The Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food with rich, buttery mashed potatoes baked to perfection with a golden, slightly crispy top. These potatoes are super smooth and creamy inside, making every bite melt in your mouth. Whether it’s a holiday dinner or just a cozy weeknight meal, this dish always hits the spot.
I love how easy it is to make these ahead of time—mash everything up with butter, cream, and a little garlic, then bake until bubbly and browned on top. It’s like mashed potatoes got their glow-up. I usually add a little extra cheese on top for a gooey, tasty crust that everyone asks for seconds of. Plus, leftovers heat up just as wonderfully.
My favorite way to serve these is alongside roasted chicken or a juicy steak, with some green veggies on the side. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table and makes you feel instantly at home. If you want to impress guests or just make yourself feel cozy, these creamy baked mashed potatoes are a must-try!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These have a naturally creamy texture and buttery flavor, perfect for smooth mashed potatoes. If you don’t have Yukon Golds, Russets work well too but can be a bit fluffier.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor. Unsalted is best so you can control the salt level. You can use olive oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
Milk and Heavy Cream: These make the potatoes super creamy. Whole milk works fine, but half-and-half can be used for lighter creaminess. For dairy-free, try oat or almond milk with coconut cream.
Garlic Powder (Optional): Adds a nice gentle garlic flavor without overpowering. Fresh garlic can be used too—just cook it gently in butter first.
Fresh Herbs: Chives and rosemary bring freshness and a little color to the dish. You can swap rosemary for thyme or parsley if you prefer.
How Do I Get Perfectly Smooth and Creamy Mashed Potatoes?
For creamy mashed potatoes, the key is cooking and mashing techniques:
- Cook Potatoes Thoroughly: Boil until very tender so they mash easily without lumps.
- Drain and Dry: After draining, return potatoes to the pot and heat gently for a minute or two. This evaporates extra water, making the mash richer.
- Mash Properly: Use a potato masher or ricer for smooth texture. Avoid a blender or food processor, which can make them gluey.
- Warm Dairy: Warm milk and cream before adding. Cold dairy can cool down the potatoes and make them less smooth.
- Mix Gently: Stir butter and warm cream into the potatoes slowly. This helps create a silky texture.
Following these steps will give you rich, soft mashed potatoes that bake beautifully with a slightly crisp top. Don’t skip warming your liquids—that little step makes a big difference!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling potatoes evenly and quickly.
- Potato masher or ricer – helps you get super smooth, lump-free potatoes easily.
- Small saucepan – to warm the milk and cream without boiling.
- Baking dish – wide and shallow works best for even baking and browning on top.
- Spatula – smooths the potato surface for a pretty, even bake.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese before baking for a cheesy, rich twist.
- Add cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions on top for smoky, sweet flavor bursts.
- Mix in roasted garlic paste for a deeper, mellow garlic taste that’s not too sharp.
- Swap heavy cream for sour cream or cream cheese for extra tangy creaminess and texture.
The Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Potatoes:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh chives, chopped
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, 15-20 minutes for boiling potatoes, and 20-25 minutes for baking. Plan for a total of around 45-55 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Boil Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and cut your potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until tender—about 15-20 minutes. Then drain well.
2. Mash and Mix Ingredients:
Return the drained potatoes to the pot and heat on low for a minute or two to help any excess moisture evaporate. Warm the milk and cream in a small saucepan until heated but not boiling. Mash the potatoes thoroughly until smooth using a masher or ricer. Stir in the butter until melted, then gradually add the warm milk and cream while stirring. Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder to your taste.
3. Bake and Serve:
Transfer the creamy mashed potatoes to a baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Create a shallow well or pattern in the surface and dot with small cubes of butter. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is lightly golden and slightly crispy. Once done, garnish with chopped chives and rosemary sprigs. Serve hot with the melted butter from the center spooned onto each portion.
Can I Use Russet Potatoes Instead of Yukon Gold?
Yes! Russet potatoes work well too but tend to be fluffier and less creamy than Yukon Gold. You might want to add a bit more butter and cream to get the same rich texture.
Can I Make These Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the mashed potatoes up to step 7, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, transfer to a baking dish, add extra butter on top, and bake as directed. This is perfect for busy days or holiday meals.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in shorter intervals, stirring in between to keep them creamy.
Can I Add Cheese or Other Flavors?
Definitely! Stir in shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan before baking for a cheesy twist. You can also add roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs to customize the flavor.
