Get ready to redefine comfort food with these Baked Mashed Potatoes! Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly golden on top, this classic side dish elevates any meal and never lasts long at gatherings. With just the right blend of russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, two kinds of cheese, and a whisper of garlic, it’s a recipe that brings warmth to the table and a smile to every face. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a holiday feast, Baked Mashed Potatoes are sure to become your new go-to for easy, make-ahead deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Baked Mashed Potatoes special is the careful blend of simple, wholesome ingredients—each one playing its own delicious part. From the creamy potatoes at the heart of the dish to the topping of melty cheese, here’s what brings it all together for a side you’ll want on repeat.
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (3 pounds): These varieties deliver fluffy texture and rich flavor, perfect for mashing and baking.
- Salt (1 tablespoon for boiling water + 1 teaspoon for mixing): Salting both the water and the potato mixture guarantees well-seasoned spuds from the inside out.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, divided): Makes everything creamy and gives that golden, indulgent top layer.
- Whole milk (¾ cup, warmed): Warm milk helps create super-smooth mashed potatoes without cooling them down.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Adds a hint of tang and even more creaminess—it’s the secret to restaurant-style mashed potatoes.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the potatoes with gentle aromatic flavor effortlessly.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Brings a gentle kick that balances the richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully for that iconic cheesy topping everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds nutty depth and a savory finish to the melted cheese layer.
- Chopped chives or parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Offers a burst of color and fresh flavor as a final garnish.
How to Make Baked Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Prep and Boil the Potatoes
Start by peeling your potatoes and cutting them into chunky cubes. Bringing the potatoes to a boil in generously salted water ensures that every bite is full of flavor, right from the start. Cook until the potatoes are tender enough to fall apart with the nudge of a fork—it usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 2: Mash and Creamify
Drain the potatoes well and return them directly to the hot pot. This helps any extra moisture evaporate so the mash stays fluffy. Next, mash them until luxuriously smooth. Stir in 4 tablespoons of butter, the warmed milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This dreamy combination is what sets Baked Mashed Potatoes apart from ordinary sides.
Step 3: Assemble and Top
Transfer the potato mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and smooth out the top. Dot the surface with the last 2 tablespoons of butter—these melt into golden pools while baking. Sprinkle an even layer of cheddar and Parmesan cheese across the top, just begging to get melty and bubbly in the oven.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your assembled dish, uncovered, at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. The cheese should be fully melted and the edges just beginning to turn golden brown, promising a perfect blend of creamy and crispy textures.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Right before serving, scatter chopped chives or parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. This final touch not only looks incredible but also adds a subtle lift to the rich, cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes.
How to Serve Baked Mashed Potatoes
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a fresh garnish! A sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley adds both a lovely pop of green and a hint of herbal brightness, balancing the creamy richness. If you’re feeling fancy, try topping with crispy bacon bits, toasted breadcrumbs, or even a dash of smoked paprika for extra flair.
Side Dishes
Baked Mashed Potatoes are endlessly versatile. They pair beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, beef, or turkey, but shine equally next to grilled veggies or pan-seared fish. Serve them as a holiday centerpiece or whenever your menu needs a cozy, crowd-pleasing side.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little different, scoop the mashed mixture into individual ramekins before baking—perfect for dinner parties! Or, use a cookie scoop to mound portions onto a platter, baking just until the tops brown, then serve with mini spoons for a fun, shareable appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Baked Mashed Potatoes store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Their flavor often deepens overnight, making them almost better the next day—simply reheat portions as needed for easy lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you need to save your leftovers for a longer stretch, Baked Mashed Potatoes freeze surprisingly well! Allow them to cool completely, then spoon into freezer-safe containers. For best results, freeze without the cheese topping, adding fresh cheese before reheating and baking.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until piping hot, about 20 minutes. Individual servings can be microwaved—just add a splash of milk if needed to loosen things up and restore that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish (minus the cheese topping) up to two days in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, add the cheese and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I use different cheeses?
Definitely. While cheddar and Parmesan bring classic flavor, you can try gruyere, mozzarella, or even a little blue cheese for a fun twist. Mix and match to suit your taste—or use what you have in the fridge!
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can make Baked Mashed Potatoes dairy-free by swapping in plant-based butter, unsweetened non-dairy milk, and your favorite vegan cheeses. It’s easy to adapt without compromising on creaminess or flavor.
What’s the best way to get smooth mashed potatoes?
The key is to start with warm potatoes, mash while they’re hot, and use a hand masher or potato ricer for a velvety finish. Warming the milk and butter before adding also ensures everything blends in smoothly without lumps.
Can I add mix-ins like bacon or caramelized onions?
Yes! Stir in cooked bacon bits, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or even sautéed mushrooms before baking to create your ultimate signature Baked Mashed Potatoes—don’t be afraid to get creative.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about gathering around a table with a bubbling dish of Baked Mashed Potatoes at the center. It’s a side that brings people together, fills plates with joy, and makes every meal feel just a little bit more special. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be reaching for it again and again!
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Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Mashed Potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, making them the perfect side dish for any occasion. With a golden, bubbly cheese topping, these mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 3 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Boiling Water:
- 1 tablespoon salt
Mashed Potatoes:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- ¾ cup whole milk, warmed
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Potatoes: Boil the potato chunks in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and mash with butter, warmed milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread the mashed potatoes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Dot with butter, sprinkle with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped chives or parsley before serving.
Notes
- These mashed potatoes can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
- For extra richness, substitute heavy cream for milk.
- Add cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions for more flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
