Do Share Recipe

Creamy Holiday Mashed Potatoes Recipe | Festive Side Dish

I just pulled a big bowl of these Creamy Holiday Mashed Potatoes Recipe out of the kitchen, and they turned out so silky, comforting, and festive. I used a simple, classic method and made a few tweaks to suit my taste and holiday table. Every bite felt just right: rich cream cheese, warm milk, buttery potatoes perfect for cozy family dinners.

You can also enjoy these alongside a one pan roasted herb chicken and wild rice recipe for the ultimate comforting meal combination. I promise, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to holiday side dish. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients I used and why each one matters.

10 large potatoes, peeled — I like using starchy potatoes such as Yukon Gold or Russet because they mash smoothly and soak up butter and milk perfectly.
2 cups milk (2% or whole) — warm milk gives that extra creaminess and helps the potatoes absorb flavor evenly.
250 g cream cheese, cubed — cream cheese adds tang and richness that keeps the mashed potatoes extra velvety.
¼ cup butter — melted butter infuses richness and that signature holiday flavor.
1 tsp salt — a small amount brings balance and enhances the natural potato flavor.
Finely chopped chives, optional — I like adding them at the end for a pop of color and freshness.

Note: Serves several people — perfect for a family holiday meal or dinner party.

Variations

Want to tweak this recipe to suit your preferences or diet? Try one of these delicious variations:

Dairy-free option: Use unsweetened oat milk or almond milk instead of dairy milk, vegan cream cheese, and plant-based butter. You’ll still get a rich, creamy texture.
Lighter version: Use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter yet still smooth mash.
Garlic and cheddar twist: Stir in ½ cup grated sharp cheddar and 3 minced garlic cloves for a cheesy, savory upgrade.
Herb & mustard style: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like thyme or basil, and add ¼ cup grainy Dijon mustard for a flavorful punch.
Smoky red pepper version: Blend in roasted red peppers and sliced green onions for color and subtle sweetness.

For a French-inspired touch, you might also love this flavorful saucy french chicken recipe that pairs beautifully with these creamy mashed potatoes.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Large saucepan — for boiling potatoes evenly without crowding.
Potato masher or ricer — ensures a smooth, fluffy texture.
Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan — to warm the milk, butter, and cream cheese together.
Colander or strainer — helps remove all excess water before mashing.
Serving bowl — for presentation and keeping your mashed potatoes warm.

How to Make Creamy Holiday Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Cook the potatoes

Peel and cut the potatoes in half. Place them in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and cook until a fork slides in easily — about 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 2: Warm the milk mixture

While the potatoes cook, gently heat the milk in a bowl or saucepan. Add the cream cheese and butter, stirring until melted and combined into a smooth mixture. This step ensures the ingredients blend easily into the hot potatoes later.

Step 3: Drain and mash

Once the potatoes are fork-tender, drain them well and let them sit for a minute in the warm pot so extra moisture evaporates. Mash until smooth and fluffy using a masher or ricer.

Step 4: Combine and season

Pour the warm milk, butter, and cream cheese mixture into the mashed potatoes. Add salt and gently mix until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix — that can make the mash gluey instead of creamy.

Step 5: Serve or keep warm

Transfer to a serving bowl and top with a little butter and chopped chives for garnish. If not serving immediately, cover and keep warm in a low oven or slow cooker until ready to enjoy.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I’ve made this recipe several times, and these small tweaks make all the difference:

I always mash by hand — using an electric mixer can overwork the potatoes and make them gummy.
I pre-warm the milk, butter, and cream cheese so the mixture absorbs easily into the hot potatoes without cooling them down.
After draining, I leave the pot uncovered on low heat for 30 seconds to let excess steam escape — this prevents watery mashed potatoes.
I adjust the salt at the very end; sometimes, the potatoes need a touch more seasoning once the dairy is added.
If I’m serving later, I keep the mash covered in a warm oven so it stays soft and creamy.

How to Serve Creamy Holiday Mashed Potatoes

To serve, spoon the mashed potatoes into a large, shallow serving dish and gently swirl the top with the back of a spoon. Add a small pat of butter to the center and sprinkle chives or parsley for a fresh touch.

These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with roasted turkey, beef, lamb, or even vegetarian mains like lentil loaf or roasted mushrooms. For extra flair, drizzle a little browned butter over the top right before serving — it looks gorgeous and tastes heavenly.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: Approximately 320 kcal
Protein: About 7 g
Carbohydrates: Around 42 g
Fat: Roughly 15 g

This dish is indulgent yet balanced — perfect for special occasions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage

If you prepare your mashed potatoes in advance, cover and refrigerate them for up to 5 hours before reheating. Make sure they’re completely cool before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing

You can freeze mashed potatoes for up to one month. Store in airtight containers or freezer bags. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally and add a splash of milk or butter to bring back the creamy texture. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this mashed potato recipe has become one of my holiday favorites:

Ultra creamy and flavorful: The mix of cream cheese, butter, and milk makes it rich without being heavy.
Easy to make: Simple steps and basic ingredients make this recipe practically foolproof.
Customizable: You can adjust flavors easily — add garlic, herbs, or cheese to make it your own.
Perfect for holidays: The smooth, buttery texture looks beautiful on any festive table.
Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves mashed potatoes, and this version never fails to impress guests.

These Creamy Holiday Mashed Potatoes are pure comfort in a bowl — soft, fluffy, and rich enough to steal the spotlight on your dinner table. Whether you’re serving them at a grand Christmas feast or a cozy winter meal, this recipe guarantees you’ll have everyone asking for seconds. I make them every year, and they never disappoint — I hope they become a staple in your holiday kitchen, too!

Ben Carraoli