Baked Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes

These Baked Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes are creamy, buttery, and full of homemade goodness, with just the right touch of garlic and savory herbs. They’re a delicious addition to any special occasion meal, from Easter and Thanksgiving to Christmas dinner or a Sunday supper with the family. Best of all, these flavorful baked mashed potatoes can be prepared and assembled ahead of time, then popped into the oven just before serving. It’s a tried-and-true Southern-style side dish that’s sure to have everybody coming back for seconds!

Easy Baked Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe

It’s no secret that Americans love potatoes, and I’d venture to say that affection is universal! Here in the South, we serve up spuds in all sorts of delicious ways, from weeknight suppers to holiday feasts and gatherings with family and friends. When a special occasion rolls around, there’s nothing quite like a pan of creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes to round out the meal. Best of all, you can assemble these mashed potatoes a day ahead and bake them just before serving, making them a welcome addition to any menu without the last-minute fuss.

When it comes to mashed potatoes, you really can’t go wrong. They’re the ultimate comfort food and a natural pairing for so many Southern favorites. Around my table, just about any potato dish is sure to please! Serve these cheesy mashed potatoes alongside Delicious Southern Meatloaf, tender and juicy Slow Cooked Turkey Breast for the holidays, or classic Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy. They’re equally at home with down-home Hamburger Steak or crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken. No matter what’s on the menu, these comforting potatoes are sure to make everyone feel right at home.

Key ingredients to make Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes: (Scroll down for the full recipe card and quantities.)

• Potatoes – Russet potatoes peeled and cubed, into similar size chunks for even cooking.
• Butter – Salted butter or unsalted butter for a rich taste.
• Spices – Salt, granulated garlic or garlic powder and onion powder, white or black pepper and a dash of nutmeg.
• Liquid – Half and half or heavy cream for a creamy texture.
• Cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a melty cheesy flavor.
• Cream Cheese – Spreadable garlic and herb cheese such as Alouette or Boursin.
• Sour Cream – A small amount of sour cream for a tangy bite.
• Fresh Herbs – Fresh chives for a hint of fresh onion flavor.

How to Make Baked Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe

• Boil Potatoes – Cook potatoes in salted water over medium-high heat until fork-tender.
• Whip Potatoes – Drain the potatoes, then return and whip with butter, half and half, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and nutmeg.
• Mix-ins – By hand stir in cheddar cheese, garlic-herb cheese spread, sour cream and fresh chives. Stir to combine.
• Transfer Potato Mixture to Prepared Dish – Pour potato mixture into a casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with remaining shredded cheese.
• Chill – Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
• Oven – Uncover mashed potato casserole and bake per the baking time in the recipe until golden brown then scoop and serve.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Garlic and Herb Mashed Potato Casserole

• 13×9-inch baking dish.
• Large pot.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Cheese grater.
• Electric mixer or potato masher. You can easily use a hand mixer.
• Paring knife or vegetable peeler and chopping board.
• Colander.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Potatoes – You can use russet potatoes or yukon gold potatoes in this cheesy mashed potato casserole recipe.
• Cheese – You can use a variety of different cheese in this recipe. Gruyere, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, gouda cheese, colby jack cheese or even spicy pepper jack cheese.
• Bacon – You could also add crispy bacon to the potato mixture.
• Herbs and Onion – You can replace chives with other fresh herbs like fresh parsley, thyme or rosemary. You could also use finely chopped green onions.
• Spreadable Cheese – You can use Alouette or Boursin spreadable garlic and herb cheese in this recipe.
• Fresh Garlic – You can add fresh minced garlic in place of garlic powder. Peel and finely mince then add to the potato mixture.

Cooking Tips

• Salt the Water – Cover the cubed potatoes with cold water leaving about 1-2-inches of head space and don’t be shy with the salt. This is the opportunity to season and add flavor to the potatoes while they cook.
• Don’t Overcook – Cook the potatoes just until the point of a sharp knife glides easily into the centers. Don’t overcook them or the starch will break down and the potatoes will turn to mush. They should be tender, not mushy.
• Drain Well – Drain cooked potatoes well before whipping them with the butter, half and half and seasonings. Any leftover water can cause them to breakdown.
• Whip or Mash – You’ll need to use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to get the creamiest texture. You may also opt to use a potato masher or a potato ricer for a chunkier texture.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Mashed Potato Casserole – These make ahead mashed potatoes can be assembled up to 2 days in advance then cooled, covered with foil or plastic wrap and chilled. Allow 20-30 minutes on the counter or so to warm to room temperature, then top with pats of butter just before baking.
• Leftovers – Store leftover baked Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator (or covered with plastic wrap) for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – You can reheat leftovers in single servings in the microwave or in a 350°F preheated oven with a piece of aluminum foil on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or just until heated through.
• Freezer – Store baked mashed potatoes frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat prior to serving.

More Southern Style Potato Recipes To Make

• Slow Cooked Scalloped Potatoes with Ham is ideal for using up that leftover holiday ham.
• Parmesan Rosemary Roasted Potatoes are regulars in my kitchen just to name a few.
• Sweet Potato Casserole topped with a buttery pecan streusel.
• These Nested Potato Skins are made in a muffin pan.
• Spicy Sweet Potato Fries made in the oven.
• Sour Cream and Onion Smashed Potato Casserole is another make ahead Southern style side dish.
• Easy Twice Baked Potatoes can be made in as many servings as you like.
• Sheet Pan Hash Browns and Eggs from Land O’ Lakes.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• 13×9-inch Dish
• Saucepan
• Vegetable Peeler
• Mixer