If you are on the lookout for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that will elevate any meal, you have to try this Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe. Creamy mashed potatoes get a golden, crispy cheese topping in the oven, making every forkful a perfect balance of smooth and crunchy textures. It’s familiar, indulgent, and unbelievably easy to make, turning humble russet potatoes into a show-stopping dish everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but pack so much flavor and texture that they create the magic behind the Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe. From creamy sour cream to sharp cheddar cheese, every component plays a crucial role in making this dish irresistible.
- Russet potatoes (2 pounds): The best choice for fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes due to their high starch content.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds richness and a subtle tang for depth of flavor.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Helps loosen the potatoes to the perfect creamy consistency.
- Butter, melted (1/4 cup): Infuses a silky texture and buttery flavor that makes every bite luscious.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers a mellow garlic taste without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the savory profile gently behind the scenes.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all flavors into harmony.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Provides a melty, sharp topping that crisps beautifully while baking.
- Chopped green onions (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor as garnish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, optional): Gives an extra nutty, umami-rich layer to the cheesy crust.
How to Make Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure your cheesy mashed potato masterpiece doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Drop your peeled and cubed russet potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Bring them to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork. Perfectly cooked potatoes are the foundation of this Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe.
Step 3: Mash to Creamy Perfection
Drain the cooked potatoes, then return them to the pot. Using a potato masher or a hand mixer, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic begins—smoothness here means a velvety final dish.
Step 4: Add the Flavor Boosters
Mix in the sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly and taste your creation to adjust the seasoning. This step is where your Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe truly comes alive with flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Sprinkle with Cheese
Pour the creamy mashed potatoes into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese on top if you’re using it. This cheesy layer will create that luscious golden crust everyone loves.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese topping is bubbly, golden brown, and slightly crispy. This baking step transforms classic mashed potatoes into an irresistible texture contrast.
Step 7: Add Garnishes
After baking, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the top to add a vibrant color and subtle onion bite. This finishing touch takes your Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe from delicious to memorable.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these baked mashed potatoes warm for the ultimate comfort food experience. Whether you’re serving a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, this dish is sure to shine.
How to Serve Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions are the classic finishing touch, adding a burst of freshness and color. You can also experiment with crispy bacon bits, fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream to personalize your baked mashed potatoes.
Side Dishes
This Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with hearty mains like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a classic pot roast. Its creamy texture and cheesy crust perfectly complement savory, meaty dishes, balancing the meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your baked mashed potatoes in individual ramekins topped with cheese and herbs for an elegant single-serve presentation. Or spread it out in a cast-iron skillet and bake for a rustic, shareable side that looks as inviting as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The rich flavors develop even more after a day, making reheated portions taste just as comforting as fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover baked mashed potatoes for up to 2 months. Pack them tightly in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through to preserve the crispy cheese topping as much as possible. Alternatively, microwave individual servings for a quick fix, stirring halfway through heating for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffiness, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly creamier and buttery flavor. Just remember that waxy potatoes may yield a denser texture.
Is it necessary to use both cheddar and Parmesan cheeses?
Not at all! Cheddar alone provides a fantastic sharp and melty top, but Parmesan adds a lovely nutty complexity. Feel free to use one or the other depending on your taste preference.
Can I make this Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute sour cream with a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based milk and butter substitutes. The texture will remain creamy, and the flavors will still shine through with these swaps.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños to the mashed potatoes before baking. These additions bring a gentle heat that pairs wonderfully with the cheesy crust.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?
Absolutely! Prepare the mashed potatoes and assemble in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the dish is chilled.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe is pure comfort in every bite and a guaranteed hit whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive celebration. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it become your go-to side dish for years to come. There’s really nothing like the cozy, cheesy warmth of baked mashed potatoes fresh from the oven — it feels like a hug on a plate!
