The Best Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Imagine a warm blanket of creamy mashed potatoes, enveloping your senses with every bite. You might wonder what makes this recipe the ultimate comfort food. The combination of Yukon Gold potatoes, rich butter, and tangy cream cheese creates a texture that’s simply irresistible. As you consider how to elevate this dish for your next gathering, you’ll discover that the beauty lies not only in its flavor but also in its versatility. What unique toppings or twists will you add to make it your own?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, baked mashed potatoes are a standout favorite.

You’ll love this recipe because it’s make-ahead friendly, allowing you to prepare it in advance for busy days. It’s easy to customize with your favorite cheeses, herbs, and toppings, so you can create a dish that suits your taste.

Perfect for gatherings, it serves large groups, making it ideal for holidays or family dinners. The creamy texture, thanks to Yukon Gold potatoes, butter, cream, and optional cream cheese, guarantees every bite is rich and velvety.

Plus, the simple preparation means you can whip it up quickly without hassle. With minimal ingredients and quick prep time, this recipe is both delicious and convenient for any occasion.

History

Baked mashed potatoes have a rich history that traces back to the introduction of potatoes in Europe in the 16th century.

Initially, Spanish explorers brought these tubers from South America, but they weren’t well-received. In France, potatoes faced a ban from 1748 to 1772 due to fears they caused leprosy.

It wasn’t until Antoine-Augustin Parmentier, a French military pharmacist, highlighted their nutritional value that opinions changed. He hosted dinners showcasing mashed potatoes, making them popular in France. His advocacy was crucial in lifting the potato ban, allowing for wider acceptance of the versatile ingredient.

Hannah Glasse’s 18th-century cookbook included a simple mashed potato recipe, further spreading their use.

As they gained popularity, mashed potatoes became a staple in many countries and featured in both home-cooked meals and restaurant menus, evolving into a comforting side dish.

Recipe

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Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Baked mashed potatoes are a comfort food staple that combines the creamy richness of mashed potatoes with the golden, crispy topping that baking provides. This dish is perfect for gatherings, holiday dinners, or simply as a comforting side to accompany your favorite main dishes. By using Yukon Gold potatoes, you’ll achieve a buttery flavor and a smooth texture that elevates the overall experience. The addition of cream cheese and sour cream guarantees that these mashed potatoes are irresistibly creamy and flavorful. Creamy mashed potatoes are also ideal for holiday meals like Christmas and Thanksgiving, making them a versatile dish for year-round menus.

The beauty of baked mashed potatoes is that they can be customized with various toppings and seasonings to suit your taste. Whether you like them loaded with cheese and bacon or prefer a simpler approach with herbs, this recipe allows for flexibility. Bake them until they’re golden brown and bubbling, and watch them disappear from the table in no time!

Ingredients:
– Yukon Gold Potatoes: 5 pounds, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
– Butter: ½ cup (113 g), cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
– Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (227 g), cut into pieces
– Sour Cream: ¾ cup (170 g)
– Milk: ¼ cup
– Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
– Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon
– Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (optional)
– Dried Minced Onion: 1 tablespoon
– Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
– Cheese Toppings: Parmesan, sharp cheddar, or white cheddar (optional)
– Bacon: 5 slices thick-cut bacon, crumbled (optional)
– Green Onions: 2 stalks, thinly sliced (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, cover the peeled and cut Yukon Gold potatoes with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Mash the Potatoes: Add the butter and cream cheese to the hot potatoes. Cover and let them soften for a few minutes. Then, add the sour cream, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, minced garlic (if using), and dried minced onion. Mash the mixture with a potato masher or hand mixer until creamy and smooth.
Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the mashed potatoes evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish. If desired, you can add toppings such as shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or green onions on top of the mashed potatoes.
Bake the Potatoes: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. After that, remove the cover (if you used one) and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired, and serve warm.

For extra tips, verify your potatoes are cut into uniform pieces before boiling to promote even cooking. You can also adjust the consistency of the mashed potatoes by adding more or less milk, depending on your preference. If you’re looking for a richer flavor, consider adding a beaten egg to the potato mixture before baking.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings to make this dish your own!

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, enjoying baked mashed potatoes is all about combining flavors and textures that comfort and satisfy.

To achieve the creamiest result, start with quality potatoes like russet or Yukon Gold. Soften cream cheese for a smooth blend and avoid over-mashing to keep that fluffy texture. Don’t forget to balance flavors with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Baking provides a desirable golden brown topping that enhances the overall eating experience.

Adding rich ingredients like sour cream and melted butter enhances both taste and moisture. For extra creaminess, consider mixing in shredded cheese.

When serving, these potatoes pair well with hearty main dishes, making them perfect for family meals or special occasions. Remember, making them ahead of time can save you effort while still delivering delicious results.

Enjoy your creamy creation!

FAQ

When it comes to baked mashed potatoes, you might’ve a few questions about the best techniques and tips to guarantee they turn out perfectly every time.

For starters, choose Yukon Gold or russet potatoes for a fluffy texture. Cut them into 2-inch pieces, boil in cold water until tender, then steam to remove moisture. To enhance flavor, consider adding earthy thyme along with your other ingredients for a comforting taste.

To enhance creaminess, mix in soft butter, cream cheese, and warm milk, but remember to mix gently to avoid gumminess.

Preheat your oven to 350°F, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, and top with cheese for added flavor. Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover for 15 more to achieve a golden top.

Finally, serve warm, garnished with chives or herbs for a delightful finish.