It couldn’t be easier.

The full recipe, with step-by-step photos, is further below.

How To Make Baked Mashed Potatoes Ahead

Prepare mashed potatoes through Step 5.

Southern Living Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Let cool, then cover, and refrigerate the casserole for up to two days before serving.

To reheat, let potatoes stand at room temperature while the oven preheats, about 30 minutes.

Bake, covered with aluminum foil, 25 minutes.

Southern Living Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Uncover and bake 25 to 30 minutes longer or until potatoes are heated through.

Spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook potatoes:

Place potatoes in a stockpot and add enough water to cover by 1 inch.

Southern Living Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes spraying the dish

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Stir in 1 tablespoon kosher salt.

Drain potatoes and return to pot.

Heat on HIGH in 30-second intervals until the butter has melted.

Southern Living Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes draining the cooked potatoes

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Mash potatoes:

Add butter mixture and cream cheese to potatoes.

Add cheese and seasonings:

Stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, remaining 1 tsp.

salt, pepper, and garlic powder into mashed potatoes.

Southern Living Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes heating the butter and half and half together

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Transfer to prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese.

Sprinkle with scallions or chives, if using.

Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes mashing the potatoes

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes stirring the cheese into the mashed potatoes

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes in the dish before baking

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Cheesy Baked Mashed Potatoes in the dish to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox