What is mashed potatoes? What is Cream Cheese mashed potatoes? I know you’re probably thinking, “Cream cheese in mashed potatoes? Is she crazy? What are some game-changer recipes? Imagine the fluffiest, most decadent mashed potatoes you’ve ever had, but with a tangy twist. What is the best way to make your taste buds sing? What is it like to go to school and get a PhD? Forget the bland mashed potatoes of your childhood. This is a comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, even on weeknights.
What is Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes?
What is Cream Cheese mashed potatoes? What are the best mashed potatoes you have ever had? Is cream cheese a bad thing? What’s a secret ingredient that elevates the humble potato into savory, dreamy side dish? What is the difference between mashed potatoes and potato? Is it a hug in the bowl? Cream cheese melts right in, creating an unbelievably smooth and velvety texture that you’ll love. What do you crave?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? The flavor is just incredible. The Cream Cheese adds this slight tanginess that balances the richness of the butter and cream perfectly. It’s not overpowering at all, but it’s definitely noticeable and adds a wonderful depth of flavor. What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, if you can boil potatoes, you can make this. It’s also super cost-efficient. Potatoes are a pretty budget-friendly ingredient, and a little cream cheese goes a long way. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve these cream cheese mashed potatoes with just about anything – roasted chicken, steak, pork chops, you name it! They even make a fantastic topping for shepherd’s pie! I’ve tried so many variations of mashed potatoes over the years, but this one always comes out on top. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s become a staple in my house. My kids ask for it all the time! Forget the instant stuff; once you’ve tasted these, you’ll never go back!
How do you make a creamy potato?
Quick Overview
How do I make Cream Cheese mashed potatoes? What is the best way to cook potatoes fork-tender, then mash them with butter, milk or both). ), and a generous helping of cream cheese. How do I make sure cream cheese is softened? What is the whole process? It takes about 30 minutes. Is it worth the extra few minutes? Is this one of those recipes that seems fancy but is secretly super easy, which is always a win in my book.
Ingredients
What is the recipe for Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes?
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered. I find Yukon Golds give the best creamy texture, but Russets work too if that’s what you have!
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened. This is key! Make sure it’s really soft so it incorporates smoothly.
- 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra decadence). I’ve even used unsweetened almond milk in a pinch and it was still fantastic.
- 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted. If you prefer salted water, adjust the salt accordingly.
- Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with salt! It really brings out the flavor.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add about a teaspoon of salt to the water. Bring potatoes to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and cook until potatoes are tender. Fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. What is the key here is to make sure they’re really tender. If you poke a fork, do you want it to fall apart?
Step 2: Drain and Return to Pot
Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Let them sit for a minute or two to allow any excess water to evaporate. How do you prevent watery mashed potatoes?
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth. I prefer a potato masher, but an electric mixer will give you more chunky texture. Super smooth potatoes. Just be careful not to overmix them, or they can become gluey.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese, Butter, and Milk
Add cream cheese, butter, and milk to a large pot. Stir well. Continue mashing or mixing until everything is well combined and the potatoes are creamy and smooth. I always do this while the potatoes are still hot so the cream cheese melts quickly and evenly.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Add salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and then taste! This is your chance to adjust the seasoning and make it perfect for your palate. I usually add a generous pinch of salt and pepper, but you might like it different.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately and enjoy! Cream cheese mashed potatoes are best served hot. What are the best side dishes to serve with any meal?
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some good recipes for cream cheese mashed potatoes? What are some of my favorite pairings?
What’s a good weeknight dinner?What are the best combination of roast chicken and pork chops? Add a side salad or some steamed green beans to make this meal complete.
For a Holiday Feast:Is prime rib a good choice? Cream cheese mashed potatoes are a great addition to any holiday spread. They’re a little more special than regular mashed potatoes, making them perfect for an upcoming Christmas party.
What is your comfort food craving?Meatloaf or shepherd’s pie What are some good mashed potatoes to serve with a shepherd’s pie? What are some good accompaniments to meatloa
What is a vegetarian meal?Lentil loaf or roasted vegetables. What are some of the best side dishes to serve with mashed potatoes? How do you add flavor to a bowl of sour cream?
Growing up, my mom always served mashed potatoes with Sunday roast. What’s a cream cheese twist? It’s nostalgia with a twist!
How do I make Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes?
What are some extra tips and tricks to make a delicious meal? What is the best cream cheese mashed potatoes recipe?
Potato Choice:Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to for mashed potatoes because they have a naturally creamy texture. What is the best buttery flavor? Russet potatoes will also work, but they tend to be a bit drier, so you might need to add some water. Is it better to have milk or cream?
What is the secret to softened cream cheese?Don’t skip this step! If the cream cheese is cold, it won’t melt into the potatoes properly and you’ll end up with little little bits of potato. What are lumps of cream cheese? Nobody wants that!
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing mashed potatoes can make them gluey and unpleasant. Use a potato masher for the best texture. If you’re using an electric mixer, be careful not to overdo it.
Season Generously:Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavor of the potatoes. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra! Can you add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder or paprika?
Add-Ins:What are some creative ways to make mashed potatoes? What are some of my favorite add-ins? Roasted garlic, fresh herbs (like chives or parsley), and salt. What are some good ways I tried this with some Parmesan cheese and it made it even more flavorful.
Keep Warm:If you’re not serving the mashed potatoes immediately, keep them warm in a slow cooker or covered. In a warm oven, melt the cheese in the dish. How do I keep my plants from drying out?
I’ve learned these little tricks over years of making mashed potatoes. What was the biggest mistake I made early on in making cream cheese? What makes a difference?
What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?
So, you’ve made a big batch of cream cheese mashed potatoes and have some leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat them:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing them.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the mashed potatoes. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer the frozen potatoes to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat the mashed potatoes, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a little milk or cream to help them regain their creamy texture. You can also add a pat of butter for extra flavor.
Glaze Timing Advice: These mashed potatoes don’t have a glaze, but adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving can really elevate the dish.
I always portion out leftovers into individual containers for quick and easy lunches. They reheat beautifully and are just as delicious the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for cream cheese mashed potatoes! They’re creamy, dreamy, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish for a weeknight dinner or a special addition to a holiday feast, these mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit. I truly believe that this recipe is worth trying, especially for those who are tired of the same old mashed potato routine. The subtle tang from the cream cheese elevates the dish and makes it something truly special. If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other potato dishes, like my garlic roasted potatoes or my cheesy scalloped potatoes! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends!
How to Make the Best Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes with 7 Simple Ingredients!
Ingredients Â
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Russet Potatoes Peeled and quartered
- 4 oz Cream Cheese Softened
- 0.5 cup Milk Warmed
- 0.25 cup Butter Melted
- 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt To taste
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper To taste
InstructionsÂ
Preparation Steps
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain potatoes well and return them to the pot.
- Add cream cheese, milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Mash potatoes with a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.
