The Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food made creamy and smooth with lots of butter, cream, and just the right amount of seasoning. These potatoes get a little golden on top from being baked, adding a nice texture contrast to the rich, soft inside. Whether you’re making a holiday meal or just want a cozy side dish, these potatoes never fail to impress.
I love making these mashed potatoes because they can be prepared ahead of time and then baked right before serving, which makes them perfect for busy days or when you have guests over. Plus, I always sneak in an extra helping of cream cheese or sour cream to get that extra silky feel. For me, the key to the best baked mashed potatoes is patience – letting them bake until the top is lightly browned adds a delicious little crust that makes each bite extra special.
Whenever I serve these, they’re the first thing to disappear from the plate! I like to pair them with something simple, like roasted chicken or a nice veggie dish, letting the mashed potatoes shine as the star side. They’re also great with a sprinkle of chives or a little shredded cheese on top if you want to dress them up a bit. Honestly, these baked mashed potatoes always bring everyone around the table for seconds and smiles.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These are my favorite for creamy mashed potatoes because they’re smooth and have a naturally buttery flavor. If you don’t have Yukon Gold, Russet potatoes work well too but can be a bit more fluffy and dry.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness better. I like using real butter for rich flavor, but you can swap for vegan butter if needed for dairy-free options.
Heavy Cream & Milk: Using both adds creaminess and keeps the potatoes smooth without being too heavy. For lighter versions, try half-and-half or whole milk alone, but expect a thinner texture.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient makes the potatoes extra silky and adds subtle tang. You can swap for sour cream or Greek yogurt if preferred, both give a nice creaminess too.
How Do You Get Baked Mashed Potatoes Super Creamy with a Golden Top?
Mashing the potatoes while still warm is key to achieving super smooth texture – cold potatoes get gummy. Using a ricer or masher works great, but don’t overmix, or they’ll become gluey.
- Warm the milk and cream before adding to keep the potatoes from cooling down and clumping.
- Mix in softened butter and cream cheese gradually; this helps blend fats evenly for creaminess.
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly in your baking dish; dots of butter on top melt and create a nice golden finish as they bake.
- Bake uncovered so the top dries slightly and browns without drying the inside.
My tip: Keep an eye during baking to get just a little golden crust on top, it adds a lovely texture contrast to the silky potatoes underneath.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for boiling potatoes evenly and with lots of space to avoid crowding.
- Potato masher or ricer – makes your potatoes smooth without overworking them.
- Small saucepan – to warm milk and cream gently, so they mix smoothly.
- Baking dish (2 to 3-quart size) – roomy enough to hold and bake the mashed potatoes for a nice golden top.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – for mixing ingredients and smoothing the potato surface before baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Stir in cooked bacon bits for a smoky, crunchy twist that pairs well with creamy potatoes.
- Add shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, cheesy version great for comfort food cravings.
- Mix in roasted garlic instead of raw minced garlic for sweeter, mellow flavor.
- Swap cream cheese for sour cream to give the potatoes a tangy edge and creamy texture.
The Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Potatoes:
- 4 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For The Creamy Mixture:
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh chives or rosemary, chopped
- Extra butter (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 45 minutes in total – around 20 minutes to boil the potatoes until tender, 10-15 minutes to mash and mix all the creamy ingredients, and another 25-30 minutes to bake and get a golden top. It’s a bit of waiting but well worth the creamy, delicious result!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Potatoes:
Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to simmer and cook until the potatoes are very soft, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Mash the Potatoes Smooth:
Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Let them sit a couple minutes to let moisture evaporate. Then, mash them with a masher or potato ricer until smooth.
3. Mix in Creamy Ingredients:
Warm the milk and cream in a small saucepan until hot but not boiling. Stir softened cream cheese and ¾ cup butter into the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the warm milk and cream, mixing continuously to keep the potatoes silky. Add minced garlic here if you like.
4. Bake for Creaminess & Golden Top:
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a baking dish, smooth the surface with a spatula. Dot the remaining ¼ cup of butter on top. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until the top is lightly golden and the potatoes are heated through.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle with chopped chives or rosemary. Serve hot with an extra pat of butter if you like, and enjoy that perfect creamy comfort food!
Can I Use Russet Potatoes Instead of Yukon Gold?
Yes, Russet potatoes can be used as a substitute. They tend to be fluffier and less creamy, so you might want to add a little extra butter or cream to keep the texture rich.
Can I Prepare the Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the mashed potatoes up to a day in advance, refrigerate them, and then bake right before serving. Just bring them to room temperature and add a splash of warm milk before baking to loosen the texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a bit of milk to restore creaminess if needed.
Can I Add Cheese or Other Flavors?
Definitely! Stir in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or cooked bacon bits before baking for extra flavor. Roasted garlic or herbs also make delicious additions.
