Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe

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Discover the secret to ultra-creamy mashed potatoes! This easy recipe delivers buttery, smooth perfection every time, with a key ingredient you never knew was missing.

mashed potatoes in white bowl with melted butter and spoon on table with turkey and vegetables

Cream cheese in mashed potatoes

Like kryptonite to Superman, potatoes render me utterly powerless. Just the sight of a bowl of mashed potatoes can bring me to my knees. My ultimate, time-tested recipe came from years of experimentation. I am confident it's the best mashed potato recipe out there. Like our Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, they're the ultimate side dish.

The beauty of this recipe is that it tastes just as good the next day. Just pop leftovers in the microwave and they return to that smooth, creamy state. Cream cheese is the key ingredient to make them taste just as good as the day you made them

Try them with: Classic Pot Roast, Grilled Ribeye Steak, Roasted Spatchcock Chicken, or Lamb Lollipops.

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Cream cheese in mashed potatoes
Ingredients
Featured review
Instructions
🥔 Leftover mashed potato recipes
Storage
FAQ
Related recipes
Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe

white bowl of mashed potatoes with melted butter and spoon next to dish of asparagus

Ingredients

POTATOES: we like Yukon Gold potatoes or red skin potatoes for their creamy texture
BUTTER: we like high quality, salted butter for the best mashed potatoes
CREAM CHEESE: regular cream cheese or reduced fat cream cheese
GARLIC POWDER: dried garlic powder
MILK: we like 2% milk or whole milk for creamy potatoes, but any milk will do
SALT: kosher salt or sea salt
PEPPER: ground black pepper

Featured review

❝ These are the best mashed potatoes....simply delicious. ❞
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Instructions

Cut potatoes and place in a large stock pot (you can leave the skin on or peel depending on your personal preference). Cover with cold water, making sure you have about 3 inches of water over top of potatoes.
Boil until potato slides off fork when inserted.
Drain and transfer to mixing bowl.
Using a hand mixer (and/or potato masher), mix potatoes till roughly mixed.
Add ½ stick of butter and cream cheese. Continue mixing.
Add milk, ¼ cup at a time, while continuing to mix until potatoes reach the desired consistency.
Slice remaining butter in ¼ inch "pats" and place on top of potatoes.
Top with salt and pepper to taste.

🥔 Leftover mashed potato recipes

GOT LEFTOVERS? These recipes all feature mashed potatoes.

two white bowls of mashed potatoes with pats of butter & spoons

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat: simply pop them in the microwave. No need to add any additional milk or butter.

FAQ

What makes mashed potatoes creamy?

Using starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russets, warm milk, cream cheese, and minimal mixing creates a smooth and creamy texture.

What type of potatoes are best for creamy mashed potatoes?

Yukon Gold potatoes or red skin potatoes are ideal for their buttery flavor and creamy texture.

What kind of milk is best for mashed potatoes?

We like 2% milk or 1% milk for this recipe. You can also use nut milk, but it will not be as creamy.

Do you peel the potatoes or leave the skin on?

That depends on your personal preference. This recipe works both ways, as long as you use Yukon Gold potatoes or red skin potatoes. Some people like the texture of the skin, others do not.

How do I add flavor to creamy mashed potatoes?

Enhance flavor with roasted garlic, fresh herbs like rosemary or chives, Parmesan cheese, or truffle oil.

Can I make creamy mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, prepare them in advance, store them in the fridge, and reheat gently before serving.

🍅 Making this recipe?

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If you enjoyed it, please leave us a comment with ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️