Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Get ready to experience the silkiest, richest mashed potatoes you’ve ever tasted! Our Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes recipe takes this classic comfort food to a whole new level—you’ll get everything you love about traditional mashed potatoes, but with an irresistibly tangy twist and the most luscious, creamy texture. From festive holiday tables to simple weeknight dinners, this is the mash you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s almost magic in how just a handful of everyday ingredients blend together to create pure mashed potato bliss! Every ingredient here has a purpose, building layers of flavor and texture that make these Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes unforgettable.
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (3 pounds, peeled and cut into chunks): The backbone of your dish, bringing the perfect fluffy or buttery base depending on your choice.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): This is the secret to an ultra-creamy, slightly tangy, and utterly luxurious potato mash.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle tang and extra smoothness that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Because what are mashed potatoes without a touch of buttery goodness?
- Whole milk (1/2 to 3/4 cup, warmed): Warm milk blends in easily, lending just the right consistency without cooling down your potatoes.
- Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Essential for bringing out all the comforting flavors in the potatoes.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A hint of gentle heat that balances all that creaminess.
- Chopped chives or parsley (optional, for garnish): Fresh herbs brighten up the final look and taste. It’s that finishing touch you didn’t know you needed!
How to Make Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes
Start by peeling and chopping your potatoes into evenly-sized chunks. This helps them cook at the same rate, so every bite of your Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes will be equally soft and creamy. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water—this prevents them from cooking unevenly or turning gluey.
Step 2: Boil Until Tender
Generously salt the water, then bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and practically falling apart—this is key to that dreamy texture!
Step 3: Drain and Dry
Drain your potatoes really well and return them to the still-warm pot. Let them sit for a minute or two—this little trick steams off excess moisture, so your Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes won’t get watery.
Step 4: Mash With Flavor
Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, butter, salt, and black pepper straight to the pot while the potatoes are still hot. Begin mashing everything together, watching that gorgeous creamy mixture come to life.
Step 5: Get Creamy (But Not Runny!)
Gradually pour in the warm milk, mashing and stirring as you go. Stop once you get your favorite consistency—some like it thick and rustic, others ultra-smooth. Taste, adjust seasoning, and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Garnishes
Sprinkle a shower of chopped chives or fresh parsley over the top for a burst of green and a pop of bright flavor. For a dinner-party touch, try a pat of butter melting over the mound, or even a dusting of smoked paprika for color.
Side Dishes
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes are versatile enough to steal the show beside everything from hearty roasts and grilled meats to crispy tofu cutlets or sautéed mushrooms. They’re also lovely with green beans almondine or simple steamed broccoli for a complete plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piping the mashed potatoes into pretty swirls for an elegant look, or serve them in individual ramekins with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a gratin-style side. For family-style comfort, heap them high in a rustic bowl, letting everyone help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any extra mashed potatoes cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 days, making lunch or a quick dinner dreamy and easy.
Freezing
To freeze, scoop your Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes into a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top and pressing a layer of plastic wrap over it. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to one month—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen them up. Stir frequently and warm only until heated through to preserve that silky, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of potato?
Absolutely! While russet and Yukon Gold potatoes create the fluffiest Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes, red potatoes will give a slightly denser, more rustic vibe. Just be sure to cook them until tender.
Is cream cheese really necessary?
Cream cheese is the secret superstar here—it adds richness, tang, and a creamy body you just can’t get with milk or butter alone. If you have dietary restrictions, you can try a dairy-free cream cheese substitute, but the classic version is hard to beat!
How do I prevent my mashed potatoes from becoming gummy?
The key is not to overwork the potatoes—mash by hand or use a ricer, and avoid blenders or food processors, which release too much starch and turn your Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes gluey.
What other flavorings can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Roasted garlic, fresh herbs, or even a handful of shredded Parmesan add wonderful complexity and warmth to Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes—just stir them in at the mashing stage.
Can I make them ahead for a holiday dinner?
Yes! These mashed potatoes can be made a day in advance and gently reheated in the oven or slow cooker. Just add a little extra milk or butter while reheating to keep them soft and creamy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the side dish that leaves people begging for seconds, Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes are it. Comforting, creamy, and easy to customize, they’re guaranteed to become your go-to for every special meal or simple supper. Trust me—once you try them, you’ll never want plain mashed potatoes again!
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Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and flavorful, these Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes are a perfect side dish for any meal. The addition of cream cheese and sour cream gives them a rich and indulgent twist, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 3 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup whole milk (warmed)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender.
- Prepare the Mixture: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add cream cheese, sour cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth, gradually adding warm milk.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with chives or parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding roasted garlic or Parmesan.
- Mashed potatoes can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
