These Whipped Mashed Potatoes are both fluffy and creamy and made with just five ingredients. My secret tip is adding cream cheese to this homemade recipe.
These are truly are the best creamy mashed potatoes you'll ever have! All it takes is a saucepan, colander, bowl, and a hand mixer to make the best Whipped Mashed Potatoes recipe. My key trick is to use a hand mixer to make the potatoes smooth, velvety, and irresistibly creamy!
We whip these easy potatoes up any time of the year as a great side dish for all sorts of meals. They're also a crowd favorite recipe during the holidays because they only have 5 ingredients and are truly foolproof. Everyone really loves these whipped potatoes.
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You've likely seen these on many of my recipe videos as they are a side dish I often have on standby. Crockpot Pork Roast and Gravy, Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, Hamburger Steaks and Gravy, Garlic Parmesan Chicken, and Smothered and Covered Pork Chops are just a few recipes that are always paired with them.
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Quick and Easy to Whip Up: With only 5 affordable ingredients and 3 steps, this is a simple recipe to have on standby.
- Light and Fluffy: These potatoes are luxurious! They're light, airy and the perfect compliment to so many meals.
- Customizable: They can easily be customized with different herbs and seasonings, garlic and cheeses.
- Comfort Food Vibes: From the texture, to the flavor, to the dishes it's being served with, they gives those instant cozy food vibes!
Ingredients for this Whipped Potatoes Recipe
Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below
- Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes: The foundation of mashed potatoes. These kinds are often preferred for their fluffy texture.
- Cream Cheese: Contributes to the velvety texture, while its mild tanginess enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Butter: Contributes a luxurious richness and a subtle, buttery taste to the potatoes. It also adds moisture.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Used to adjust the consistency of the whipped potatoes. It adds creaminess without overpowering the potato flavor.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors and other ingredients.
Laura Ashley's Tip: These creamy mashed potatoes are so simple to make and perfect every time thanks to my secret ingredient, cream cheese. It doesn't make them cheesy in flavor, instead it makes them the most rich a luscious potatoes you've ever had.
Tools You'll Need
How to make Whipped Mashed Potatoes
- Add potatoes and 2 cups of water to a large saucepan. Turn the heat to medium-high and cook covered at a rolling simmer 15-20 minutes, or until you can easily pierce them with a fork. Drain well in a colander.
- To a large mixing bowl, add cream cheese, butter, ¼ cup heavy whipping cream, and salt. Add the drained potatoes on top. Rest 2 minutes, then mix with a hand mixer, starting with low speed and building the speed to high as the ingredients start to blend. Mix just until the potatoes are smooth and ingredients cohesive.
- Taste to determine if you need to add more salt or cream. If you’d rather have a lumpier texture or don’t have a hand mixer, you can also mash with a masher or ricer tool. If desired, you can top with additional butter.
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes. Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold. They have a fluffy texture and absorb butter and cream well, resulting in creamy mashed potatoes. Use fresh potatoes. Older potatoes tend to be dry and can result in lumps.
- Correct Preparation and Cooking. Peel the potatoes and cut them into even-sized chunks. This ensures they cook uniformly.
- Draining and Drying. After boiling, drain the potatoes well and let them sit in the colander for a minute or two. Allowing excess moisture to evaporate ensures a creamy texture. Heat the butter and milk/cream before adding them to the potatoes. Warm dairy absorbs better, making them smoother.
- Mashing Techniques. Use a potato masher, ricer, or a hand mixer on low speed. Avoid over-mixing, as it can make the potatoes gluey. Stop mixing as soon as they're smooth. If you prefer a slightly chunky texture, use a hand masher and stop mashing when there are small lumps remaining.
- Season the Right Way. Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings a little at a time, tasting as you go. This helps you achieve the perfect balance without over-salting.
- The Cream Cheese is the Secret to Creamy Potatoes. Butter, cream cheese, sour cream, or buttermilk add extra richness and flavor. These ingredients create a velvety texture.
- Serve Hot! They are best served immediately while they're hot and creamy. If you need to wait, keep them warm in a covered dish over a pot of simmering water.
- Adjust to Your Liking. Always taste before serving. Adjust the seasoning or add more butter/cream if needed to get the flavor and consistency just right.
Variations
A mashed potatoes recipe can be incredibly versatile! Here are some creative variations:
Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- Add roasted garlic: Roast whole garlic bulbs until soft, then squeeze the cloves into your potatoes for a rich, mellow garlic flavor.
- Garlic Parmesan: Add grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic for a savory, cheesy version.
Loaded Mashed Potatoes:
- Loaded Baked Potato: Mix in crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Top with sour cream for a loaded baked potato flavor.
- Caramelized Onion and Mushroom: Sautéed caramelized onions and mushrooms add a depth of flavor.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes:
- Three Cheese: Blend in a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese for an extra creamy and cheesy texture.
- Blue Cheese: Add crumbled blue cheese for a bold, tangy flavor.
Herb-infused Mashed Potatoes:
- Rosemary and Thyme: Infuse the potatoes with fresh rosemary and thyme for aromatic, earthy notes.
- Pesto: Swirl in pesto sauce for a vibrant, basil-infused mashed potato dish.
