Name: Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Heavy Cream Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-1/2 lb russet potatoes; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened at room temperature; 3/4 cup milk; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 3 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature; Plenty of salt; Plenty of pepper; sour cream; thyme

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If you’re craving the kind of comfort food that turns any meal into a celebration, this Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Heavy Cream recipe is pure heaven in a bowl. Each pillowy bite is rich, buttery, and silky smooth, thanks to a generous splash of heavy cream and a touch of cream cheese for extra decadence. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish transforms humble potatoes into a show-stopping side everyone will rave about.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Heavy Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Heavy Cream lies in the straightforward ingredients that come together to create magic. Every component plays an important role: from the starchy potatoes that fluff up beautifully, to the luscious dairy that gives them their signature richness and irresistible texture. Here’s what you need and why you need it:

Russet potatoes (3-1/2 lb): These starchy spuds are your best friend for ultra-creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes that hold their structure.
Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, softened): Adds richness and that classic buttery flavor everyone loves in mashed potatoes.
Milk (3/4 cup): Helps lighten up the mash while still keeping things velvety smooth.
Heavy cream (3/4 cup): The star ingredient that gives the potatoes their signature decadent, creamy texture and luxurious mouthfeel.
Cream cheese (3 oz, softened): Uplifts the mash with subtle tang and an incredibly smooth consistency.
Salt and pepper (plenty): Essential flavor boosters; don’t be shy here, since potatoes soak up seasoning!
Optional sour cream: For those who enjoy a little extra tang and depth of flavor in their mashed potatoes.
Optional thyme: A delightful herbal note that pairs beautifully with creamy potatoes, especially for festive occasions.

How to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Heavy Cream

Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Prepare Potatoes

Begin by assembling everything you need for this recipe upfront! Having all your ingredients ready makes the process so much smoother, and ensures that nothing gets forgotten in the rush. While your large pot sits on the stove filled with water, take a moment to cut your russet potatoes into halves (or thirds, for larger spuds). Keeping the pieces evenly sized is key to making sure every bit softens at the same speed, so your Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Heavy Cream turn out perfectly smooth.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Here’s where the transformation begins! Generously salt your pot of water before it heats up; this allows the potatoes to absorb plenty of flavor as they cook. Bring the water to a rolling boil, reduce it to a gentle simmer, then add the potato chunks. Patience pays off here—let the potatoes cook until they are fork-tender and nearly falling apart. After draining, return them to the still-hot pot for a few minutes. This clever trick helps steam off any lingering water that could make your mashed potatoes runny.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Mixture

While the potatoes cook, start building those creamy layers of flavor in a separate saucepan. Pour in the milk, heavy cream, and softened butter and gently heat until everything is just warm—no boiling necessary! Stir in the cream cheese, letting it melt into the mixture so you have a smooth, dreamy liquid ready to combine with your potatoes. This is the secret to achieving that ultra-rich result you get from the best mashed potatoes you’ve ever tasted.

Step 4: Mash the Potatoes

Once your potatoes are dry and piping hot, it’s time to mash! Whether you reach for a trusty masher or a fancy ricer, go for the texture you love. Add the warm cream mixture in stages, mixing as you go, so you can monitor the consistency. The potatoes should come together into a thick, luscious mash that practically calls out for that first irresistible spoonful.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Now for the finishing touches—season with plenty of salt and black pepper, tasting until you hit that perfect savory balance. Want to level up even more? Stir in a spoonful of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh thyme for a flavor twist. Serve your Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Heavy Cream while they’re still warm, topped with a pat of extra butter and maybe a crack of pepper for a beautiful finish.

How to Serve Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Heavy Cream

Garnishes

There’s something so inviting about a big, steaming bowl of Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Heavy Cream dressed up just a little. For a classic touch, a swirl of softened butter and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper wins every time. You could also scatter on some finely chopped chives, parsley, or a dusting of paprika for pops of color and extra flavor. If you love a more herbaceous bite, a pinch of fresh thyme is simply heavenly.

Side Dishes

This dish is a natural fit alongside everything from roasted chicken and beef tenderloin to vegetarian holiday spreads. Pair Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Heavy Cream with roasted vegetables, glazed carrots, or a tangy cranberry sauce to round out your meal. They’re also right at home underneath a ladle of rich gravy!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want your mashed potatoes to be the star of the table, consider serving them in individual ramekins topped with a golden, broiled crust of parmesan. Or, use a piping bag to swirl them into elegant mounds on each plate for special occasions. You can even layer them in a casserole and bake for a hot, bubbly side that guests will swoon over.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, scoop your Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Heavy Cream into an airtight container and pop them into the refrigerator. They’ll keep deliciously fresh for up to four days, so you can enjoy their creamy goodness a second time around—or as a sneaky midnight snack.

Freezing

Planning ahead? You can freeze creamy mashed potatoes for up to a month. Let them cool to room temperature, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, smoothing the tops to prevent ice crystals. When you’re ready for a comforting side in a flash, just thaw and reheat.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen them up. This brings back their original creamy texture and ensures your Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Heavy Cream taste just as good as the first time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Absolutely! While russet potatoes are the classic choice for a fluffy texture, Yukon Golds make a slightly denser, more buttery mash. Red potatoes can work too, though the final result may be a bit less smooth. Try a mix and see which you like best!

Why add cream cheese to mashed potatoes?

Cream cheese brings extra creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cream and butter. It makes your Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Heavy Cream especially luscious and practically foolproof to whip up smooth every time.

How do I avoid gummy mashed potatoes?

The secret is in the method: always start potatoes in cold, heavily salted water, don’t over-mix them (especially with an electric mixer), and let excess moisture steam off before mashing. Gentle mashing plus warm dairy results in that perfect, cloud-like consistency.

Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Heavy Cream actually reheat beautifully. Make them earlier in the day, then warm gently before serving, stirring in a little extra cream or milk if needed to revive their creaminess.

What can I do with leftover mashed potatoes?

Leftovers are practically begging to be reimagined! Form them into patties for crispy potato cakes, use them as the topping for shepherd’s pie, or mix them into bread dough for a pillowy soft loaf.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a bowl of Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Heavy Cream—comforting, nostalgic, and always a crowd-pleaser. Once you’ve tasted the rich, silky texture and vibrant flavor, you’ll want to make them part of every family meal or special occasion. Give this recipe a try and see just how quickly it turns into your own go-to favorite!

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Heavy Cream Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for creamy mashed potatoes made with heavy cream. Rich, velvety, and incredibly satisfying, these mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

3–1/2 lb russet potatoes
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup heavy cream
3 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature
Plenty of salt
Plenty of pepper

Optional:

sour cream
thyme

Instructions

Gather Ingredients and Prepare Potatoes: Gather all necessary ingredients. Cut the potatoes into even pieces.
Cook the Potatoes: Salt the water, boil, then simmer the potatoes until tender. Drain and let excess water evaporate.
Prepare the Cream Mixture: Heat milk, heavy cream, and butter. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
Mash the Potatoes: Mash the cooked potatoes and gradually add the cream mixture until smooth.
Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Add sour cream and thyme if desired. Serve warm with butter and pepper.