Party Potatoes
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Party potatoes are the ultimate comfort food- rich and fluffy mashed potatoes with sour cream and cream cheese to make them extra creamy. They are a perfect side dish for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, potlucks or any special occasion.
Growing up, my mom made these party potatoes every holiday. They were always a family favorite, and no holiday meal was complete without her famous party mashed potatoes with cream cheese on the table.
These potatoes pair beautifully with everything from a classic Thanksgiving Turkey to weeknight favorites like Meatloaf, Steak Bites, or even an Open Face Turkey Sandwich.
The best part? You can make them ahead of time, so party planning is a breeze. Just prep them the day before and you’ll have one less thing to worry about.
Everyone will be asking for seconds! This holiday side dish is sure to become a new favorite at your family gatherings too.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Simple Ingredients: No complicated ingredients—just pantry staples you probably already have.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep them the day before, so your holiday meal is stress-free.
- Freezer-Friendly: Stash a batch in the freezer for busy weeknights.
- Perfect Holiday Side: Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.
- Family Favorite: A tried-and-true mashed potato recipe that’s been loved for generations.
Party Potatoes Ingredients
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Potatoes – My mom always used white potatoes but I like to switch it up and use russet potatoes, yukon gold potatoes, or a combination of potato varieties sometimes.
- Cream Cheese – Adds richness and creaminess. Use full-fat for best results, but reduced-fat can be substituted if needed.
- Sour Cream – Provides a slight tang and smooth texture.
- Milk – While whole milk will be the creamiest, but any milk will do.
- Butter – Adds a rich, buttery finish. You can use salted or unsalted butter, whatever you have on hand.
- Paprika – Optional garnish for color and a hint of smoky flavor.
- Chives – Optional garnish for a fresh, mild onion flavor. Green onions or fresh parsley can be substituted if desired.
How to Make Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
Prep: Peel and cube potatoes. Coat a 9 x 13 baking pan or 3-quart dish with nonstick spray.
Boil: Place potatoes in a pot, cover with water, and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Pro Tip
Place potatoes in a pot, cover with cold water, and then bring to a boil. Adding potatoes to boiling water can cause them to cook unevenly.
Mash: Drain, then mash potatoes with cream cheese, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper.
Bake: Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 35-45 minutes until golden.
Finish: Drizzle with melted butter and garnish with paprika and chives before serving.
Make Ahead Party Potatoes
Prep up through step 4, adding an extra ¼ cup of milk to keep the potatoes from drying out. Cover unbaked mashed potatoes tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Allow to sit on the countertop for 30 minutes before baking as directed in the recipe card. Or bake straight from the fridge, adding 10-15 mins to bake time.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Party potatoes also freeze well. Place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer baggie and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To reheat, cover with aluminum foil and bake at 325°F for 30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave for about 3-4 minutes or until heated through. Stir in a generous splash of milk if the potatoes are dry.
Tips for the Best Party Potatoes
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures smooth mixing and prevents lumps.
- Drain Potatoes Well: This prevents watery mashed potatoes, resulting in a creamier texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the potatoes gummy. Mix just until smooth.
Serving Suggestions
Party potatoes are the perfect side dish for holiday meals or virtually any meaty main course. Pair them with anything from Short Ribs to Salisbury Steaks to Pork Chops for a delicious, comforting meal.
They taste great on their own, served topped with a pat of butter, or with gravy drizzled over the top. My turkey neck gravy recipe or this easy turkey gravy without drippings pairs perfectly with them!
Recipe Variations to Try
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Stir in 2-3 cloves of roasted garlic with the cream cheese and sour cream for a rich, garlicky flavor.
- Cheddar Mashed Potatoes: Mix 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the potatoes before baking for a cheesy twist.
- Bacon Mashed Potatoes: Fold in 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon before transferring the potatoes to the baking dish for a savory, smoky flavor.
- Spicy Mashed Potatoes: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture for a bit of heat.
More Holiday Side Dish Recipes
- Creamed Spinach
- Cornbread with Jiffy Mix and Creamed Corn
- Baked Mac & Cheese
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Glazed Carrots in the Crockpot
- Herb Biscuit Pull-Apart Bread
Party Potatoes
Ingredients
- 5 lbs potatoes peeled and cubed (white, russet, yukon gold)
- 8 ounce cream cheese cubed and at room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons whole milk
- ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- paprika optional garnish
- chopped chives optional garnish
Instructions
- Place cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Sprinkle with a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat (about 10 minutes), then reduce to a simmer and cook potatoes until very tender (about 15 to 20 minutes)
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 325℉. Spray a 3-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Drain potatoes and return to the pot (or transfer to large mixing bowl).
- Add cream cheese, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Mash potatoes with a potato masher, potato ricer, or electric mixer until smooth. Don’t over mix.
- Transfer to baking dish and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden.
- Just before serving, melt butter in the microwave and drizzle over the top of the potatoes. Sprinkle with paprika and/or chopped chives before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients so that they mix together easily.
- Drain potatoes well to avoid watering down your mashed potatoes.
- Add onion salt, garlic powder, or your choice of seasonings for added flavor.
- Add shredded cheese for cheesy potatoes.
Nutrition
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