Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Creamy: With butter, sour cream, and cream cheese, these mashed potatoes have an irresistibly smooth texture.
Golden Top: Baked until slightly golden on top, creating a perfect balance between soft and crispy.
Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients come together to create a dish that will impress everyone.
Perfect for Any Meal: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a family dinner, or a holiday feast, these potatoes are the ideal side dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whole milk
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Fresh chives for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes until smooth.
Mix in the Creamy Ingredients: Add butter, sour cream, cream cheese, milk, salt, and pepper to the mashed potatoes. Stir until creamy and well combined.
Transfer and Top: Transfer the mashed potatoes to the prepared baking dish and spread them evenly. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the top is slightly golden.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chives before serving, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Extra Smooth Potatoes: For extra smooth mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer before adding the other ingredients.
Add-ins: Stir in roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or sautéed spinach for added flavor.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter, cream cheese, and sour cream for a vegan version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the mashed potatoes a day ahead and bake them just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, Yukon gold potatoes work great for creamy mashed potatoes, but russet potatoes are more traditional for their fluffy texture.

Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance, cover them with foil, and bake them just before serving.

How do I make the potatoes even creamier?

For extra creaminess, use a potato ricer instead of a regular masher, and adjust the milk for the desired creaminess.

Can I freeze these mashed potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze mashed potatoes! Just be sure to let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Reheat gently on the stove with a bit of milk or butter.

Can I top these potatoes with something other than cheese?

Yes, you can top them with crumbled bacon, green onions, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

Conclusion

These Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes are a perfect balance of creamy, buttery goodness with a slightly golden top. Whether you serve them on a holiday or for a weeknight dinner, they are sure to become a favorite side dish that everyone will love. Try them out, and let their melt-in-your-mouth texture elevate any meal!