Big Martha's Mashed Potatoes With Cream Cheese

1. Cook potatoes:

   Place potatoes and 1 tablespoon salt in a medium pot, cover with cold water by 2 inches, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover partially, and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 35 minutes. Drain, and let stand until just cool enough to handle.

   Reserve pot to use to warm potatoes before serving.

2. Remove skins and cut:

   Rub off skins, and discard. Cut potatoes into large pieces.

3. Combine with cream cheese, butter, milk and cream in mixer:

   Combine potatoes, cream cheese, butter, milk, and 1/4 cup cream in a mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat until combined. Season with salt and pepper, and beat to desired consistency.

   Use a bowl and handheld mixer to mix the dairy into the potatoes if you don't have a stand mixer.

4. Return to stove, add cream, warm through:

   Return mashed potatoes to pot, and place over medium heat. Add remaining cream, and cook, stirring constantly, until heated through. Serve immediately, or keep warm in a covered bowl over simmering water for up to 2 hours.

Making Mashed Potatoes With Cream Cheese Ahead

Mashed potatoes can be made up to three days ahead, cooled to room temperature, and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days before being reheated. 

The best way to reheat them is in a covered bowl over simmering water. If you're making them a few hours in advance, keep them warm in a covered bowl set over simmering water for up to two hours.

How to Serve Mashed Potatoes With Cream Cheese

This rich, comforting side dish deserves a top-notch presentation:

Warm the serving dish: Before adding the potatoes, we suggest warming the serving dish, as this side is best enjoyed hot. A cold dish will reduce the temperature of the potatoes. Adding hot tap water to the dish is an easy way to warm it. Alternatively, place it in your oven preheated to the lowest setting. If you're using the oven to cook other dishes, placing the dish on top of the stove should warm it sufficiently.

Garnish: If you're making mashed potatoes with cream cheese for a holiday meal, you may want to dress them up for the table. The simplest—and most delicious—way to do this is to add a neat pat of butter to the dish when you transfer the potatoes to the serving dish. Chopped chives or minced scallions are another option, especially if you want to add some green to the table.

5 More Mashed Potatoes Recipes to Try

• Garlic-Thyme Mashed Potatoes
• Sour-Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes
• Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
• Vegan Mashed Potatoes
• Mashed Potatoes With Pumpkin and Greens