Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe
If ever you’ve longed for dreamy, rich, impossibly creamy mashed potatoes, these Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes will absolutely win your heart (and have friends and family asking for seconds). This recipe turns the humble spud into pure comfort, laced with tangy cream cheese, a whisper of garlic, and a golden swirl of butter. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or making a cozy weeknight meal, these potatoes always manage to steal the show—trust me, you won’t want to make mashed potatoes any other way once you taste this version.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes may taste extravagant, but the ingredient list is refreshingly simple—each item is essential, bringing something special to the table. Here’s how these building blocks work together to create the magic:
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (4 pounds, peeled and cut into chunks): These varieties strike the perfect balance between creaminess and fluffiness, creating that luscious base we crave.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The secret ingredient for richness and an irresistible tang that puts the “million dollar” in every bite.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds another layer of creaminess and a slight tang for depth of flavor.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Buttery bliss, melted to evenly coat each spud and blend seamlessly.
- Whole milk (½ cup, warmed): Keeps things silky—and warming it first helps keep the mash nice and hot.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Subtle savory aroma that brings the potatoes to life without overpowering them.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brightens and balances each mouthful, making all the flavors pop.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just a hint of warm spice, complementing the richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup, optional): For those who dare to double down on decadence—creamy, melty, cheesy goodness.
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley (for garnish): A flutter of green for color and a fresh, zippy finish.
How to Make Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Start by piling your peeled and chunked potatoes into a large pot, then cover them in cold water, giving them a generous sprinkle of salt. Bring everything up to a bubbly boil over high heat, then dial it down to medium so they can gently simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Your potatoes are perfectly ready when a fork glides in with no resistance—soft, but not falling apart. Drain them well and return to the pot to let any lingering moisture escape.
Step 2: Mash to Perfection
Now comes the fun part! Grab a trusty potato masher—or, for super smooth results, a hand mixer. Mash those steaming hot potatoes until they reach your preferred smoothness. A few rustic lumps are delightful, but go as creamy as your heart desires. The steam helps them stay extra fluffy.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Base
Add in the softened cream cheese, tangy sour cream, melted butter, warmed whole milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and swirl everything together until the potatoes become smooth, rich, and utterly dreamy—the essence of Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes. For an over-the-top touch, now’s the moment to fold in that shredded cheddar cheese; it melts in for pockets of cheesy joy.
Step 4: Taste and Season
Taste-test time—the best part! Adjust salt and pepper to suit your preference. These potatoes are all about balance, so don’t be shy about seasoning until you get the flavor just right for your crew.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Spoon your masterpiece into a serving dish, then finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley. Their color and brightness pop against the creamy pillows below, adding a final flourish that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes
Garnishes
A generous scattering of chopped chives or parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds freshness and helps cut through the rich, creamy potatoes. You can also try a dusting of paprika, a pat of extra butter, or even crispy shallots for texture and a gourmet finish.
Side Dishes
These Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes make the ultimate partner for roast chicken, beef tenderloin, turkey, or holiday hams. If you’re thinking meatless, they also pair perfectly with roasted mushrooms, green beans, or a big colorful salad. Basically, wherever you’d want comfort food, these potatoes belong.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, serve them in individual ramekins, top with melted cheese, and broil until golden and bubbly. Or pipe the mashed potatoes onto plates with a pastry bag for an elegant touch. You could even make cute potato “nests” for topping with a nest of veggies or mushrooms—fun and sure to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes are pure gold the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep beautifully for up to three days. The flavors even get richer as they mingle overnight.
Freezing
Believe it or not, these mashed potatoes freeze like a dream. Transfer to a freezer-safe container, smoothing them flat, and cover tightly. They can be frozen for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating, adding a splash of milk to revive their creamy texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil until hot through, about 20-30 minutes. Or warm smaller amounts in the microwave, stirring every minute for even heating. If the potatoes seem stiff, just stir in a little extra milk or butter to bring back their original fluffiness.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat dairy options in Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes?
Absolutely! You can swap in low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, or milk if you’d like a lighter version. Just know that the finished potatoes might be a touch less creamy and rich, but they’ll still be delicious and satisfying.
Do I have to peel the potatoes first?
Peeling is traditional and yields that ultra-smooth texture, but if you prefer a more rustic vibe, you can leave the skins on—especially with Yukon Golds, whose skins are thin and tender. Just be sure to scrub them well before using.
Can I make Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes ahead for a crowd?
Yes! In fact, this dish is a lifesaver for entertaining. Simply assemble the potatoes, transfer them to a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to two days. Bring to room temp and reheat when ready to serve—they’ll still taste freshly made.
What’s the best way to get smooth, lump-free potatoes?
For super smooth Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes, use a potato ricer or a hand mixer, and make sure the potatoes are hot for mashing. Adding the dairy ingredients while everything’s still warm ensures they’ll blend in perfectly for the fluffiest result.
Is it possible to double this recipe?
Definitely—just double every ingredient and use a big enough pot (and a little muscle for mashing). These potatoes are perfect for feeding a big group at holidays or Sunday dinners, and leftovers are always a bonus!
Final Thoughts
Ready to give these Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes a try? They’re velvety, comforting, and outrageously delicious—just the kind of side that makes every meal feel like a celebration. Once you whip up a batch, don’t be surprised if they become the most requested dish at your table. Enjoy every dreamy bite!
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Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the luxurious creaminess of Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes – a side dish that elevates any meal to a whole new level. With a blend of rich ingredients, these mashed potatoes are a true showstopper.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 4 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
For the Mash:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup whole milk (warmed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: Place potatoes in a pot, cover with water, add salt, and boil until tender.
- Mash and Combine: Drain potatoes, mash, and mix in cream cheese, sour cream, butter, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Optional: Fold in cheddar cheese. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Transfer to a dish, garnish, and enjoy!
Notes
- To make ahead, transfer the mashed potatoes to a baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat at 350°F for 30–40 minutes, or until heated through. Add an extra splash of milk if needed to loosen the texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¾ cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
