Mashed potatoes before baking.
Baked mashed potato is a savory dish that involves cooking potatoes twice, usually by boiling and baking or double baking. This simple dish is easy for beginners and can be invented with dozens of variations and additions. Choosing good ingredients and the right type of service can help make mashed potatoes a unique dish for family dinners or holiday events.
Potatoes used to make baked mashed potatoes are boiled twice.
The first step to baked mashed potatoes is choosing the right potato for the job. Traditional white potatoes, like Russets, are a popular choice, but they can become starchy if overmixed. If you plan to serve it in a casserole dish, thin-skinned varieties like red potatoes or Yukon golds can be a great option. Baked mashed potatoes can also be delicious with exotic varieties such as purple potato, yam or maroon sweet potato.
When the potatoes are drained, they can be mashed with a potato masher.
Most baked mashed potato recipes call for the potatoes to be boiled first. Potatoes can be peeled or peeled for a more earthy texture, and are often boiled for about 20 minutes. Adding garlic, salt, and pepper to the water can help start the seasoning process. The boiling process can be speeded up by cutting the potatoes into quarters or halves. If the potatoes are served with the skin instead of the casserole, they can be baked in the oven for about an hour.
The boiled potatoes should then be drained, while the baked potatoes are opened and the inner pulp placed in a bowl. To mash potatoes, use a large fork or potato masher and mash to desired consistency. At this point, herbs, butter, and milk are added to create a silky consistency. Cheeses such as Parmesan, cheddar, or mozzarella can also be added to the mix. Grinding and mixing should be done carefully, as overmixed mixtures will have a glue-like consistency.
Once the ideal mixture is achieved, the mashed potatoes can be placed on a baking sheet or returned to their already cooked skins. At this stage, the baked mashed potato can be refrigerated for up to a day, allowing cooks to prepare the dish ahead of time and finish roasting before serving. Closer to serving time, a layer of breadcrumbs, butter, and cheese can be sprinkled on the dish before baking to create a crispy, golden top. Then the mashed potatoes can be baked in the oven until the dish is heated through and the topping is golden brown. If the dish has not been refrigerated in the meantime, the mashed potatoes, while still hot, can be toasted in a few minutes on a low grill.