Southern Mash Potato

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.

Creamy, buttery Southern mash in a serving dish.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, I earn a small commission. Thank you!

Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes and tips from us each week!

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.

Ingredients needed, onion, parsley, cream cheese, potatoes, butter, salt and pepper, half and half, and garlic cloves.

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.

Potatoes boiled in a large pot.
Bring peeled and cut potatoes to a boil and then simmer until fork tender.
Garlic and onion sauteed in a pan.
Sautee garlic and onion.

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.

Cooked potatoes mashed in a pot.
Drain your cooked potatoes, return to the pan, and mash them.
Mashed potatoes with cream cheese, half and half, butter, garlic, and onions added to it.
Add the onion mixture, cream cheese, butter, half and half, salt, and pepper, then mix them in.

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!

And if you’re looking for another Southern recipe, why not try Southern macaroni salad.

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,

Southern mashed potatoes in a serving bowl.

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!

Creamy mashed potatoes on a serving dish with a garlic clove nearby.

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?

Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes and tips from us each week!

Southern Mash Potato

Add some zing to your mashed potatoes with this southern-style recipe! It's packed with flavor, and sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Best of all, it's easy to make and can be on the table in no time. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings8
Calories491
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Utensils

Potato ricer optional
Potato masher

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

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 491kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 403mg | Potassium: 1279mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 922IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 3mg

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.

Did you make this recipe?

We love hearing how you went with ours recipes! Tag us on Instagram at @splash_of_taste_uk

You may also like…

Crispy Chickpea Nuggets Recipe

A healthy, protein-packed alternative to traditional chicken nuggets, Chickpea Nuggets are a dream come true! Whether you’re vegetarian, looking for gluten-free options, or simply want…

Learn how to make cheesy mashed potatoes

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




12 Comments

  1. 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.