In my childhood, the Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes were reserved for special occasions, Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Affectionately dubbed “holiday mashed potatoes” in our household, this recipe was rooted in family tradition and held a special place in my heart.
The traditional recipe calls for steps like cubing hot potatoes or overnight chilling, but I ditched that part and focused on one thing: the essence of baking the potatoes in a deep, round soufflé dish. Because of this extra special step the mashed potatoes always turn out light, fluffy, and rich enough to complement any meal without overshadowing it. Some of my friends have called them the best mashed potatoes—I’ll let you decide once you’ve tasted them!
This mashed potato recipe is:
Table of Contents
6 Reasons to Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it takes your classic mashed potatoes to a whole new level of creamy deliciousness. Other reasons to love it include:
- Perfect for gatherings.
- A winter warming dish for all year round.
- Almost like a souffle!
- Meal prep-friendly.
- Versatile side dish.
- Well-loved by kids.
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Ingredient List
To make the best mashed potatoes with cream cheese, you will need the following simple ingredients:
For the Boiled Potatoes
- 12 medium yellow waxy potatoes, peeled and cut into large dice
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and quartered
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 shallot, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 pinch pepper
For the Mashed Potato Recipe
- 8 ounce whipped cream cheese
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pinch pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
Here are some simple alternatives to keep your mashed potatoes with cream cheese in check:
- Rosemary: Swap rosemary with fresh thyme for a slightly different herby flavor profile.
- Shallot: Instead of shallot, use ½ a white or yellow onion for a similar savory kick.
- Garlic: If fresh garlic is unavailable, substitute it with 1 tablespoon of prepared garlic from a jar.
- Whipped cream cheese: Use regular cream cheese; place it in a bowl and whip it with an electric mixer until fluffy.
- Whole milk: For a richer consistency, swap whole milk with cream or half and half.
Additional Ingredients
Elevate your low-fat cream cheese mashed potatoes with these optional ingredients that impart huge flavors:
- Variety of cheeses: For extra flavor, experiment with Parmesan, Gouda, or shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spicy kick: Incorporate diced fresh jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper to add a powerful heat sensation to this classic side dish recipe.
- Creamy toppings: Enhance the holiday side dish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives, creating a harmonious blend of tanginess and herbal freshness.
Note: Additional ingredients are considered delicious options; they are not part of the original recipe.
Cooking Tools Required
To make this mashed potatoes recipe, you will need the following cooking tools:
- Pan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer
- Baking dish
- Fork or potato masher
- Spoon
- Strainer
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Methods
- Boiling
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the ingredients and tools.
- Peel the potatoes and cut into large dice.
- Peel and slice shallots, and quarter fresh garlic.
- Lightly beat the eggs.
- Add all the ingredients for boiled potatoes to a pan. Fill the pan with hot water to 1″ above the potatoes.
- Preheat the oven to (350°F) (176°C) and coat the baking dish with a thin layer of butter so the potatoes won’t stick.
- Add the eggs and milk to a small bowl. Beat lightly with a fork until completely mixed.
- Take out an electric hand mixer that we will need.
Cooking Instructions
For Boiling Potatoes
- Place the pot with the ingredients for boiling potatoes on the stove over high heat and bring it to a low boil.
- Once the potatoes start boiling, reduce the heat to medium. Allow to cook for about 13 minutes or until fork tender. Strain the water and remove the rosemary stalk.
- Add the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
For Baking the Mashed Potatoes
- Add the whipped cream cheese, butter, and sour cream to the bowl with the potatoes. Mix with the low-speed electric hand mixer until the potatoes are broken up and all the ingredients are incorporated.
- Add 1 teaspoon salt and some pepper to the egg mixture. Mix on low speed until the eggs are absorbed. Increase the speed to high and mix for about 1 minute.
- Pour the potato mixture into the baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes. Turn on the broiler to toast the top for the last minute or two. Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Step 1: Gather up all your ingredients for the mashed potato recipe. So fresh!
Step 2: After you have sliced the potatoes, add the water, aromatics, salt and pepper. This will make the mashed potatoes absolutely delicious.
Step 3: After draining the potatoes, add in the sour cream, cream cheese and butter. Mix on LOW speed.
Step 4: Add in the milk and egg combination along with the salt. Mix on low to start and high for the last minute.
Step 5: Pour the mashed potatoes right into your greased baking dish. We’re ready for the oven.
Step 6: You’ll know when the mashed potatoes are done. They will have a delightful brown crust on the top and be super light!
💡 My Pro Tip
For an effortless soufflé-like texture in your mashed potatoes, ensure your cream cheese is whipped until light and airy. Additionally, whisk plenty of air into the egg and milk mixture before incorporating it into the potato mixture after all other ingredients are well mixed. This sequence ensures your potatoes rise perfectly every time—it’s all about order.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- To boil water faster, begin with hot tap water, cover the pot, and add salt only after the water has come to a boil.
- Cut potatoes in advance and store them in water to prevent browning up to 24 hours before cooking.
What to Serve with Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes?
This recipe pairs well with various dishes. Some of the mouthwatering options to serve alongside your creamy mashed potatoes include:
- BBQ Lamb Chops: These lamb chops dish pairs well with the creamy mashed potato recipe. Such a comforting combination!
- Crispy Oven Roasted Chicken: Enjoy the crispy exterior of oven-roasted chicken paired with the luscious cream cheese flavor of mashed potatoes.
- Keto Crab Cakes: Elevate your keto crab cakes with everyone’s favorite side dish and enjoy the combination’s delicate flavors.
