Southern mash potatoes are a classic dish that can be enjoyed any time of year. The Southern twist on this classic recipe makes it even more delicious and addictive. Made with creamy, smooth mashed potatoes and infused with the flavor of garlic, onion, and cream cheese, this dish will be a real hit at your next potluck or family gathering.
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Many years ago, I visited a friend for Thanksgiving, she was from the south and made the most awesome mashed potatoes recipe. I begged her for the recipe and have been making it ever since and think you’ll love it!
It makes an awesome change from traditional mashed potatoes and sweet mashed potatoes.
Why you’ll love these southern style mashed potatoes
- So easy to make, you can also prepare ahead of time, allowing you more time to spend with friends and family.
- A real crowd pleaser, this is a mashed potato recipe that everyone loves, young or old!
- Perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving table, Easter, and Christmas dinner.
- All the ingredients are 100% vegetarian.
Ingredients you’ll need for the best southern mashed potatoes
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below for this delicious southern mashed potato recipe.
This has to be one of our favorite recipes for perfect mashed potatoes and judging by how quickly they are eaten, they are a firm family favorite!
How to make creamy southern mashed potatoes with step-by-step instructions
Making our creamy mashed potatoes recipe is easy if you follow our simple instructions.
A full printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil, then add your peeled, washed, and cut russet potatoes and bring them to a boil.
Simmer the potatoes for approximately 20 – 25 minutes until soft and fork tender.
Meanwhile, heat oil over a medium, add garlic, and sauté for 45 seconds; add onion and cook until translucent, approximately 5 – 7 minutes, then set aside.
Drain your boiled potatoes in a colander and place them back in the pan.
Start to mash your potatoes, then add the garlic and onion mixture, half and half, cream cheese, salt, and pepper, then mash to the texture you prefer (we like smooth and creamy mashed potatoes.)
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade mashed potatoes!
Recipe notes and expert tips
- Potatoes
The best potatoes to use are either Russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes. - Prepare ahead
Peel potatoes ahead and leave in a large pot of cold water. - Serve with
This mashed potato is delicious when served with vegetarian fried chicken. - Storage
Store covered or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
How do I store leftover mashed potatoes?
Southern-style mashed potatoes will keep for up to 3 days when covered and stored in the fridge.
When reheating mashed potatoes, slowly reheat them in a pan and add a little half-and-half or butter to keep them from drying.
Freezing mashed potatoes is an option, but we prefer them fresh; they will freeze for up to 3 months,
Can I make mashed potatoes ahead?
Yes and no.
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of freshly made piping hot mashed potatoes, so we always recommend that you make it when you want to serve it.
However, it is possible to do a lot of the preparation ahead of time.
Peel and cut potatoes and keep them in a bowl of water until ready to cook.
Peel and chop the onions and garlic until you are ready to use them.
This way, a lot of the work has already been done and you then just have to cook it.
Want loaded mashed potatoes?
Load your Southern mashed potatoes up with vegetarian bacon, shredded cheese, and chives.
Swap out the cream cheese and use sour cream instead for a luxurious creamy texture.
Potato ricer or potato masher?
If you want the ultimate smooth mashed potatoes then a potato ricer will do the job really well.
There won’t be a lump in sight and it’s well worth the extra effort, we love our potato ricer.
A potato masher is a great cost efficient option, easy to use, a masher does a very decent job!
What type of potato makes the best mashed potatoes?
There are many types of potatoes that can be used for mashed potatoes, but there are two types of potatoes for mashed potatoes, the Russet potato, and Yukon gold.
The Russet potato is a large, starchy potato that has light brown skin. When boiled, the flesh of the Russet potato becomes soft and fluffy, making it perfect for mashing.
Yukon gold potatoes have a buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy milk and rich butter. Plus, they’re nice and starchy, so they’ll make your mash nice and thick.
More easy potato recipes for you to try at home
If you love our creamy Southern mashed potatoes recipe, then why not try these potato recipes?
Southern mash potato
Utensils
Ingredients
- 5 lbs Russet potatoes peeled, washed and cut into quarters
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves
- 1 medium Medium onion peeled and chopped
- 3/4 cup Butter
- ½ cup Half and half
- 8 oz Cream cheese
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
- Parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Then add your peeled, washed and cut potatoes and bring to a boil. Simmer for approximately 20-25 minutes until soft.5 lbs Russet potatoes
- Meanwhile, heat oil over a medium heat, add garlic and sauté for 45 seconds, add the onion and cook until translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes, then set aside.2 cloves Garlic cloves, 1 medium Medium onion
- Drain your potatoes in a colander and place them back in the pan. Start to mash your potatoes and then add the garlic and onion, butter, half and half, cream cheese, salt and black pepper. Now mash your potatoes to the texture you prefer (we like ours smooth and creamy). Transfer to a serving dish and add chopped parsley for garnish. Serve immediately. Enjoy your dreamy creamy southern mash!3/4 cup Butter, ½ cup Half and half, 8 oz Cream cheese, ½ tsp Salt, ¼ tsp Black pepper, Parsley
Notes
The best potatoes to use are either Russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes. Prepare ahead
Peel potatoes ahead and leave in a large pot of cold water. Serve with
This mashed potato is delicious when served with vegetarian fried chicken. Storage
Store covered or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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Amy Liu Dong says
This is so easy and delicious! Such a perfect side dish to make for my steak.
Mandy from Splash of Taste says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Sharina says
Southern mash potatoes are so delicious and addicting. My family can’t get enough of it. Highly recommended!
Mandy from Splash of Taste says
They are, aren’t they! Glad your family love them!
Sonia says
So easy to make, yet so rich, creamy, and delicious! I made them as a side for roasted meat, and they were a perfect pair.
Mandy from Splash of Taste says
Really pleased you enjoyed it!
Kris says
True comfort food! The cream cheese was a divine addition. Will make again!
Mandy from Splash of Taste says
Yes we love a big bowl of this!
Brooke says
So delicious and decadent! Perfect recipe AGAIN! Thanks!!
Mandy from Splash of Taste says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Jan says
There is nothing better in life than a plate of mash! Yum!
Mandy from Splash of Taste says
Totally agree!