If you want mashed potatoes that are rich, silky, and creamy, you don’t necessarily need to thin them with milk or water. The key is choosing the right potatoes, cooking them properly, and adding plenty of butter while they’re still hot.
This simple recipe creates smooth, flavorful mashed potatoes with a naturally rich texture and is perfect alongside roast chicken, steak, meatloaf, or a holiday dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, preferably Yukon Gold or Russet
- 5–6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3–4 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for the cooking water
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1–2 cloves garlic, optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives, optional
Step 1: Choose the Right Potatoes
For especially creamy mashed potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice because they naturally have a buttery texture.
Russet potatoes can also be used if you prefer lighter, fluffier mashed potatoes.
You can even combine the two varieties for a balance of richness and fluffiness.
Step 2: Peel and Cut the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and rinse them under cold water.
Cut them into similarly sized chunks, approximately 1½ inches each.
Keeping the pieces similar in size helps them cook evenly.
Step 3: Start With Cold Water
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water.
Add a generous amount of salt.
Starting the potatoes in cold water allows them to cook more evenly instead of becoming soft on the outside while remaining firm in the center.
Step 4: Cook Until Tender
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat slightly and simmer until the potatoes are completely tender.
You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
Avoid overcooking them until they become waterlogged, because excess water can make mashed potatoes loose and bland.
Step 5: Drain Thoroughly
Drain the potatoes very well in a colander.
Return them to the warm pot and let them sit over low heat for about 1–2 minutes, stirring gently.
This allows excess moisture to evaporate.
This step is particularly useful when you’re deliberately avoiding milk or water in the finished mash.
Step 6: Add the Butter
While the potatoes are still hot, add the butter.
Start with about 5 tablespoons and add more if you want an even richer result.
Mash the potatoes gently until the butter melts completely into them.
The heat from the potatoes helps the butter blend smoothly into the mixture.
Step 7: Add Cream Cheese
Add the cream cheese while the potatoes are still warm.
Mash and stir until the cream cheese has completely incorporated.
The cream cheese gives the potatoes a rich, velvety texture without requiring a large amount of milk or water.
Step 8: Season Carefully
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
If you’re using garlic, you can roast or boil the garlic beforehand and mash it into the potatoes for extra flavor.
Taste the potatoes before adding more salt because the cooking water, butter, and cream cheese may already provide some seasoning.
Step 9: Mash Gently
Use a traditional potato masher for a rustic, homemade texture.
For exceptionally smooth potatoes, use a potato ricer or food mill before incorporating the butter and cream cheese.
Avoid vigorously beating the potatoes with a blender or food processor. Overworking potatoes can release excess starch and make them sticky or gluey.
Step 10: Add Fresh Herbs
For a fresh finishing touch, stir in finely chopped parsley or chives.
You can also sprinkle a little freshly cracked black pepper over the top.
Step 11: Finish With Butter
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl.
Make a small well in the center and place a little butter inside.
The butter will slowly melt over the hot potatoes, giving them an especially inviting finish.
Step 12: Serve Immediately
Serve the mashed potatoes while they’re hot and freshly prepared.
They’re delicious with roast beef, turkey, chicken, pork, grilled steak, meatballs, or a rich homemade gravy.
The Secret to Creamy Mashed Potatoes
The biggest difference comes from how you handle the potatoes, not simply from adding more liquid. Choose potatoes with a naturally creamy texture, don’t overcook them, drain them thoroughly, and add butter while they’re hot.
For an extra-rich version, cream cheese provides additional body and flavor without relying on water to create the texture.
The result is a bowl of buttery, creamy mashed potatoes that can easily become the star of the dinner table.
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