Creamiest Mashed Potatoes (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
02 -
1/2 tsp salt
03 -
Optional: sprinkle chopped chives on top
04 -
Pepper
05 -
8 tbsp salted butter, melted
06 -
2 tbsp salted butter, chilled
07 -
1 cup half-and-half
08 -
5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
# Instructions:
01 -
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it heat up.
02 -
Peel the potatoes, cut them into chunks about the same size, rinse them well, and drain off the extra water.
03 -
Put the potato pieces in a pot, add enough water to cover them, and toss in a couple of hefty pinches of salt. Bring it to a boil and cook until you can easily poke a fork through, around 10 to 15 minutes. Drain once cooked.
04 -
Place the drained potatoes back into the pot. With the heat on low, let them steam for about 3 minutes to dry them out a little more.
05 -
Move the potatoes to a big bowl or mixer. Mash them on low until they break apart. Pour in the melted butter, then throw in some salt and pepper. Toss in the cream cheese, and slowly stir in the warm half-and-half until it’s as creamy as you like. Taste to see if it needs more salt.
06 -
Coat the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan with some grease. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly across the dish. Dice the cold butter into pieces and scatter over the top.
07 -
Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Take it out, serve while hot, and enjoy!
# Notes:
01 -
Cut the potatoes into equal-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly and doesn't collect water in smaller bits.
02 -
Pour in the half-and-half a little bit at a time so your potatoes don’t get too watery. Adjust for the texture you prefer.
03 -
Cooking the potatoes too long can make them overly soft, which might cause lumps in the mash.
04 -
Steaming them quickly after draining helps make fluffier mashed potatoes by getting rid of extra water.
05 -
You can prepare everything ahead of time but bake it later. Just keep it in the fridge, and add extra baking time if needed.
06 -
Want it cheesier? Toss in some shredded Gouda (4 oz) and extra-sharp white cheddar (4 oz) along with the cream cheese for a delicious twist.