Replace your traditional recipe with these cream cheese mashed potatoes, and you’ll never go back.

These ingredients provide a bit of tang and a texture that is velvety and rich.

This version brings chives to the party, but you could use parsley or chervil or none at all.

Southern Living Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese in a serving bowl

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Mashed potatoes can also be made up to two days in advance, if needed.

Transfer the prepared potatoes to a baking dish, wrap tightly, and store in the refrigerator.

Bring to room temperature before warming, covered, in a preheated 350F oven until hot throughout.

Southern Living Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Stir in a splash of milk if the potatoes seem dry after reheating.

Round out the meal with roasted vegetables, a seasonal salad, or cookedgreens.

kosher salt to the water; stir to dissolve.

Southern Living Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese potatoes in the pot covered with water

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Drain potatoes and mash:

Drain the potatoes, and return them to the pot.

Cook over low heat 1 to 2 minutes, until they have dried out.

Put the butter and cream cheese in the bottom of a large bowl.

Southern Living Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese cooked potatoes in the pot

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

(If you like a chunkier mash, you’re able to also mash by hand).

Add minced chives, remaining 2 tsp.

salt, and pepper.

Southern Living Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese potatoes back in the pot after draining

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

If desired, place a couple pats of butter on top of the potatoes to melt before serving.

Garnish with additional chives, if using.

We added a bit of both in this recipe for the perfect texture, richness, and tanginess.

Southern Living Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese butter and cream cheese in a bowl

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Undercooked potatoes, overmixed potatoes, or insufficient draining can all cause your mashed potatoes to become gummy.

Adding cold butter, milk, or cream can also cause the starches to seize up and become gummy.

Southern Living Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese potatoes mashed in a bowl

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese folding in the sour cream

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese adding the chives and salt and pepper

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese finished in the mixing bowl

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox