Lusciously smooth and irresistibly rich, Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes elevate the classic side dish to a whole new level of comfort. Blended with tangy cream cheese, sour cream, and butter, these mashed potatoes are the epitome of creamy indulgence. Perfect for holiday feasts or cozy family dinners, they offer a velvety texture and savory flavor that pairs effortlessly with any main course.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes are more than just a side—they’re a comforting staple that fits any occasion. Here’s why they stand out:
- Extra creamy and smooth thanks to cream cheese and sour cream
- Full of rich, buttery flavor with just a touch of garlic
- Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep or holiday gatherings
- Easily adaptable with herbs or additional seasonings
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warm
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the peeled and cubed potatoes. Cook until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the cream cheese, sour cream, warm milk, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mash until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra pat of butter, if desired.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 290 kcal per serving
Variations
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Replace garlic powder with roasted garlic cloves for a deeper, mellow garlic flavor.
- Cheddar Twist: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy version.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh chopped chives, rosemary, or thyme for a flavorful herbaceous lift.
- Lighter Option: Use low-fat cream cheese and milk for a lighter but still creamy texture.
- Baked Finish: Transfer mashed potatoes to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake until golden for a gratin-style dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: These mashed potatoes can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or butter to restore creaminess. Stir well before serving.
FAQs
Can I make cream cheese mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
What kind of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their naturally buttery texture and ability to mash smoothly.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese works well, though the texture will be slightly less rich.
How do I prevent my mashed potatoes from becoming gluey?
Avoid over-mashing and use a potato masher or ricer instead of a food processor to preserve a light texture.
Is sour cream necessary?
Sour cream adds tanginess and richness, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or more cream cheese if preferred.
Can I use a hand mixer to mash the potatoes?
Yes, but be cautious not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense or gummy texture.
How can I make these mashed potatoes dairy-free?
Use dairy-free alternatives such as plant-based butter, cream cheese, and milk to create a similar texture.
Are these mashed potatoes good for large gatherings?
Absolutely—they scale well and hold up beautifully when kept warm in a slow cooker.
Can I add bacon to this recipe?
Yes, crumbled crispy bacon can be stirred in or used as a topping for added flavor and texture.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is recommended for the creamiest texture, but if you prefer a rustic look and added nutrients, you can leave the skins on.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes are the perfect balance of rich flavor and velvety texture, making them a standout addition to any meal. Whether you’re preparing a festive holiday spread or a comforting weeknight dinner, these mashed potatoes offer both ease and indulgence. With their smooth consistency and deliciously savory taste, they’re sure to become a family favorite on your table.
PrintCream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Lusciously smooth and buttery mashed potatoes blended with rich cream cheese and seasoned perfectly. These make the ultimate holiday or comfort food side dish—creamy, fluffy, and irresistibly velvety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Mashing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warm
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and return to pot.
- Add cream cheese, sour cream, warm milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Transfer to serving bowl, garnish with chopped parsley and a pat of butter if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use roasted garlic instead of garlic powder.
- Warming the milk helps keep the potatoes creamy and smooth.
- These mashed potatoes can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or slow cooker.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg