These creamy mashed potatoes with cream cheese, Yukon Gold potatoes, butter, and cream are rich, velvety, and irresistible. It’s the ultimate comfort-food side dish for any meal.


Table of Contents
Best Mashed Potato Recipe With Cream Cheese
If you only make regular mashed potatoes, get ready for a life-changing experience! These potatoes are extra creamy, perfectly buttery, and have just the right amount of tang from the cream cheese, making them stand out from regular mashed potatoes.
I love how they complement just about any main dish, from a simple weeknight chicken dinner to a big Sunday roast, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner. Honestly, I could eat a whole bowl on its own, they’re that good! If you’re looking for the perfect side dish that feels a little indulgent but is still super easy to make, you have found the right recipe.
Ingredients & Estimated Cost:
You only need six ingredients to make these epic mashed potatoes. I have listed some simple substitution recommendations for your convenience.

- Yukon Gold potatoes (5 pounds – $6.24) – I love using Yukon Gold potatoes because they are naturally buttery and creamy. You can use Russet potatoes, but the consistency will be a bit lighter.
- Salted butter (8 Tablespoons – $1.27) – Add richness to the dish. If you use unsalted butter, add a pinch more salt to the potatoes.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces – $1.49) – The secret to this recipe! Cream cheese makes the potatoes extra smooth and delicious. Use sour cream as an alternative, but it will have a lighter taste.
- Heavy cream (2 cups – $3.37) – Adds an extra depth of creamy texture and flavor. You can use whole milk or half-and-half as a substitute, but again, it will change the taste and texture slightly.
- Salt and pepper (To taste – $0.02) – Enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Kosher salt, seasoned salt, or white pepper will also work well.
The recipe cost is calculated based on the amounts needed and will vary depending on fluctuating grocery costs. The pricing for this recipe was updated in August 2025.
How To Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes With Cream Cheese
Cut, boil, and drain the potatoes, then mix in the remaining ingredients. Let me show you how.
- First, cut the potatoes into cubes and cover them with water.
- Boil them until they are fork-tender and drain.

- Then, stir in the butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream.
- Mash the potatoes by hand or with an electric mixer until creamy.
- Finally, season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

Recipe Tips
Flavor Variation: Sometimes we like to add shredded sharp cheddar cheese instead of cream cheese and add ¼ cup of chopped chives.
Add More Flavor: If you’d like to give these mashed potatoes with cream cheese some extra flavor, try adding a couple of chicken bouillon cubes to the water while the potatoes boil.
What to Serve With These Potatoes: We love making our Instant Pot Turkey Gravy during the holidays to serve with the potatoes.

Mashed Potatoes With Cream Cheese
Equipment
- cutting board
- vegetable peeler
- chef's knife
- large pot
- potato masher
Ingredients
- 5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 Tablespoons salted butter softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cups heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover the potatoes in water. Place the pot on the burner and bring to a boil over high heat. Continue to boil for 10-14 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and then return them to the pot.
- Add in the butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream and mash the potatoes and creamy.
- Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper and then serve.
Notes
- Serve: As with most recipes with dairy products in them, you shouldn’t leave these out for longer than 2 hours. I doubt they will last that long anyway!
- Store: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
- Freeze: Mashed potatoes are definitely freezer-friendly. Place them in a large Ziploc bag and store them in the freezer. They are best if used within one month.
Nutrition
Recipe FAQs For Mashed Potatoes With Cream Cheese
We prefer to use cream in our mashed potatoes. This produces those rich and creamy potatoes that you love. However, if you are looking to cut down on the fat then you can substitute milk for the cream.
Do not overmix when mashing the potatoes. Do not put the potatoes in a blender or a food processor as this can change the texture and result in gummy potatoes.
The answer is either way! It comes down to personal preference. I like the skins left on because of the texture and flavor they add to the dish. However, it is still super yummy to peel them first before boiling.







Amanda says
I’ve made this multiple times, and this Mashed Potatoes are perfect every time.
Amanda says
The whole family loved this Mashed Potatoes With Cream Cheese Recipe.
Taryn says
These were a hit with my family. I will make this again.
Nellie Tracy says
Absolutely fantastic! My new go-to mashed potato recipe!
Christine says
It’s looks good
Cyn says
Could you use russet potatoes ???
Jess Jankowski says
Hi. Yes, I make them with russet potatoes all the time. Enjoy!
Calvin says
The secret’s in the butter, I knew it! Awesome, I love mashed potatoes.
Jess Jankowski says
You can never go wrong with butter in my opinion!
Tara says
So good! And I love the tips for getting kids involved in making them.
Jess Jankowski says
Thank you so much! It’s so great getting the kids involved at an early age.
Farah says
Just the season for this deliciousness! I’m already daydreaming about them!
Jess Jankowski says
Make that dream a reality girlfriend! 🙂
Michelle Miller says
Great recipe to have at hand! Especially this time a year. So smooth!
Jess Jankowski says
It’s a must this time of year!
Kate says
The cream cheese makes these so incredibly good. No regrets whatsoever!
Jess Jankowski says
No regrets! Love it!
Katie says
A staple to all of our family dinners. We can’t get enough of these!
Jess Jankowski says
Us too! Hardly ever any leftovers!
Natalie says
I love mashed potatoes! Looks so creamy and comforting! Can’t wait to try this recipe ♥
Jess Jankowski says
Can’t wait for you to try it!
Anita says
Can attest that indeed mashed potato with cream cheese tastes really good. 🙂
Jess Jankowski says
Isn’t it the best?!?
Sophie says
Love this unique mashed potato. I love the fact that you have used some unique ingredients in creating this recipe.
Jess Jankowski says
Thank you! Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Jere Cassidy says
I am married to a potato farmer so we have mashed potatoes all the time, but nothing that looks as good as your naughty mashed potatoes.
Jess Jankowski says
Oh boy! I am so jealous! That would be very dangerous for me if my husband was a potato farmer…I would make these all the time!
Laura | Wandercooks says
Oh my I am drooling. Nothing naughty about making a delicious serve of creamy mash!!
Jess Jankowski says
Right?! You deserve this!
Alison says
I love the name of this mashed potato recipe! Yukon golds always deliver such a creamy mashed potato. This recipe is going on my Thanksgiving menu!
Jo Allison says
Sometimes you just need to pull out all the stops like you’ve done with your naught mashed potatoes, the creamier and more indulgent the better! It’s definitely my favourite way of serving potatoes!
Jess Jankowski says
I just put on my stretchy pants and go for it!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
Mashed potatoes are one of my favourite sides and I love the sound of naughty mashed potatoes so will definitely have to give these a try!
Jess Jankowski says
I can promise you, you will not regret it!