Yields: 10 servings
Prep Time: 1 hr
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Mashed potatoes—an iconic dish that’s a staple in many family meals, especially during the holidays. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a comforting weeknight dinner, mashed potatoes are the quintessential side that brings warmth to the table. But let’s be honest, they can sometimes be a bit time-consuming, especially when you’re juggling multiple dishes.
The good news is, this creamy mashed potato recipe not only yields the most perfectly fluffy and flavorful mashed potatoes but also allows you to make them ahead of time. They reheat beautifully, making them the ideal choice for busy cooking days. Pair these mashed potatoes with your favorite gravy or top them off with some cheese for an extra indulgent treat. No matter how you serve them, they’ll surely become a family favorite!
Why These Mashed Potatoes Are a Game-Changer
The secret to making perfect mashed potatoes lies in a few simple but crucial techniques. One essential step is to ensure the potatoes are drained well and then mashed back in the pot over low heat. This method lets the steam escape, resulting in potatoes that are light, fluffy, and not watery or mealy.
What makes these mashed potatoes stand out from the rest? The addition of cream cheese, butter, and half-and-half creates an ultra-creamy texture and a rich flavor that elevates this humble side dish. It’s not just a dish to pass around—it’s the star of the show.
The Best Potatoes for Mashing
When it comes to mashed potatoes, choosing the right potato makes all the difference. Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes are two of the best options for mashing. Russets are light and fluffy, while Yukon Golds have a naturally buttery flavor that enhances the creamy texture of your mash. If you can’t decide, feel free to use a mix of both to get the best of both worlds.
Should You Peel Your Potatoes?
Peeling potatoes for mashed potatoes is a personal preference. For smoother, creamier mashed potatoes, it’s best to peel them. However, if you enjoy a chunkier, more rustic texture with the skins on, feel free to skip the peeling step.
The Perfect Creaminess: Milk vs. Cream
For the ultimate creamy mashed potatoes, half-and-half is your best friend. It strikes the perfect balance between richness and texture. If you don’t have half-and-half, you can substitute heavy cream for an even richer taste or whole milk for a lighter option. Start with a little and add more as needed until you achieve the desired creamy consistency.
How to Boil Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes
Boiling your potatoes is one of the most important steps to achieving the perfect mash. To cook them evenly, cut the potatoes into similarly sized pieces. I recommend chopping them into halves or quarters before boiling, which helps them cook faster and more evenly. It usually takes about 30 minutes for potatoes to cook through. You’ll know they’re done when a fork slides in easily with no resistance.
Can You Make Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this recipe is that you can make the mashed potatoes in advance. After preparing them, place them in a baking dish, cover, and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them in the oven until they’re piping hot and the butter has melted. You can also freeze them for up to a month. To reheat from frozen, thaw the potatoes overnight in the fridge and bake them in the oven for about 30 minutes at 350°F.
Leftover Mashed Potatoes: A Delicious Twist
Leftovers are always a win, and mashed potatoes are no exception. If you find yourself with extra mashed potatoes, turn them into something new. You can make mashed potato pancakes by frying them up in a little butter, or use them as a filling for shepherd’s pie. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients
- 5 lbs. russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 3/4 cup butter (plus extra for topping)
- 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. black pepper
Instructions:
- Prep the Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into roughly equal-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, increase the heat and let the potatoes boil for 30 to 35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the potatoes—they should be tender and break apart easily.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander and return them to the pot. Put the pot back on the stove over low heat for a few minutes to allow the remaining steam to escape. This step helps prevent watery mashed potatoes. Then, mash the potatoes until they’re smooth and fluffy.
- Add the Creaminess: Once mashed, add in the butter, cream cheese, and about 1/2 cup of half-and-half. Continue mashing and stirring until everything is well combined. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of Lawry’s seasoned salt and black pepper to taste. For extra creaminess, feel free to add more half-and-half as needed.
- Bake (Optional): Transfer the mashed potatoes to a medium-sized baking dish. Dot the top with a few pats of butter, then place the dish in a 350°F oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the potatoes are warmed through. If you’re making them ahead of time, simply let them cool, cover, and store them in the fridge. Before serving, bring them to room temperature and reheat in the oven as directed.
Conclusion:
The Ultimate Comfort Food
These creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect addition to any meal. With their silky texture, rich flavor, and ability to be made in advance, they are the ideal choice for busy holiday preparations or any occasion where you want to serve a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish. Whether you serve them with turkey and gravy, steak, or a simple roasted chicken, these mashed potatoes will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table. So, go ahead and make a big batch—you can always count on them to bring joy to every meal.