Creamy Ranch Mashed Potatoes:
- Ranch Dressing: Incorporate ranch dressing mix or a few tablespoons of prepared ranch dressing for a zesty and herby flavor.
Spicy Mashed Potatoes:
- Spicy Chipotle: Add adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Wasabi: Mix in a small amount of wasabi paste for a fiery, Japanese-inspired twist.
Healthy Variations:
- Cauliflower Mash: Replace some or all of the potatoes with steamed cauliflower for a lower-carb option. Blend until smooth and season to taste.
- Sweet Potato Mash: Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a naturally sweeter, nutrient-rich alternative.
Global Flavors:
- Colcannon: Add sautéed kale or cabbage and green onions for an Irish-inspired dish.
- Indian Spices: Infuse the potatoes with garam masala, turmeric, and cumin for a flavorful Indian twist.
Texture Variations:
- Chunky Smash: Mash the potatoes roughly, leaving small chunks for a rustic texture.
- Whipped Potatoes: Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the potatoes until light and fluffy for an airy, velvety texture.
Savory Additions:
- Miso Butter: Mix miso paste with butter and fold it into the potatoes for a unique umami flavor.
- Truffle Oil: Drizzle truffle oil over the potatoes for a luxurious and aromatic touch.
Don't be afraid to experiment and get creative! You can tailor them to your taste preferences and the theme of your meal. Once you fall in love with these whipped potatoes, give Colcannon Inspired Twice Baked Potatoes a try. They're super yummy potatoes whipped with green onions and cabbage then baked in the oven.
What to Serve with Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a wide variety of main courses and side dishes. A few non-starchy vegetable side dishes that pair well with them are Crispy Green Beans, and Gremolata Green Beans or Asparagus. They can also be a great accompaniment to salads like a simple side salad or a Loaded Restaurant Salad.
Storage, Freezing, & Using Leftovers
If you plan to serve the whipped mashed potatoes immediately after preparing them, keep them covered and warm. You can place them in a heatproof bowl and cover them with a lid or foil.
If you have leftovers, allow them to cool to room temperature then transfer to an airtight container. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the potatoes before sealing the container. This helps prevent air exposure, which can cause the potatoes to discolor. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing is also an option. Allow the potatoes to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer t a freezer safe airtight container that will allow space for expansion during freezing. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy the stored mashed potatoes, follow these steps for reheating:
- From the Refrigerator: Reheat refrigerated mashed potatoes on the stovetop or in the microwave. Heat them gently over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- From the Freezer: To reheat frozen mashed potatoes, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly and adding a bit of milk or cream to maintain creaminess.
Remember that the texture of reheated mashed potatoes might be slightly different from freshly made ones. They may need a bit of extra moisture to regain their original creaminess.
FAQs
Mashed potatoes, mashed with a fork, potato masher, or hand mixer, have a denser, chunkier texture, while whipped potatoes, whipped with an electric mixer, are light, fluffy, and velvety smooth. Whipped potatoes also often have a higher fat content. The names are often used interchangeably.
For mashed potatoes, you can use a potato masher, ricer, hand mixer, or even a fork for mashing. For whipped potatoes, use a hand mixer.
To ensure you achieve the perfect fluffy texture, start with Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, drain well after boiling, stop mashing as soon as there are no lumps remaining, warm the cream/butter before whipping, and season gradually.
Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold. They have a fluffy texture and absorb butter and cream well, resulting in creamy mashed potatoes. Also make sure they're fresh potatoes. Older potatoes tend to be dry and can result in lumpy potatoes.
Mashed potatoes can be reheated, but the texture might not be as perfect as when they are freshly made. Heat them gently over low-medium heat or in the short intervals in the microwave, stirring frequently. You can add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
Yes! Transfer prepared potatoes to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Before sealing, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the potatoes to prevent air exposure. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of extra butter or warm milk to restore creaminess.
Yes! Lightly grease the inside to prevent the potatoes from sticking. Transfer the hot mashed potatoes to the crockpot and cover with the lid. Set to the u0022Warmu0022 or u0022Lowu0022 setting.
Stir occasionally to prevent them from drying out or sticking to the sides of the crockpot. If the potatoes start to thicken, you can add a small amount of warm milk or butter and stir to restore creaminess. It's best to serve them within 2-3 hours to ensure optimal freshness.
More Easy Potato Recipes
Whipped Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled, washed and cut
- 2 ounces cream cheese regular or ⅓-less fat
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼-1/2 cup heavy whipping cream start with ¼ cup
- ½-1 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Add potatoes and 2 cups of water to a large saucepan. Turn the heat to medium-high and cook covered at a rolling simmer 15-20 minutes, or until you can easily pierce the potatoes with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes and pour into a large mixing bowl. Add cream cheese, butter, ¼ cup heavy whipping cream, and salt. Rest 2 minutes, then mix with a hand mixer, starting with low speed and building the speed to high as the ingredients start to blend. Mix just until the potatoes are smooth and ingredients cohesive.
- Taste to determine if you need to add more salt or cream. If you’d rather have a lumpier texture or don’t have a hand mixer, you can also mash with a masher or ricer tool. If desired, you can top with additional butter.
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