Dreamy, creamy mashed potatoes are just a step away.

Mashed potatoes are the champion of side dishes.

They pair with every key in of meal, frombarbecued chickento beef tenderloin,grilled fishto skewered vegetables.

Southern Living Easiest Mashed Potatoes

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In short, there’s a time and a place for mashed potatoesand that is all the time.

They’ll make for a rich and buttery scoop of potatoes.

But if you want the creamiest mashed potatoes ever, cream cheese really is the secret.

Southern Living Homemade Mashed Potatoes adding the butter, cream cheese, and half and half to the pan

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So keep these tips in mind as you’re cooking and planning:

Southern Living Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese in a serving bowl

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox