Description
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes are a luxurious twist on classic mashed potatoes, incorporating creamy Philadelphia cream cheese, butter, and scallions for extra richness and flavor. Made with tender Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, these mashed potatoes are silky, flavorful, and perfect as a comforting side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
Mix-ins
- 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block Philadelphia, softened)
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick, softened)
- 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup scallions (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare dairy ingredients: Remove the cream cheese and butter from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking to soften. If you forget, microwave the cream cheese for 20-30 seconds— the butter will soften easily on its own.
- Cook potatoes: Peel the potatoes if preferred (optional), then cut into halves or thirds if large. Place in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until a sharp knife easily pierces the potatoes, about 20-30 minutes.
- Warm cream cheese mixture: While potatoes boil, combine cream cheese, butter, heavy cream, minced garlic, chopped scallions, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm gently, stirring occasionally, until mixture is heated through but not thickened. Turn off heat to avoid over-thickening.
- Mash potatoes with mixture: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Pour half of the warmed cream cheese mixture over the potatoes and begin mashing. Add the remaining half and continue mashing gently until fully incorporated and creamy. Avoid over-mashing to prevent gluey texture.
- Serve: Transfer mashed potatoes to a serving dish and top with optional pats of butter if desired. Serve warm as a comforting side dish.
Notes
- Yukon Gold potatoes provide a naturally buttery flavor, but Russet potatoes work equally well.
- Peeling potatoes is optional for Yukon Golds; leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients.
- Do not over-mash the potatoes to avoid a gummy or gluey texture.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste at the end.
- Warming the cream cheese mixture enhances flavor melding and helps it incorporate smoothly into the potatoes.
- For an extra garlic kick, sauté minced garlic in butter before adding cream cheese mixture.
