Creamiest Oven Baked Mashed Potatoes
Make rich, velvety mashed potatoes that gain a slightly golden crust when baked. This recipe focuses on achieving maximum creaminess before the final oven step.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Total Time: 65 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes well and return them to the hot, empty pot. Let them sit for 2 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- Heat the milk and butter together in a small saucepan until the butter is melted. Do not boil.
- Mash the potatoes thoroughly using a potato masher or ricer until smooth.
- Add the softened cream cheese, salt, and pepper to the mashed potatoes. Mix until just combined.
- Gradually pour in the warm milk and butter mixture while continuing to mix until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Do not overmix.
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the potatoes.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is melted and lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh chives before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute sour cream for half of the milk.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the potatoes for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- You can prepare the mashed potatoes mixture up to the end of step 6 a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then top with cheese and bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 33
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 65