![Southern Living Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese in a serving bowl](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/r4_T095xjcuDrUTcdZ2KoHXXObU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Living-Cream-Cheese_Mashed_Potatoes_015-febf3630b44242eabbaeb8283692ec5d.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
When it comes to mashed potatoes, while it can be fun to experiment with add-ins and toppings—or sneak in different root vegetables, or bring in some fun new spices—sometimes you just want that classic creamy mash, one that is smooth and comforting and super simple to prepare.
This is that mashed potato recipe, made a bit more decadent by replacing the usual milk or cream with cream cheese and sour cream. These ingredients provide a bit of tang and a texture that is velvety and rich.
You can mash by hand if you want the potatoes more rustic, or use a ricer for a smoother, puree-style mash. This version brings chives to the party, but you could use parsley or chervil or none at all.
Ingredients
-
5 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into one-inch chunks
-
2 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. Kosher salt
-
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into cubes and at room temperature
-
4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
-
1/2 cup sour cream
-
1/4 cup minced chives or sliced scallion greens, plus more for garnish
-
3/4 tsp. ground white pepper
Directions
-
Cook cubed potatoes:
To start, gather your ingredients and set them up so they're easy to reach when you're cooking.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Place cubed potatoes in a large pot, and cover by one inch with cold water. Add 2 Tbsp. kosher salt to the water; stir to dissolve.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Bring water to boil over medium-high heat, and cook until potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork, 15 to 20 minutes.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
-
Drain potatoes, mash:
Drain the potatoes, and return them to the pot. Cook over low heat 1 to 2 minutes, until they have dried out.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Put the butter and cream cheese in the bottom of a large bowl.Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Transfer the potatoes to the bowl with the cubed butter and cream cheese, and mash with an electric mixer on medium low speed until smooth. (If you like a chunkier mash, you can also mash by hand).
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
-
Once the butter and cream cheese are fully incorporated, fold in the sour cream.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Add minced chives, remaining 2 tsp. salt, and pepper.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
If desired, place a couple pats of butter on top of the potatoes to melt before serving.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
If not serving immediately, transfer to an oven-safe dish and place in a 200°F oven, or to a slow cooker set to WARM. Garnish with additional chives, if using.