Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese Recipe

If you are craving the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. The luscious cream cheese adds a delightful tang and silkiness that transforms ordinary mashed potatoes into something downright irresistible. Perfectly tender russet potatoes blended with buttery cream cheese and a touch of seasoned salt make this dish incredibly rich yet balanced. Whether you’re pairing it with roast chicken or serving it at your holiday table, this creamy, dreamy side is guaranteed to steal the show every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe is both approachable and guaranteed to deliver incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the hearty russet potatoes providing a fluffy base to the cream cheese and butter creating that smooth, velvety mouthfeel.

• Russet potatoes (8-10 large, peeled): Their high starch content gives you that perfect fluffy texture essential for creamy mashed potatoes.
• Medium onion (chopped): Adds a subtle depth of savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Fresh garlic (1 tablespoon, smashed and minced): Infuses a wonderful aromatic punch that brightens the potatoes.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces): The star ingredient that brings creaminess, tang, and richness to the mash.
• Salted butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick): Essential for smooth texture and that irresistible buttery taste.
• Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base (2 tablespoons): A secret umami booster that deepens the savory notes.
• Lawry’s seasoned salt (1 to 2 teaspoons): Adds a perfect balanced seasoning—start with one teaspoon and adjust to your taste.
• Fresh minced parsley (optional, for garnish): Provides a bright green pop of color and a hint of freshness if you want to get fancy.

How to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Water

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a roiling boil over high heat. This step is crucial because it prepares you to cook the potatoes evenly once you add them in. The water needs to be hot and ready to gently cook the potatoes to silky tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel the russet potatoes and chop them into manageable 1 or 2 inch pieces. Cutting them evenly ensures they cook at the same rate, which means no surprises when mashing later on.

Step 3: Chop Onion and Garlic

Chop the onion into pieces and smash then mince the fresh garlic. Fresh garlic elevates this recipe with its bright, aromatic flavor, but if you find yourself in a hurry, jarred garlic can work in a pinch.

Step 4: Cook the Potatoes, Onion, and Garlic

Carefully add the potatoes, onion, and garlic to the boiling water. Let the pot come back to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This slow cooking method helps meld all the flavors together beautifully as the potatoes soften.

Step 5: Simmer Until Fork Tender

Let everything simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork and tender all the way through. This step guarantees that your mash won’t have any lumps or crunchy bits—only velvety smooth goodness.

Step 6: Drain and Return to Pot

Drain the cooked potatoes, onion, and garlic using a lid or a colander. Be careful as the pot can be heavy and hot. Once drained, return everything to the empty pot for the mixing stage.

Step 7: Add Cream Cheese, Butter, Bouillon, and Seasoned Salt

Immediately add the cream cheese, butter, Better Than Bouillon chicken base, and one teaspoon of Lawry’s seasoned salt to the hot potatoes. The residual heat will start to soften these ingredients and prepare the mash for whipping.

Step 8: Whip to Creamy Perfection

Use an electric mixer to whip the potatoes until they reach an ultra creamy texture. Scrape the sides and bottom with a spatula to make sure everything is evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix; about 1 to 2 minutes is perfect to get that luscious, fluffy consistency without turning gluey.

Step 9: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your creation and add up to an additional teaspoon of seasoned salt if needed. This tweak lets you tailor the flavor perfectly to your preference—because no two palates are the same.

Step 10: Garnish and Finish

Top with fresh minced parsley for a pop of green and a bit of fresh flair, especially if you’re sharing photos or want to impress your guests visually. But if dinner is about comfort and speed, feel free to skip this delightful but optional touch.

How to Serve Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh minced parsley or chives adds a lovely herby brightness that complements the creamy base. You can also dust a tiny pinch of smoked paprika or a drizzle of good olive oil for extra depth and color. These little touches turn a humble side into something worth photographing and bragging about.

Side Dishes

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese Recipe pairs beautifully with roast chicken, grilled steak, pan-seared salmon, or sautéed vegetables. Its rich and smooth texture provides the perfect canvas to soak up gravies, sauces, or buttery juices from your main dish. It’s like the comforting sidekick that makes every meal better.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the mashed potatoes in individual ramekins topped with crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon. You can also pipe them into elegant swirls on a platter for a fancy dinner party look. Turning this classic into a visual treat is a fantastic way to boost the wow factor while you enjoy the same delicious flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover creamy mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Because of the cream cheese, they stay moist and delicious longer than standard mashed potatoes. Simply cover tightly to keep them from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

You absolutely can freeze the mashed potatoes if you want to keep them longer. Portion out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and press out excess air. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream and a pat of butter to help restore that freshly whipped creaminess. Stir frequently to heat evenly without drying out or forming lumps.

FAQs

Can I use a mixer instead of mashing by hand?

Yes, an electric mixer is actually recommended for this Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese Recipe because it whips the potatoes to a smooth, fluffy texture quickly. Just be careful not to overmix to avoid a gluey consistency.

What if I don’t have Better Than Bouillon chicken base?

If you don’t have the chicken base, you can substitute with a mild chicken broth or stock, but the concentrated flavor from the bouillon really amps up the savory depth in this recipe. You might want to add a bit more seasoning if you make a substitution.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Traditional cream cheese and butter are key to the rich creaminess here, so a dairy-free version would require specialty vegan cream cheese and a plant-based butter substitute. The texture won’t be exactly the same but it can still be delicious with the right ingredients.

How do I keep mashed potatoes warm if preparing ahead?

Once prepared, keep mashed potatoes warm by placing them in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water or in a slow cooker set to warm. Cover to retain moisture and stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.

Why do my mashed potatoes sometimes turn gluey?

Overworking or overmixing mashed potatoes can release too much starch, leading to a gluey texture. For this Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese Recipe, mixing just until creamy and smooth ensures the best texture each time.

Final Thoughts

I am absolutely confident that once you try this Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to comfort side dish for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions. It’s simple yet indulgent, with a luxurious texture you can’t resist. So grab those russet potatoes and get ready to whip up a batch of pure creamy happiness that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

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