Looking for a mashed potato recipe that’s next-level creamy, rich, and packed with flavor? Trust me, these Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes are about to become your new favorite side dish. Imagine smooth, buttery potatoes with just the right amount of tang from the cream cheese, making every bite irresistibly delicious. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or when you just want to treat yourself to something extra special, these mashed potatoes are sure to impress.
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The best part? They’re so easy to make and come together in no time. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to elevate your potato game with this foolproof recipe!
Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are everything you love about the classic dish, with a creamy twist. Here’s why they’re the perfect addition to any meal:
Extra Creamy Texture
The cream cheese creates a luxuriously smooth texture that regular mashed potatoes just can’t match.
Rich, But Not Overwhelming
The flavor is rich and indulgent, but the cream cheese adds a tangy kick that keeps it from being too heavy.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re serving them for a cozy family dinner, a holiday feast, or a special celebration, these mashed potatoes are sure to wow your guests.
Simple Ingredients
You don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients to create these perfect mashed potatoes—just a few kitchen staples and some love!
Easily Customizable
Want to add some garlic, herbs, or cheese? Go for it! These mashed potatoes are super versatile, so you can make them your own.
Ingredients in Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are all about simplicity and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Russet Potatoes: The perfect base for mashed potatoes—soft and fluffy when cooked.
Cream Cheese: Adds that creamy, tangy richness that makes these mashed potatoes extra special.
Butter: Because, well, everything’s better with butter!
Milk: Helps achieve the perfect smooth texture.
Salt & Pepper: The essentials for bringing out the best in every bite.
(Note: The full ingredients list with measurements is included in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Boil the Potatoes
Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks. Boil them in salted water until they’re fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Drain and Mash
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them using a potato masher or an electric mixer until smooth.
Add the Cream Cheese & Butter
Add the cream cheese and butter to the potatoes, and stir until both are fully melted and incorporated.
Pour in the Milk
Slowly add the milk a little at a time, stirring until the potatoes reach your desired consistency.
Season to Taste
Add salt and pepper to taste, and stir to combine.
Serve & Enjoy
Serve these creamy mashed potatoes warm, and enjoy them alongside your favorite main dishes!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with nearly any main course. Here are a few serving suggestions to complement your dish:
Roast Meat: Serve them alongside roast chicken, beef, or lamb for a hearty meal.
Gravy: Add some delicious homemade gravy on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Vegetable Sides: Pair with roasted vegetables, green beans, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Additional Tips
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: To ensure smoothness, let the cream cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the potatoes.
Make Ahead: These mashed potatoes can be made a day in advance. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Add Extra Flavors: Feel free to experiment with garlic, chives, or cheese to make the dish even more flavorful.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use other types of potatoes?
A1: You can use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier, buttery texture, or red potatoes for a slightly chunkier mash.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Make them the day before and store in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
Q3: Can I freeze these mashed potatoes?
A3: Yes! These freeze well. Just store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.
Q4: Can I use light cream cheese?
A4: Yes, light cream cheese works, but the texture may not be as rich.
Q5: Can I add garlic to the mashed potatoes?
A5: Absolutely! Garlic adds a lovely depth of flavor. Roast some garlic cloves and mash them in with the potatoes for an extra boost.
Q6: How do I make them extra cheesy?
A6: Add shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or any cheese you love to the potatoes while mashing.
Q7: Can I make them dairy-free?
A7: Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese, butter, and milk to make these mashed potatoes dairy-free.
Q8: How do I keep the mashed potatoes warm?
A8: Keep them in a covered dish in the oven set to low (about 200°F) or in a slow cooker on warm.
Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes, just double the ingredients and follow the same steps.
Q10: Can I use a potato ricer instead of a masher?
A10: Yes! A potato ricer will give you a smoother, fluffier texture.
Conclusion
These Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes are creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, they’ll always be a hit. Get ready to indulge in a side dish that’s as luxurious as it is easy to make your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes are a creamy, comforting side dish made with Russet potatoes, butter, cream cheese, and sour cream, perfect for any holiday gathering or family meal. This easy-to-make recipe delivers rich, smooth mashed potatoes that will be a hit at your next event.
Ingredients
- 5 pounds Russet potatoes (peeled and quartered)
- 1 cup butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for boiling water)
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for thinner potatoes)
- Green onion (for garnish)
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and quarter the potatoes.
- Place them in a large pot and fill with water, adding salt to the water generously.
- Bring the water to a boil and cook for about 25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Drain the potatoes and place them back in the large pot or a large mixing bowl.
- Add butter, cream cheese, and sour cream. Use a hand mixer to beat the potatoes until smooth.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, and if desired, add 1/4 cup milk (or more if you prefer thinner potatoes). Beat again.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve.
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of butter and cream cheese.
- This recipe can easily be made ahead and reheated before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/12 of the recipe)
- Calories: 297 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 717mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg