Classic creamy mashed potatoes (Print Version)
Silky smooth, buttery mashed potatoes made with cream cheese for extra richness. The perfect side dish for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any comfort food meal.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
3 pounds russet potatoes
02 -
4 tablespoons butter, plus extra for serving
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4 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream
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1 cup whole milk or half & half
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
07 -
Fresh chives for garnish (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into quarters or 1-2 inch chunks. This helps them cook more evenly and quickly.
02 -
Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water. Generously season the water with about 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
03 -
Drain the potatoes well and return them to the warm pot. Add the butter and cream cheese to the pot and cover for 3-5 minutes. This allows the cream cheese and butter to soften while any excess water in the potatoes evaporates, preventing watery mashed potatoes.
04 -
Warm the milk in the microwave for about 1 minute or until just heated through. Using warm milk rather than cold helps keep the potatoes hot and allows them to absorb the liquid better.
05 -
Add the warmed milk, garlic powder, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper to the potatoes. Mash everything together using a potato masher until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
06 -
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create decorative swirls on top, then drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with fresh chives if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra smooth potatoes, use a ricer instead of a potato masher
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Russet potatoes are ideal for fluffy mashed potatoes, but Yukon Gold potatoes can be substituted for a more buttery flavor
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These potatoes can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated with a splash of extra milk
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For a flavor variation, try adding roasted garlic, Parmesan cheese, or chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme