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The Best Mashed Potatoes You Will Ever Eat

The Best Mashed Potatoes You Will Ever Eat

These rich, creamy mashed potatoes are made with butter, warm cream, cream cheese, and sour cream for an exceptionally smooth and comforting side dish. The recipe yields eight servings and takes about 40 to 45 minutes from start to finish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Potatoes
  • 4 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1- to 2-inch chunks
Dairy
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 cup Half-and-half or heavy cream
  • 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened and cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream
Seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt, plus more for the cooking water
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Place the peeled, cut potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water by about 1 inch. Salt the water generously, then bring it to a boil before reducing it to a steady simmer.
  2. Cook the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are completely tender when pierced with a fork. Meanwhile, gently heat the butter and half-and-half or heavy cream in a saucepan without allowing the mixture to boil.
  3. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the hot pot for 1 to 2 minutes. This brief rest allows excess moisture to evaporate and helps prevent watery mashed potatoes.
  4. Mash the potatoes while they are still hot. Add the warm butter-and-cream mixture, softened cream cheese, sour cream, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Mash or fold the mixture just until it is smooth and creamy, taking care not to overwork the potatoes. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper, then serve hot with additional melted butter if desired.

Notes

Start potatoes in cold, well-salted water for even cooking. Warm the butter and dairy before adding them, and avoid vigorous mixing or a food processor because excess mixing can make potatoes gluey. A potato ricer or food mill produces the smoothest result.