Introduction: Can Mashed Potatoes Be Velvety, Rich, and Easy?
Craving a side dish that’s the epitome of comfort food? Creamy Mashed Potatoes, inspired by Ree Drummond’s recipe from The Pioneer Woman, deliver a velvety texture with rich, buttery flavor thanks to cream cheese, butter, and cream. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars from 218 reviews, this easy recipe is a holiday and everyday favorite. Ready to whip up a crowd-pleasing bowl of mashed potatoes? Let’s dive into this indulgent recipe!
Overview: Why Creamy Mashed Potatoes Shine
Creamy Mashed Potatoes are loved for their ultra-smooth texture, rich flavor, and simple preparation. Here’s what makes them special:
- Time Requirement: 10 minutes prep, 45 minutes cooking (20-25 minutes boiling, 5 minutes mashing, 25 minutes baking), totaling 55 minutes.
- Difficulty Level: Easy—requires boiling, mashing, and baking, perfect for all skill levels.
- Why It’s Special: Yukon gold or russet potatoes are mashed with butter, cream cheese, and cream for ultimate richness, then baked for a warm, cohesive finish. This recipe serves 12, ideal for large gatherings or holiday feasts.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any meal where comfort food takes center stage.
Essential Ingredients
Creamy Mashed Potatoes use rich ingredients for a decadent result. Here’s what you’ll need for 12 servings:
- 5 pounds Yukon gold or russet potatoes: The starchy base for a creamy texture.
- 1 ½ sticks (12 tablespoons) softened unsalted butter, plus more for baking: Adds rich flavor and smoothness.
- 1 ½ (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened (12 ounces total): Creates a velvety, tangy texture.
- ½ cup half-and-half: Enhances creaminess.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Boosts richness.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Milk, if needed: For thinning the consistency (about ¼-½ cup if used).
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Potatoes: Yukon golds are creamy, russets are fluffy—both work beautifully.
- Butter and Cream Cheese: Provide indulgent richness and a smooth texture.
- Half-and-Half and Cream: Ensure a velvety, luxurious consistency.
- Salt and Pepper: Balance the rich flavors.
Substitutions and Variations
- Potatoes: Use red potatoes for a waxy texture or a mix for varied consistency.
- Butter: Swap with plant-based butter for vegan or olive oil for a lighter option.
- Cream Cheese: Use low-fat cream cheese, mascarpone, or vegan cream cheese.
- Half-and-Half and Cream: Replace with whole milk, evaporated milk, or plant-based cream (e.g., coconut or oat) for vegan.
- Milk: Use plant-based milk or broth for thinning.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, cream cheese, and cream/milk alternatives.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add 2-3 roasted garlic cloves, mashed, with the butter.
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan before baking.
- Herb Mashed Potatoes: Add 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, parsley, or rosemary.
- Spicy Mashed Potatoes: Mix in ¼ teaspoon cayenne or 1 tablespoon hot sauce.
- Bacon Mashed Potatoes: Stir in 4 slices cooked, crumbled bacon before baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Creamy Mashed Potatoes is a simple process that yields a rich, velvety dish. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 5 pounds potatoes, 1 ½ sticks butter, 12 ounces cream cheese, ½ cup half-and-half, ½ cup cream, salt, pepper, and milk (if needed).
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel potatoes and rinse in cold water; cut into quarters for even cooking.
- Prepare a large casserole pan (e.g., 9×13-inch).
Tip: Choose similar-sized potato pieces for even boiling; soften butter and cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing.
Step 2: Boil and Mash Potatoes
- Place potato quarters in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then cook until fork-tender, 20-25 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and return to the pot.
- With the burner on low heat, mash with a potato masher for about 5 minutes, allowing steam to escape for a fluffier texture.
- Turn off the burner.
Tip: Mash thoroughly to release steam; don’t overcook potatoes to avoid gumminess.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add 1 ½ sticks softened butter, 12 ounces softened cream cheese, ½ cup half-and-half, ½ cup cream, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir until fully combined and smooth; add a splash of milk (¼-½ cup) if the mixture is too thick.
- Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper.
Tip: Stir gently to avoid a gluey texture; add milk gradually to reach desired consistency.
Step 4: Bake
- Pour the mashed potatoes into the casserole pan, spreading evenly.
- Dot the surface with small pieces of butter (about 1-2 tablespoons).
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until heated through and slightly golden.
Tip: Dot butter evenly for a rich finish; remove foil carefully to avoid steam burns.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve hot, scooping about ¾ cup per serving.
- Pair with roast turkey, gravy, or green beans for a holiday meal.
Tip: Let cool for 5 minutes for easier scooping; garnish with extra pepper or herbs for presentation.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Making Creamy Mashed Potatoes is all about achieving a velvety, rich texture with bold flavor. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Potatoes: Boil and mash for a fluffy base.
- Butter and Cream Cheese: Add indulgent richness and smoothness.
- Cream and Half-and-Half: Ensure a creamy, cohesive texture.
- Baking: Warms through and enhances flavors with a golden top.
Presentation Tips
- Serve in the casserole dish for a warm, communal vibe.
- Garnish with chopped chives, parsley, or a sprinkle of paprika for color.
- Pair with holiday classics like stuffing or cranberry sauce.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Creamy Mashed Potatoes are perfect for make-ahead prep or leftovers.
- Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers; texture may slightly change.
- Make-Ahead:
- Prepare and assemble (without baking) up to 2 days ahead; refrigerate covered.
- Bake fresh, or freeze unbaked for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 20-25 minutes; add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Tip: Stir well after reheating; avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
Recipe Variations
Creamy Mashed Potatoes are versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes: Add 1 tablespoon minced roasted garlic and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme.
