If you are searching for the ultimate comfort food side dish, you simply cannot miss this Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe. With its luscious, creamy texture and a hint of tang from the cream cheese, this mash transforms ordinary potatoes into a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth experience that instantly feels like a warm hug on your plate. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe promises to add richness and flavor that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and creaminess in your mashed potatoes. From the buttery smoothness of Yukon Gold potatoes to the tangy cream cheese and velvety heavy cream, every element elevates this dish to something special and unforgettable.
- 5 pounds Yukon gold/yellow potatoes: Their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture make them ideal for mashing without becoming gluey.
- ½ tablespoon powdered garlic: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that gently complements the richness of the cheese.
- ¼ cup butter (½ stick) plus more for serving: Brings a silky richness and luxurious mouthfeel to the potatoes.
- 6 ounces cream cheese: Infuses the potatoes with tangy creaminess that makes them beautifully smooth and indulgent.
- 4 ounces sour cream: Adds a slight tang and moist texture, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Helps loosen the mixture to your preferred consistency while rounding out the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to highlight all the other flavors harmoniously.
- Sliced chives or green onion for serving: Adds a burst of fresh color and mild oniony brightness as a final touch.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes
Start by peeling your Yukon Gold potatoes and slicing them into roughly 2-inch cubes. Rinse these cubes in cool water to wash away excess starch, which helps keep your mash fluffy instead of gluey. This simple prep step sets a solid foundation for perfectly textured mashed potatoes.
Step 2: Boil Until Tender
Place your potato cubes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring this to a boil and cook for about 20 minutes, or until a fork slides easily through the potatoes. This softness ensures your mash will be velvety without any lumps to interrupt the smoothness.
Step 3: Combine the Creamy Ingredients
Drain the potatoes well and return them to the empty pot. Add the powdered garlic, butter, cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, salt, and pepper directly to the hot potatoes. The residual heat helps melt everything together beautifully for an ultra-creamy mash.
Step 4: Mash to Perfection
Using a potato masher or large fork, gently mash the potatoes with the creamy ingredients until smooth and luscious. If you prefer a softer or looser texture, feel free to add more heavy cream a little at a time. This hands-on step is where the magic of the Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe really comes to life.
Step 5: Add the Final Touch
Transfer your creamy mashed potatoes into a serving bowl and sprinkle freshly sliced chives or green onions on top for a pop of color and mild onion flavor. A pat of butter melting on warm potatoes makes a tempting finishing garnish that brings decadence to every bite.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe piping hot, ideally paired with your favorite main dish. The comforting, creamy texture and rich flavor will have everyone asking for seconds—if not thirds!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh chives or green onions add vibrant green color and mild sharpness, perfectly balancing the richness of the mash. A small pat of extra butter melting on top elevates the indulgence factor, while cracked black pepper can add a hint of spice and texture.
Side Dishes
This Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or beef, providing a creamy counterpoint to savory main dishes. For a vegetable side, steamed green beans or a crisp salad bring freshness to the plate and prevent the meal from feeling too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, consider piping the mashed potatoes into elegant rosettes using a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. You can then broil them briefly to develop golden crispy edges. Or serve the mashed potatoes in individual ramekins topped with crisp bacon bits and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an impressive personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days and can be enjoyed as a comforting next-day side dish without losing their creamy appeal.
Freezing
While mashed potatoes can be frozen, the cream cheese and sour cream might slightly alter the texture after thawing. If you plan to freeze, do so in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and use within 1 month for best quality.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk and stirring frequently to restore creaminess and prevent them from drying out. This helps bring back that fresh-from-the-pot richness you love in the Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their flavor and texture, Russets or other waxy varieties will also work, though results may vary slightly in creaminess and flavor.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any?
You can swap cream cheese with an equal amount of full-fat Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a slightly different but still creamy and tangy result.
How do I make these mashed potatoes dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and use coconut milk or almond milk in place of heavy cream, but keep in mind the flavor will differ from the original cream cheese tanginess.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and reheat it?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead and reheat gently. Just be sure to add a little extra cream or milk when warming to keep the texture smooth and creamy.
What’s the best way to get the smoothest mashed potatoes?
Use a potato masher or ricer for mashing, and avoid overworking the potatoes which can make them gluey. Leave small lumps for that homemade rustic feel or mash fully smooth depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings rich, creamy comfort straight to your dinner table. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a family favorite. So don’t hesitate—grab your potatoes and cream cheese, and let this recipe add an extra layer of joy and indulgence to your next meal!
PrintCream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes are a rich and creamy side dish made with Yukon gold potatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, and a hint of garlic. This comforting recipe combines boiled potatoes mashed with buttery and creamy ingredients, finished with fresh chives for a flavorful and smooth texture perfect for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 5 pounds Yukon gold/yellow potatoes
Seasonings and Dairy
- ½ tablespoon powdered garlic
- ¼ cup butter (½ stick), plus more for serving
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 4 ounces sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Sliced chives or green onion for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Using a vegetable peeler or knife, peel the potatoes and cut them into 2-inch cubes. Rinse the cubed potatoes in cool water to remove excess starch.
- Boil Potatoes: Place the potato cubes in a large pot and add enough water to cover them completely. Bring to a boil and cook for about 20 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces the center of the potatoes.
- Drain and Add Ingredients: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot. Add powdered garlic, butter, cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Mash Potatoes: Using a potato masher or large fork, mash the potatoes along with the added ingredients until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of heavy cream to achieve your desired consistency.
- Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl, garnish with sliced chives or green onions, and serve warm with additional butter if desired.
Notes
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for a naturally creamy texture and buttery flavor.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream to make the mashed potatoes thinner or thicker according to your preference.
- For added depth, you can incorporate roasted garlic instead of powdered garlic.
- This recipe is best served fresh but can be gently reheated with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
- Chives or green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor; alternatively, parsley or thyme also work well as garnish.
