Silky Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are ultra-creamy, buttery, and smooth. They're perfect for Thanksgiving or a Sunday dinner.
Servings 6 Servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ - ½ cup whole milk or any milk you prefer
- 6 oz cream cheese cut into cubes and softened
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon salt to taste
- ⅛ - ¼ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
- Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water, about 1 inch above the potatoes.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15–17 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. The softer the potatoes, the creamier your mash will be.
- Drain the cooked potatoes well and return them to the pot.
- Place the cubed cream cheese in a small bowl and microwave for about 15 seconds to soften. This helps it blend more smoothly.
- Add the butter, softened cream cheese, ¼ cup milk, salt, garlic powder (if using), and pepper. Use a potato masher to mash until smooth and creamy. Add more milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Be careful not to overmix, or the potatoes can become gummy.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped chives and serve warm
Notes
Keep Warm: Transfer mashed potatoes to an oven-safe baking dish. Cover and keep warm in a 250°F oven until ready to serve (up to 1 hour).
Make Ahead: Prepare up to 1 day in advance. Let cool slightly, then cover with foil and refrigerate. To reheat, bake covered at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of warm milk if needed to loosen the texture.
Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes
- Yukon Golds give a naturally buttery flavor, while russets make them extra fluffy.
- Start with cold water: This ensures even cooking and prevents the outside from becoming mushy before the inside is done.
- Warm ingredients mix better: Soften butter and cream cheese slightly before adding.
Nutrition
Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g
