Ingredients
- 5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 8 tbsp salted butter, melted (plus 2 tbsp for topping)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup half-and-half, warmed (use less depending on consistency preference)
- ½ tsp salt, to taste
- Pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- Optional: Fresh chives, finely chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and Boil the Potatoes
Start by peeling the russet potatoes and cutting them into medium-sized cubes. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. Place the cubed potatoes into a large pot, covering them with water. Add a generous pinch of salt to season the water. Bring the water to a boil, cooking the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes. - Steam Off Excess Moisture
Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Turn the heat to low and allow the potatoes to steam out any remaining moisture for about 3 minutes. This step is crucial to avoid watery mashed potatoes. - Mash the Potatoes
Transfer the steamed potatoes to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Begin mashing on low speed to break them up. If using a hand mixer, work in batches to avoid overmixing. - Incorporate the Butter and Cream Cheese
Slowly pour in the melted butter, continuing to mix on low speed. Add in the cubed, softened cream cheese, and blend until the potatoes are creamy and smooth. If they seem too thick, gradually add the warm half-and-half until the mashed potatoes reach your desired consistency. - Season to Perfection
Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or freshly ground pepper as needed. - Bake the Mashed Potatoes
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cut the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter into small cubes and dot them over the top. Bake the mashed potatoes in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 45 minutes, or until the top turns golden and crispy. - Serve and Garnish
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. For an extra touch of color and flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the top.
Notes
Serving and Presentation Ideas for Baked Mashed Potatoes
To elevate your presentation, transfer the baked mashed potatoes into a beautiful, oven-safe dish before baking. Add some fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a subtle, earthy flavor. For a more indulgent touch, consider adding a few extra pats of butter right before serving to create a deliciously golden, glossy finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner