Thanksgiving is all about gathering around a table full of comforting dishes, and we’ve got a recipe that’s just as comforting as it is delicious. These luxurious mashed potatoes, made with cream cheese and butter, bring rich flavors and a silky-smooth texture to any holiday meal. Paired with our Hell’s Kitchen™ 7.5 Qt Pot for perfect heating, this side dish is sure to steal the spotlight!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: About 6
Ingredients
5 large Yukon or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into even chunks
6 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 cup heavy cream, warmed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Prep the potatoes. Place the peeled and cut potato chunks into a large heavy pot. Cover with cold water until the potatoes sit just under the surface. This ensures even cooking from the very start.
Chef tip: Starting in cold water prevents the outsides from turning mushy before the centers soften. -
Bring to a simmer and cook. Set the burner to medium high until a steady simmer forms. Then reduce to medium so the water gently bubbles. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Chef tip: Gentle simmering preserves texture and prevents excessive breakdown. -
Drain and dry. Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Return them to the warm empty pot and place back on the stove at medium heat for 1 minute to evaporate any extra moisture.
Chef tip: Removing excess moisture ensures your mash stays rich instead of watery. -
Mash and incorporate dairy. With the pot on medium heat, add the butter and softened cream cheese. Mash with a potato masher or ricer until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently stir until fully combined.
Chef tip: Residual heat melts the dairy gradually for a better texture. -
Add the warm heavy cream. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in half the warmed heavy cream and stir until silky. Continue adding the remaining cream until you reach your desired consistency. Generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust.
Chef tip: Warm cream preserves the smooth texture and keeps the dish fitting the high-quality cookware. -
Finish and serve. Spoon the mashed potatoes into a warmed serving dish. If desired, sprinkle chopped chives or parsley to add fresh color and mild herb flavor. Serve immediately so the texture and richness remain at their peak.
Chef tip: If you need to hold the dish briefly, keep the pot over low-medium heat and give it a gentle stir before serving to revive the creaminess.
Bonus Tip for a Perfect Texture
Treat the potatoes gently. After cooking and draining, mash just until smooth. Over-mixing will activate too much starch and result in a gluey texture. Warm heavy cream keeps the mash silky and luxurious. Use the pot’s residual heat rather than high heat to blend everything together.
Pro Tip
Don’t toss the skins. They make a simple appetizer that feels like a reward for you the cook. Use the leftover peels to make crispy potato skins. They bake quickly, cost next-to-nothing, and taste incredible. Use this recipe link to follow step-by-step: Crispy Potato Skins
If you want to cook the perfect meals with some quality cooking pots that are compatible with all stovetops, non-toxic, extremely durable, dishwasher-safe, and oven-safe up to 500°F, don't waste any time looking for the right one; it's already here, and it's called Hell’s Kitchen™ 7.5 Qt Pot.
This Thanksgiving, let our creamy, flavorful mashed potato recipe be the star of the table. For more delicious recipes and ideas, make sure to check out our blog. May your tables (and hearts) be full this holiday season!