If you’re craving a warm, comforting side that brings richness and a velvety texture to your dinner plate, you’ve just found your new favorite: the Buttery Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe. This dish combines the creamy goodness of cream cheese, the luxuriousness of Kerrygold butter, and the gentle kick of fresh chives, all baked to golden perfection. It’s simple, indulgent, and guaranteed to make any meal feel like a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet vital, each playing a key role in crafting the perfect balance of creamy, buttery, and savory flavors. From the russet potatoes that give structure and smoothness to the half and half that adds decadence, every ingredient is carefully chosen for a reason.
- 5 lbs russet potatoes: Their fluffy texture when cooked makes them ideal for smooth mashed potatoes.
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature): Adds creamy richness and helps achieve a smooth, luscious consistency.
- 10 tbsp salted butter (divided): Using Kerrygold butter amps up flavor with its rich, silky taste—8 tablespoons mix in, 2 tablespoons melt on top for a golden finish.
- 1 cup half and half: Gives the mash that extra creaminess and a touch of decadence without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for drawing out and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper to taste: Adds brightness and a hint of spice to balance the richness.
- Chives (freshly chopped): Provide a fresh, oniony kick that complements the buttery softness.
How to Make Buttery Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Boil the Potatoes
Start by peeling your russet potatoes and chopping them into 2-inch chunks to ensure even cooking. Place the chunks in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Let them simmer until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. The tenderness of these potatoes is the foundation for your dish’s ultimate creaminess.
Step 2: Mash and Mix with Cream Cheese and Butter
Drain the potatoes thoroughly, then return them to the pot or a large bowl. While still warm, add the cream cheese and 8 tablespoons of the salted butter. Use a potato masher or hand mixer on low speed to combine until smooth, making sure there are no lumps. This step ensures every bite melts with buttery richness and velvety softness.
Step 3: Incorporate Half and Half, Season
Slowly pour in the half and half while continuing to mash or beat the potatoes until you reach your ideal consistency. Season generously with salt and black pepper. The creaminess of the half and half lifts the texture, making it dreamy without being too heavy.
Step 4: Transfer and Top with Butter
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly in a buttered baking dish. Dot the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of salted butter, which will melt into a golden, irresistible glaze as it bakes. This step adds a beautiful crust and intensifies the buttery flavor in each bite.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and the potatoes are hot throughout. The baking process creates a lovely texture contrast—creamy beneath and crisp, buttery on top.
How to Serve Buttery Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped chives sprinkled over the hot potatoes add a pop of color and a subtle onion flavor that brightens the dish beautifully. For an extra treat, a few shavings of sharp cheddar or a dollop of sour cream can also be wonderful toppings.
Side Dishes
This Buttery Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe shines alongside classic main courses like roast chicken, beef brisket, or grilled pork chops. It also pairs nicely with sautéed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts, creating a comforting and balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch at dinner parties. Alternatively, swirl the mashed potatoes with a spoon after baking to create beautiful textures on top, then finish with an extra pat of melting butter for a rustic yet elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover buttery baked mashed potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making reheated portions just as delightful as when fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool the potatoes completely before packing them tightly in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, thaw frozen potatoes overnight in the fridge. Reheat them covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, gently reheat on the stove with a splash of half and half or milk to revive that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
While russets are ideal due to their fluffy texture, Yukon Gold potatoes can also work for a slightly denser, buttery mash. Keep in mind the texture may be less airy but still delicious.
Why do you use cream cheese in the Buttery Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe?
Cream cheese adds an incredible creaminess and smoothness that butter and milk alone can’t achieve. It helps create a silky texture and gives the potatoes a subtle tang that enhances their flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut milk or almond milk for half and half. You can find dairy-free cream cheese alternatives to maintain that luscious texture.
How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from becoming gluey?
Avoid over-mixing or using a food processor. Mash just until smooth, and be sure to use fluffy russet potatoes. Adding cream cheese and butter while the potatoes are warm helps maintain a light texture.
Can I add garlic or other seasonings?
Absolutely! Roasted garlic or sautéed onions can add wonderful depth to your buttery baked mashed potatoes. Just be careful not to overpower the delicate buttery flavors—start with small amounts.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Buttery Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe is like giving your dinner a warm, comforting hug. Its creamy texture, buttery richness, and inviting aroma will quickly make it one of your go-to sides for any meal. Trust me, once you’ve baked these potatoes to golden perfection, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this simple yet decadent recipe in your cooking rotation.
Print
Buttery Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buttery Baked Mashed Potatoes are a rich and creamy side dish featuring tender russet potatoes blended with cream cheese, salted butter, and half and half, then baked to golden perfection with a buttery topping and a sprinkle of fresh chives. This comforting recipe serves as the perfect accompaniment for any hearty meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 5 lbs russet potatoes, cut into 2-inch chunks
Dairy
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature for smooth mixing
- 8 tbsp salted butter (such as Kerrygold), divided
- 2 tbsp salted butter (for topping)
- 1 cup half and half
Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
- Freshly chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the mashed potatoes.
- Cook the potatoes: Place the 2-inch chunks of russet potatoes into a large pot of salted water and boil until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the potatoes: While still warm, mash the potatoes until smooth using a potato masher or ricer for best texture.
- Add creaminess: Stir in the room temperature cream cheese, 8 tablespoons of salted butter, half and half, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the potatoes are rich, creamy, and smooth.
- Transfer to baking dish: Place the mashed potatoes into a greased baking dish, smoothing the surface evenly.
- Add buttery topping: Dot the top of the mashed potatoes with the remaining 2 tablespoons of salted butter to create a golden, flavorful crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden and butter is melted.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the top before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Using room temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth, lump-free mash.
- Russet potatoes are ideal for baking and mashing due to their starchy texture.
- Salt the potato cooking water to enhance flavor.
- For extra richness, you can substitute half and half with heavy cream.
- Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor that complements the buttery potatoes perfectly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven with a splash of half and half to maintain creaminess.