- Grilled Steak Florentine: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes perfectly balances the robust flavors of this grilled steak Florentine, creating a classic comfort food.
- Leg of Lamb: Serve tender leg of lamb alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal on special occasions.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage Tips
- When the leftovers are at room temperature, store them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing Tips
- For freezing, cut the mashed potatoes into individual portions and wrap each portion separately in plastic wrap. Place wrapped portions in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tips
- To reheat frozen leftovers, thaw in the fridge overnight or a few hours before baking to reach room temperature, and follow the reheating instructions provided below.
- For best results, reheat in an oven or toaster oven heated to 350°F (180°C). Heating a portion should take approximately 12-15 minutes (12-15 minutes). Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it will explode.
Note: The dish is not microwave-friendly.
Recipe Conclusion
This Cream cheese mashed potatoes recipe is a delightful twist to the classic version, adding a creamy and extra-indulgent touch. The richness of cream cheese blends perfectly with the smooth texture of mashed potatoes, creating a flavorful side dish.
Whether served alongside a hearty roast dinner or as a cozy accompaniment to a weeknight meal, this recipe will always be a hit. Even kids will love it. It is straightforward and has a simple ingredients list. Make more than you can finish and store to enjoy with a quick meal on a weeknight.
As mentioned earlier in this post, I understand there are simpler ways of preparing mashed potatoes from scratch. However, convenience is not always the goal. You need patience and order to hack this recipe, and when you do, you’ll fall head over heels for it. So why wait? Treat yourself to the comforting side dish. Have any questions or suggestions? Let me know in the comments below.
More Delicious Side Dish Recipes
Want to try more side dish options that are low carb and easy to make? Try these one:
FAQs
It depends on personal preference, but typically 4-8 ounces of cream cheese is added to mashed potatoes
You can substitute cream cheese for milk for a richer flavor and creamier texture.
It’s subjective, but cream cheese and sour cream can enhance the taste. Cream cheese adds richness, while sour cream adds tanginess.
Mashed potatoes may not be creamy if undercooked, not enough liquid is added, or overmixed.
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Mashed Potato Recipe
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Ingredient List
For the Boiled Potatoes
- 12 medium yellow waxy potatoes peeled and cut into large dice
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and quartered
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 shallot peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 pinch pepper
For the Mashed Potato Recipe
- 8 ounce whipped cream cheese
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pinch pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the ingredients and tools.
- Peel the potatoes and cut into large dice.
- Peel and slice shallots, and quarter fresh garlic.
- Lightly beat the eggs.
- Add all the ingredients for boiled potatoes to a pan. Fill the pan with hot water to 1" above the potatoes.
- Preheat the oven to (350°F) (176°C) and coat the baking dish with a thin layer of butter so the potatoes won't stick.
- Add the eggs and milk to a small bowl. Beat lightly with a fork until completely mixed.
- Take out an electric hand mixer that we will need.
Cooking Instructions
For Boiling Potatoes
- Place the pot with the ingredients for boiling potatoes on the stove over high heat and bring it to a low boil.
- Once the potatoes start boiling, reduce the heat to medium. Allow to cook for about 13 minutes or until fork tender. Strain the water and remove the rosemary stalk.
- Add the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
For Baking the Mashed Potatoes
- Add the whipped cream cheese, butter, and sour cream to the bowl with the potatoes. Mix with the low-speed electric hand mixer until the potatoes are broken up and all the ingredients are incorporated.
- Add 1 teaspoon salt and some pepper to the egg mixture. Mix on low speed until the eggs are absorbed. Increase the speed to high and mix for about 1 minute.
- Pour the potato mixture into the baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes. Turn on the broiler to toast the top for the last minute or two. Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
Is it low carb? Learn more about it:
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17 Responses
how much sour cream? Your recipe doesn’t have the ingredient in it.
Hi Brenda:
GREAT CATCH!!! Thank you so much! I updated the recipe just now and added in the 1/2 cup sour cream. Thank you thank you thank you. And happy holidays!
Take care-
Scott
We made these last night for a dinner party we were hosting. Typically I would never make a new recipe when people are coming over without first testing it, but this looked like a winner and it was. There wasn’t even a speck of these potatoes left in the pan. We found one of our friends in the kitchen with bread cleaning out the remaining little bits!
Hi Scott:
Haha, so glad to hear your guests loved this. If these were such a huge hit, maybe you can try other recipes and see what they think.
Thank you for taking the time to write.
Take care and happy eating!
Scott
Mmmm. This sounds so yummy! I’m a sucker for mashed potatoes! I can’t wait to try this!
Hi Elaine:
I’m a sucker for mashed taters as well… although they don’t really fit into my whole low-carb world. Sometimes the rules are meant to be broken though.
Hope that you have a great day in the kitchen-
Take care,
Scott
This look miraculously fluffy.. I can’t stop staring at them. YUMMMMM
Hi Dominique:
Super fluffy… these taters are the jam!
Hope that you have a fantastic day in the kitchen-
Take care-
Scott
I don’t know anybody who doesn’t love mashed potatoes. And yours look so creamy, light and fluffy!
Hi Nicoletta:
They taste really good!! Did you have a chance to give them a try?
Take care and have a great day in the kitchen-
Scott
Okay, I am TOTALLY making this for our Sunday Roast tomorrow!
Hi Lyndsay:
How did they turn out?
Have a great day in the kitchen!
Take care-
Scott
This recipe looks amazing. I love mashed potatoes already, but these look better than regular ones!
Hi Kate:
They are so tasty. Let me know if you give them a try how they turned out!
Take care-
Scott