Name: Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1” pieces; 8 oz. cream cheese, cut into smaller pieces; 1 cup sour cream; 6 Tbsp butter, divided; 2 Tbsp butter for topping

Say hello to your new secret weapon for every holiday table and cozy dinner: Best Mashed Potatoes. This rich, creamy side stars a trifecta of cream cheese, sour cream, and a lake of butter to create mashed potatoes that are smooth, velvety, and downright irresistible. Whether you need a foolproof recipe for a crowd, or you’re just in the mood to treat yourself, these Best Mashed Potatoes are the definition of comfort food made easy.

Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about these simple, classic ingredients. Each one plays an important role in making the Best Mashed Potatoes unbelievably creamy, flavorful, and downright dreamy. Quality really shines here, so reach for the best you can find!

Potatoes: Russets or Yukon golds offer the perfect base, each bringing their own creamy texture and golden color.
Cream cheese: Adds a luxurious, tangy richness that takes these mashed potatoes to the next level.
Sour cream: A scoop brings lightness and just the right amount of tang for balanced flavors.
Butter: Divided between the mash and a buttery topping, this guarantees melt-in-your-mouth magic in every bite.
Salt: Don’t underestimate the power of good seasoning—salting the water is key for maximizing potato flavor.

How to Make Best Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prep and Boil the Potatoes

Peel and chop your potatoes into even 1-inch pieces. Not only does this guarantee they cook at the same rate, it also makes mashing a total breeze later on. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold, salted water, and bring to a gentle boil. Keep the heat around medium-low, and simmer with the lid on for about 20 to 25 minutes, until your potatoes are fork-tender and ready for their creamy transformation.

Step 2: Drain and Dry

Once your potatoes are perfectly tender, drain them thoroughly and return them to the empty pot. Here’s a pro move: turn the heat up to high and let them steam-dry for about 30 seconds. This step gets rid of any excess moisture and ensures your Best Mashed Potatoes are never watery—just pillowy and perfect.

Step 3: Mash with the Good Stuff

Now for the magic! With the heat off, add the cream cheese, sour cream, and 6 tablespoons of butter to your steaming potatoes. Grab your trusty potato masher, or an electric mixer if you prefer smooth results with less effort. Mash until totally creamy and lump free. Taste and season with a little more salt if needed—you want those flavors to shine!

Step 4: Bake for Buttery Perfection

Spread your mashed potatoes in a large baking dish (a 9×13 pan is perfect). Top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, sliced ultra-thin so it melts beautifully over the surface. Pop the dish into a 300° oven for about 30 minutes. This step sets the potatoes and infuses even more flavor, but if you’re crunched for time, simply stir the extra butter straight into the loaded mash and serve.

How to Serve Best Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

A swirl of fresh chopped chives, parsley, or even crispy bacon bits is always welcome! For visual flair and an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle with cracked black pepper or a light dusting of smoked paprika. Best Mashed Potatoes were born for lavish toppings, so feel free to get creative with grated cheese or a drizzle of truffle oil for special occasions.

Side Dishes

These crowd-pleasing potatoes are the ultimate partner for classic main courses like roast beef, turkey, chicken, or pork chops. They love soaking up gravies and pan sauces, but also pair beautifully with veggie mains, hearty stews, or a simple sauté of greens. With Best Mashed Potatoes at the center, every side dish just steps up its game!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to show off, spoon the potatoes into a serving bowl and use a spatula to create pretty swirls and valleys for the butter to pool. Or pipe them into individual ramekins with a star tip for a dinner-party presentation. For a buffet, you can even serve Best Mashed Potatoes in a slow cooker set to warm—guaranteeing creamy, scoopable potatoes all night long.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Best Mashed Potatoes? Lucky you! Scoop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours. The flavors only get better as they chill, and they’ll keep fresh for up to 4 days—perfect for easy lunches or weeknight sides.

Freezing

Believe it or not, these Best Mashed Potatoes freeze like a dream. Cool them completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container, pressing a layer of plastic wrap against the surface before sealing. They’ll keep well for up to a month. When you need comfort in a hurry, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, place the potatoes in a baking dish and cover with foil. Warm in a 350° oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until piping hot, stirring halfway through for even heat. For smaller portions, the microwave works wonderfully—just add a splash of milk or cream and heat in short bursts, stirring often, until smooth once again.

FAQs

Can I make Best Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare them up to two days in advance, then refrigerate covered. They reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave, coming out just as creamy as day one.

What kind of potatoes work best for Best Mashed Potatoes?

Russet potatoes will give you that classic fluffy, cloud-like texture, while Yukon golds bring a buttery, golden richness. Feel free to use all of one or a mix for the ultimate blend!

Is it okay to leave the skins on?

If you like a little extra texture and earthy flavor, especially with Yukon golds, you can leave the skins on—just scrub them thoroughly before chopping. The result is slightly rustic and equally delicious.

Can I make Best Mashed Potatoes dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the cream cheese and sour cream for your favorite dairy-free alternatives, and use vegan butter. The potatoes won’t miss a beat in terms of creamy comfort!

How can I fix watery mashed potatoes?

Spread them in a baking dish and bake uncovered at 300° to let excess moisture evaporate, or gently stir in some instant potato flakes to bring the texture back to its creamy, dreamy best.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to upgrade your comfort food lineup, these Best Mashed Potatoes are guaranteed to steal the show. Creamy, decadent, and always crowd-pleasing, they belong on every table—so grab your favorite potatoes and get mashing. You’ll be hooked from the very first fluffy bite!