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Top with 1 cup shredded cheddar, bacon bits, and green onions.
- Vegan Mashed Potatoes: Use plant-based butter, cream cheese, and cream/milk alternatives.
- Gluten-Free Mashed Potatoes: Naturally gluten-free; ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Truffle Mashed Potatoes: Drizzle with 1 teaspoon truffle oil before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Servings)
- Calories: Approximately 300-350 kcal (varies by portion size and milk use).
- Protein: Moderate, from cream cheese.
- Fat: High, from butter, cream cheese, and cream.
- Carbs: Moderate, from potatoes.
- Note: For precise nutrition, calculate based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion: Savor the Velvety Comfort!
Creamy Mashed Potatoes are the side dish that brings rich, velvety, and comforting perfection to every bite. With their buttery, creamy texture and simple preparation, they’re perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday feasts, or cozy dinners. Easy to make with a big flavor payoff, these potatoes are sure to impress your guests. So, grab your potato masher, whip up this indulgent recipe, and enjoy a classic favorite. We’d love to hear how your mashed potatoes turn out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Description
Craving a side dish that’s the epitome of comfort food? Creamy Mashed Potatoes, inspired by Ree Drummond’s recipe from The Pioneer Woman, deliver a velvety texture with rich, buttery flavor thanks to cream cheese, butter, and cream. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars from 218 reviews, this easy recipe is a holiday and everyday favorite.
Ingredients
Creamy Mashed Potatoes use rich ingredients for a decadent result. Here’s what you’ll need for 12 servings:
- 5 pounds Yukon gold or russet potatoes: The starchy base for a creamy texture.
- 1 ½ sticks (12 tablespoons) softened unsalted butter, plus more for baking: Adds rich flavor and smoothness.
- 1 ½ (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened (12 ounces total): Creates a velvety, tangy texture.
- ½ cup half-and-half: Enhances creaminess.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Boosts richness.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Milk, if needed: For thinning the consistency (about ¼-½ cup if used).
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Potatoes: Yukon golds are creamy, russets are fluffy—both work beautifully.
- Butter and Cream Cheese: Provide indulgent richness and a smooth texture.
- Half-and-Half and Cream: Ensure a velvety, luxurious consistency.
- Salt and Pepper: Balance the rich flavors.
Substitutions and Variations
- Potatoes: Use red potatoes for a waxy texture or a mix for varied consistency.
- Butter: Swap with plant-based butter for vegan or olive oil for a lighter option.
- Cream Cheese: Use low-fat cream cheese, mascarpone, or vegan cream cheese.
- Half-and-Half and Cream: Replace with whole milk, evaporated milk, or plant-based cream (e.g., coconut or oat) for vegan.
- Milk: Use plant-based milk or broth for thinning.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, cream cheese, and cream/milk alternatives.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add 2-3 roasted garlic cloves, mashed, with the butter.
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan before baking.
- Herb Mashed Potatoes: Add 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, parsley, or rosemary.
- Spicy Mashed Potatoes: Mix in ¼ teaspoon cayenne or 1 tablespoon hot sauce.
- Bacon Mashed Potatoes: Stir in 4 slices cooked, crumbled bacon before baking.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 5 pounds potatoes, 1 ½ sticks butter, 12 ounces cream cheese, ½ cup half-and-half, ½ cup cream, salt, pepper, and milk (if needed).
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel potatoes and rinse in cold water; cut into quarters for even cooking.
- Prepare a large casserole pan (e.g., 9×13-inch).
Tip: Choose similar-sized potato pieces for even boiling; soften butter and cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing.
Step 2: Boil and Mash Potatoes
- Place potato quarters in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then cook until fork-tender, 20-25 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and return to the pot.
- With the burner on low heat, mash with a potato masher for about 5 minutes, allowing steam to escape for a fluffier texture.
- Turn off the burner.
Tip: Mash thoroughly to release steam; don’t overcook potatoes to avoid gumminess.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add 1 ½ sticks softened butter, 12 ounces softened cream cheese, ½ cup half-and-half, ½ cup cream, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir until fully combined and smooth; add a splash of milk (¼-½ cup) if the mixture is too thick.
- Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper.
Tip: Stir gently to avoid a gluey texture; add milk gradually to reach desired consistency.
Step 4: Bake
- Pour the mashed potatoes into the casserole pan, spreading evenly.
- Dot the surface with small pieces of butter (about 1-2 tablespoons).
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until heated through and slightly golden.
Tip: Dot butter evenly for a rich finish; remove foil carefully to avoid steam burns.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve hot, scooping about ¾ cup per serving.
- Pair with roast turkey, gravy, or green beans for a holiday meal.
Tip: Let cool for 5 minutes for easier scooping; garnish with extra pepper or herbs for presentation.
FAQs
1. Why are my mashed potatoes gluey?
Overmashing or overcooking can release excess starch; mash gently and boil until just fork-tender.
2. Can I use other potatoes?
Yes, Yukon golds are creamier, russets are fluffier; red potatoes work but are waxier.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free; ensure butter and cream cheese are gluten-free.
4. Can I skip the baking step?
Yes, serve after mashing for a quicker dish, but baking enhances flavor and warmth.
5. Why is my mixture too thick?
Insufficient liquid or dense potatoes; add milk or cream gradually to adjust.
6. Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, assemble up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate, or freeze unbaked for up to 3 months.
7. What are the health benefits of this dish?
Potatoes provide potassium and fiber; high fat from butter and cream, so enjoy in moderation