I like them both ways. When we had custody of our granddaughter, she only liked mashed potatoes. We liked baked. After a few times making mashed potatoes for her, I decided to make instant mashed potatoes when she couldn't see me. She couldn't tell the difference. Also after my husband and I got married, I used to love this casserole made with instant mashed potatoes and cream cheese. When my in-laws came to visit for the first time from NY, I wanted to make that casserole but I didn't want them to know I used instant potatoes, so I guesstimated as to how many potatoes I should use -and, guess what - it did not come out right.