Some dishes just define comfort—and these Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes are one of them. Velvety smooth, rich with butter and cream cheese, and baked until lightly golden, they’re the kind of side dish that makes any meal feel like a celebration. Whether you’re serving them alongside roast turkey for Thanksgiving or glazed ham at Christmas, these potatoes bring a warm, cozy touch to every plate.

Unlike traditional mashed potatoes, baking them transforms the texture into something truly decadent—fluffy inside, lightly crusted on top, and full of buttery goodness. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat all season long.

Why You’ll Love It

Ultra creamy: Thanks to cream cheese and half & half, these mashed potatoes are impossibly smooth and rich.
Golden baked perfection: The oven adds a subtle crust and deep buttery flavor.
Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for prepping before big holiday gatherings.
Comfort in every bite: Warm, cozy, and satisfying—pure mashed potato bliss!
Customizable: Add cheese, herbs, or chives for your own signature twist.

Time Needed

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8–10

Ingredients

5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
8 tablespoons salted butter, melted
2 tablespoons salted butter, cold and cubed
8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 cup half and half, warmed
½ teaspoon salt
Black pepper, to taste
Optional: fresh chives or herbs for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Potatoes Peel and cut the potatoes into evenly sized cubes. Add them to a large pot, cover with water, and season generously with salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart.
Drain and Steam Drain the potatoes, then return them to the pot over low heat for 3 minutes to evaporate any excess moisture. This step ensures fluffy, not watery, mashed potatoes.
Mash Until Smooth Using a mixer or masher, mash the potatoes until mostly smooth. Add the melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mix in the softened cream cheese, then gradually add warm half and half until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
Assemble and Bake Spread the mashed potatoes into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Dot the top with the cold butter cubes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, until lightly golden and bubbling around the edges.
Serve and Enjoy Sprinkle with fresh chives or herbs, and serve warm with your favorite holiday main dishes. Each bite is buttery, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth good.

Variations to Try

Cheesy Dream: Mix in shredded cheddar, gouda, or parmesan for extra richness.
Garlic Lover’s Version: Add roasted garlic or garlic powder for deeper flavor.
Herb Infusion: Stir in chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley before baking.
Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil and oat milk for a lighter version that’s still creamy.

Tips from Chef Emma

Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Steam out extra moisture before mashing for fluffier texture.
Don’t overmix once the liquid is added—this keeps them silky, not gluey.
Use room-temperature cream cheese so it melts smoothly into the potatoes.
Make ahead: Prep and refrigerate unbaked potatoes for up to 2 days. Bake directly from the fridge with an extra 10 minutes.

Nutrition Info per Serving

Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fat: 17g
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 320mg
Sugar: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use Yukon Gold potatoes?
A: Yes! They’ll make your mash extra buttery and smooth, though russets stay fluffier when baked.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days, then bake when ready to serve.
Q: Can I add cheese?
A: Definitely—try shredded cheddar or gouda for a cheesy twist.
Q: How do I make it lighter?
A: Substitute milk for half & half and reduce butter slightly for a still-delicious, lighter version.

Final Thoughts

These Creamiest Baked Mashed Potatoes are everything you want in a comfort food—fluffy, rich, and effortlessly elegant. Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday supper, they’ll make any meal feel like a special occasion. Save this recipe to your Holiday Recipes board so you can enjoy it all season long!