This results in watery mashed potatoes.
• Not draining properly: After boiling, allow the potatoes to steam in the pot for a few minutes to evaporate excess moisture. Skipping this step can make the mashed potatoes less fluffy.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or cream can cause the mashed potatoes to seize up, making them less creamy.

Variations of the Recipe

While this recipe is amazing on its own, you can elevate it with these variations:

• Garlic mashed potatoes: Add roasted garlic cloves to the mixture for a rich, savory flavor.
• Herbed mashed potatoes: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
• Cheesy mashed potatoes: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan, or gouda for a cheesy twist.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

For a stunning presentation, garnish your mashed potatoes with a drizzle of melted butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme. You can also pipe the mashed potatoes into the baking dish with a piping bag for a decorative look.

Serve these creamy baked mashed potatoes alongside roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a hearty salad. The smooth texture and rich flavor make them the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though these mashed potatoes are so good, that’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the mashed potatoes in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Add a little extra butter or half and half if the potatoes seem dry.

You can also freeze mashed potatoes for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes FAQ

Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the mashed potatoes up to 2 days in advance. Simply store them in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve.

How do I make the potatoes smoother? Be sure to use a stand mixer or hand mixer and add warm ingredients to prevent lumpiness.

What type of potatoes are best for this recipe? Russet potatoes are ideal because of their high starch content, which makes them creamy when mashed.

conclusion

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