Looking for the creamiest, most irresistible mashed potatoes ever? These Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal, combining fluffy potatoes with rich cream cheese for a taste that’s pure comfort! Making homemade mashed potatoes is easy and delicious, ensuring a creamy and rich texture that pleases a crowd. This is a homemade mashed potatoes recipe that is simple and crowd-pleasing.
Mashed potatoes are a beloved staple, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. This recipe takes them to the next level with the addition of cream cheese, making them extra creamy and flavorful. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy dinner at home, these mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit!
This recipe pairs wonderfully with this Beef Bourguignon Slow Cooker Recipe. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!
Jump to:
- Introduction to Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
- Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Ingredients
- Choosing the Right Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Instructions
- Achieving Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
- Chef’s Tip
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Equipment
- Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Storage: Leftover Mashed Potatoes
- Top Tip for Perfect Mashed Potatoes
- Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Introduction to Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Cream cheese mashed potatoes are a delicious twist on the classic mashed potatoes recipe. By incorporating cream cheese into your mashed potatoes, you can achieve a rich and creamy texture that elevates the dish to a whole new level. The cream cheese not only adds a delightful tang but also makes the potatoes incredibly smooth and velvety. This simple addition transforms ordinary mashed potatoes into a decadent side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, adding cream cheese to your mashed potatoes recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Ingredients
We’ve selected simple yet high-quality ingredients to ensure maximum flavor and creaminess. The combination of russet or Yukon Gold potatoes provides the perfect texture, while the cream cheese adds a richness you can’t resist.
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- Cream cheese
- Unsalted butter
- Milk
- Garlic cloves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh chives or parsley (for garnish)
See recipe card for quantities.
Choosing the Right Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Choosing the right potatoes is crucial for making the best mashed potatoes. Russet potatoes and Yukon Gold potatoes are two of the most popular varieties used for mashed potatoes, and for good reason. Russet potatoes have a high starch content, which makes them light and fluffy when mashed. They break down easily, resulting in a smooth and airy texture. On the other hand, Yukon Gold potatoes have a buttery texture and a slightly sweet flavor, making them perfect for creamy mashed potatoes. When selecting potatoes for your mashed potatoes recipe, look for those that are high in starch, as they will yield a fluffier mash. Combining both Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes can give you the best of both worlds – a fluffy yet creamy consistency that’s simply irresistible.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to cook potatoes until they are fork-tender and create the most delicious cream cheese mashed potatoes you’ve ever tasted!
These steps will help you make mashed potatoes that are creamy and delicious.
Hint: For extra fluffy mashed potatoes, make sure to mash them while they’re still hot. Warming the milk or cream slightly before adding can help keep the potatoes warm and absorb better.
- Step 1: Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
- Step 3: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Step 4: Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot.
- Step 5: Add butter and cream cheese to the hot potatoes; mash until smooth.
- Step 6: Gradually add milk or cream, mashing until desired consistency is reached.
Achieving Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
Achieving fluffy mashed potatoes requires a combination of the right potatoes, the right technique, and the right ingredients. Start by using a potato masher or a fork to mash the potatoes until they’re smooth and creamy. For an extra fluffy texture, consider using a ricer or a food mill to break down the potatoes and release their natural starches. This step ensures that your mashed potatoes are light and airy. Next, add melted butter, salt, and pepper to taste. The melted butter helps to coat the potato particles, creating a rich and smooth consistency. You can also add a splash of milk or cream to achieve the desired consistency. Remember to add the liquid gradually to avoid making the potatoes too thin. With these tips, you’ll be able to make fluffy mashed potatoes that are perfect every time.
Chef’s Tip
If you prefer using an Instant Pot, you can cook the potatoes under high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a quick release. This method saves time and still yields delicious results!
Substitutions
Here are some substitutions to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences:
- Dairy-Free – Substitute the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives, and use almond or coconut milk instead of whole milk.
- Low-Fat – Use low-fat cream cheese and skim milk to reduce the calorie content.
