What are some of the best side dishes to try on a weeknight?Cream cheese mashed potatoes.If you think you know mashed potatoes, think again. This isn’t your grandma’s recipe (though I love her recipe, too). ), this is mashed potatoes amped up to eleven. Think of it like classic mashed potatoes but with a secret ingredient that makes them unbelievably delicious. What makes a creamy, rich, and just… well, heavenly. My kids literally cheer when they see these on the table, and honestly, so do I. Is it easier to make mashed potatoes?
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What is Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes?
What exactly are we talking about?Cream cheese mashed potatoes with a little cream cheeseWhat’s your favorite mashed potato recipe? Sometimes sour cream or milk to create an intensely smooth, flavorful side. What is the Cadillac of mashed potatoes? The cream cheese adds a slight tang that balances the richness perfectly, and the extra butter makes it easy to make. They are unbelievably decaden Is it essentially taking comfort food to the next level, and honestly, it’s hard to go back to. What are some good alternatives to regular mashed potatoes? What are some of the best game changers?
Why do I love this recipe?
What are some of the reasons I love this recipe?flavorIs this world out of the world? What are some of the best mashed potatoes you have ever eaten? The cream cheese adds a subtle tang that’s just addictive.simplicityIs it easy to make mashed potatoes? Everything in together. No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Perfect for a busy weeknight. Third, it’s incrediblycost-efficient. Potatoes are already budget-friendly, and a little cream cheese goes way. What is a great way to elevate supper without breaking the bank?versatilityWhat are the best mashed potatoes to serve with anything from roasted chicken to steak? What is a veggie burger? What are some good recipes for shepherd’s pie? What I love about this is how easily you can customize it. Want garlic mashed potatoes? What is the best way to roast garlic cloves and add some cayenne pepper? What are some of the best mashed potato recipes that anyone can make?
How do you make a creamy potato?
Quick Overview
Making these How do I make cream cheese mashed potatoes?is surprisingly straightforward. What is the best way to mash potatoes with cream cheese, butter, milk, and potatoes.? (or sour cream! What is the beauty of this method is that it’s almost impossible to mess up. The cream cheese melts right into the hot potatoes, creating the silkiest, most luxurious texture. Can you imagine? What is a no-fail recipe that always delivers?
Ingredients
For the Main Event:
* 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered (I find Yucon Golds give the best creamy texture). Russets will work in a pinch, but they can be quite starchier). * 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (full-fat cream is a must for the best flavor and texture). Don’t even think about using low fat!). * 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces (I always use good quality butter). How does it make a difference in flavor? * 1/2 cup milk or sour cream (I’ve used both, and they both work great! Sour cream adds a little extra tang, which I love). * Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (don’t skimp on the salt – it really brings out the flavor).
How do I follow step
Step 1: Boil Those Potatoes!
Place peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water (this helps season the potatoes from the inside out). Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes. How long should potatoes be fork tender? Is it possible to pierce a fork easily? I always check a few potatoes to make sure they are all uniformly tender. What’s worse than lumpy mashed potatoes?
Step 2: Drain & Return
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them well in a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the empty pot. This is important! How does the cream cheese melt in the pot?
Step 3: Mash It All Up!
Add the cream cheese and butter to the pot with the potatoes. Stir to combine. If you use a potato masher or an electric mixer (be careful not to overmix! ), mash the potatoes until smooth. Gradually add the milk or sour cream, mixing until you reach your desired consistency. I prefer my milk really creamy, so I tend to add a little extra milk.
Step 4: Season to Perfection
Season the Cream cheese mashed potatoes. What are some ways toAdd salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed! I sometimes add onion powder or garlic powder for extra flavor, but that’s totally optional.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
What are some good ways to serve mashed potatoes hot and enjoy! Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, if desired. I know people will be asking for seconds!
What is the best way to serve it?
These Cream cheese mashed potatoes with a dash ofAre incredibly versatile and pair well with so many dishes?What is a classic dinner?Serve with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pan-seared salmon. Is there any good substitute for a protein?For a Holiday Feast:What are some good Thanksgiving mashed potatoes recipes? What are some good ways to use them in a holiday spread?What is a good comfort meal?Can you serve them as a side dish with meatloaf, pot roast, or even just burger? What are some of the best comfort foods?For a Unique Twist:Use them as a topping for shepherd’s pie or if you’re making baked potato bowls. What are the possibilities?
My family loves having these with grilled sausages and some steamed green beans. What are some of the best meals to eat in one sitting? We also make a big batch and use the leftovers in shepherd’s pie the next day. Is it a lifesaver on busy weekends?
How do I make Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes?
What are some of the best tips I have learned over the years?Cream cheese mashed potatoes. ever:
Why does potato choice matter?Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to for their creamy texture and buttery flavor. Russets will work, but they can be a bit starchier and require more milk to achieve the same.What is the secret of softened cream cheese?Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding it to potatoes. How do I melt a chocolate?Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the potatoes, especially if using an electric mixer. Overmixing can lead to gluey, gummy mashed potatoes.
Warm the Milk: Warming the milk or sour cream before adding it to the potatoes will help keep them warm and prevent them from cooling down too quickly.
Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the potatoes generously with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed to achieve the perfect flavor.
Add Garlic (Optional): For extra flavor, try adding roasted garlic to the potatoes. Simply roast a head of garlic in the oven until soft and caramelized, then squeeze the cloves into the potatoes before mashing.
One time, I forgot to soften the cream cheese, and it was a disaster! The potatoes were lumpy and the cream cheese wouldn’t melt properly. I learned my lesson that day – always soften the cream cheese! Also, I’ve experimented with different types of milk, and I find that whole milk or heavy cream gives the best results. Skim milk just doesn’t have the same richness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover cream cheese mashed potatoes (which is rare in my house!), here are some tips for storing and reheating them:
Room Temperature: Mashed potatoes should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze mashed potatoes. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat mashed potatoes, you can use the microwave, stovetop, or oven. For the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For the stovetop, heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there is no glaze this isn’t needed!
I always add a little extra milk or butter when reheating mashed potatoes to help restore their creamy texture. They can sometimes dry out a bit during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my secret weapon for the creamiest, most delicious mashed potatoes ever! These cream cheese mashed potatoes are incredibly easy to make, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner, a holiday feast, or any time you’re craving some serious comfort food. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other potato recipes, like my garlic roasted potatoes and my scalloped potatoes au gratin! Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!
How to Make the Perfect Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes: 7 Tips
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 6 oz cream cheese softened
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Peel and cube the potatoes, then place them in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add 2 teaspoons of salt.
- Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes until fork-tender.
- In a microwave-safe dish, combine butter, cream cheese, and milk. Microwave for 60-90 seconds until melted and smooth.
- Drain the potatoes and return to the pot. Add the melted butter mixture and garlic powder.
- Mash the potatoes using a masher or hand mixer until desired consistency. Avoid over-mixing to prevent a gummy texture.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
