Description
Cream cheese mashed potatoes are rich, fluffy, and full of flavor. Discover 5 secrets to making the creamiest side dish everyone will crave.
Ingredients
3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup whole milk (warmed)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder, chopped chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Boil the Potatoes
Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes).
2. Drain and Dry
Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the hot pot. Let them sit for 2–3 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate—this step helps prevent watery mashed potatoes.
3. Mash the Potatoes
Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes until smooth and lump-free.
4. Add Butter and Milk
Pour in the warmed milk and add the butter. Stir gently until both are fully incorporated.
5. Fold in the Cream Cheese
Add the softened cream cheese and stir just until melted and creamy. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add garlic powder for depth or garnish with fresh chives or parsley.
Notes
Potato Selection:
For the best creamy texture, use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. They have the right balance of starch to produce fluffy mashed potatoes.Cream Cheese:
Make sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing it into the potatoes. This ensures it blends smoothly and doesn’t create lumps.Butter and Milk:
Warm the milk and melt the butter before adding them to the mashed potatoes. This helps the ingredients incorporate more easily and keeps the potatoes warm.Texture Tips:
Avoid using an electric mixer, as it can overwork the potatoes, making them gluey. A potato masher or potato ricer is best for the perfect texture.
If the mashed potatoes seem too thick, add more warm milk to reach your desired consistency.
Flavor Customization:
Add garlic powder or roasted garlic for extra flavor.
Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or rosemary are great for a burst of freshness and color.
Make-Ahead:
You can prepare the potatoes in advance. Simply make them as usual, let them cool, and store them in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, stir in some extra milk or butter to restore the creaminess.Freezing:
These mashed potatoes freeze well for up to 2 months. Store them in an airtight container, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.Serving Suggestions:
Cream cheese mashed potatoes are perfect with a variety of mains, like roast meats, grilled steaks, or vegetarian dishes. You can even top them with gravy or crispy bacon bits for added flavor.
Portioning:
This recipe serves about 6 people, but you can adjust the quantities if you’re feeding a larger crowd.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT20M
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes,creamy mashed potatoes recipe,mashed potatoes with cream cheese