- Herbs – Swap chives for green onions or parsley for a different flavor profile.
Even if you don’t follow a specific diet, these substitutions can be handy when cooking for friends or family with different dietary needs.
Variations
Get creative with these delicious variations to make this recipe your own:
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes – Stir in crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Garlic Lovers – Roast garlic cloves and mash them into the potatoes for a deeper garlic flavor.
- Herb Infused – Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill for an aromatic twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making mashed potatoes, there are several common mistakes to avoid to ensure you end up with the best mashed potatoes. One of the most common mistakes is over-mixing the potatoes, which can make them gluey and unappetizing. To avoid this, mash the potatoes gently and stop as soon as they reach the desired consistency. Another mistake is using the wrong type of potatoes, which can result in a dense and heavy mash. Stick to high-starch potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best results. Additionally, be careful not to over-add liquid, as this can make the mashed potatoes too thin and watery. Add milk or cream gradually and mix just until combined. By following these tips and avoiding these common pitfalls, you can make the best mashed potatoes recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Equipment
Using the right equipment can make all the difference in this recipe:
– A large pot for boiling the potatoes.
– A sturdy potato masher or an electric hand mixer for achieving the desired consistency.
– If using the Instant Pot method, an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker is needed.
Investing in quality equipment can enhance your cooking experience. Find my recommended kitchen tools on Amazon here.
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Storage: Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Store any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
These mashed potatoes also freeze well for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as above.
Top Tip for Perfect Mashed Potatoes
For an extra smooth texture, run the mashed potatoes through a potato ricer before adding the butter and cream cheese.
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes FAQ
Yes, prepare them up to two days in advance. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
Yes, you can use cream cheese instead of sour cream in mashed potatoes. Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture and a subtle tanginess that enhances the flavor of the potatoes. Simply substitute an equal amount of cream cheese for the sour cream in your recipe. You might need to adjust the amount of milk or butter to achieve your desired consistency.
Gordon Ramsay is renowned for his creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes. He typically includes the following ingredients in his recipe:
Yukon Gold Potatoes: Preferred for their buttery flavor and smooth texture.
Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a silky consistency.
Milk or Cream: Warmed before adding to make the mash creamy.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the potatoes to taste.
Garlic (Optional): Sometimes infused in the milk or cream for a subtle garlic flavor.
Fresh Herbs (Optional): Chopped chives or parsley for garnish and added freshness.
Gordon emphasizes mashing the potatoes while they’re hot and sometimes recommends passing them through a sieve or using a potato ricer for an ultra-smooth texture. He also suggests warming the butter and milk before incorporating them to ensure the potatoes stay hot and absorb the liquids better.
es, adding cream cheese to mashed potatoes can help thicken them. Cream cheese has a dense and creamy texture that, when mixed into mashed potatoes, makes them richer and more substantial. It not only improves the consistency by making the potatoes thicker but also adds a delightful tangy flavor. If your mashed potatoes are too thin or you prefer a thicker, creamier texture, incorporating cream cheese is an effective and tasty solution.
Absolutely! Red potatoes will give a slightly different texture but are just as delicious.
Follow the same steps but cook the diced potatoes in the Instant Pot under high pressure for 8 minutes, then perform a quick release.
Related
Looking for other side dishes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite rich beef dishes to serve with this recipe:
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Equipment
- Potato masher or electric hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 3 pounds russet potatoes (or Yukon gold) peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup Milk
- 2 cloves garlic minced (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
- Cook Until Tender: Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes well in a colander and return them to the pot.
- Mash with Butter and Cream Cheese: Add the softened butter and cream cheese to the hot potatoes. Use a potato masher or electric hand mixer to mash until smooth.
- Add Milk or Cream: Gradually pour in the milk or heavy cream while continuing to mash until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season: Season the mashed potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well to combine.
- Serve: Transfer the creamy mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Variation: If you prefer using an Instant Pot, cook the diced potatoes under high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a quick release.
Storage: Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Rachael says
Perfect every time. Definitely a go-to recipe