Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

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Once you try these Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, there’s no going back! They’re creamy and fluffy with the flavor of garlic and they include a surprise ingredient that makes them extra special. This is a family-friendly side dish that’s so easy to make!

There’s nothing like fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes, and this Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes recipe has been my go-to for years.

I used to use russet potatoes in all of my mashed potato recipes, but once I tried them with yukon gold potatoes there was no going back.

Yukon golds have a high starch content and creamy texture that translates to the silkiest, fluffy mash ever, which is why I use them in my Instant Pot mashed potatoes and twice baked mashed potatoes as well.

This is my family’s most requested side dish, and has been a reader favorite for years!

Table of contents

• Why you’ll love this recipe
• Recipe ingredients
  • Ingredient notes

  

  Why you’ll love this recipe

  • It’s an elevated, family-friendly side dish. Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes? This recipe is elevated with creamy, fluffy yukon gold potatoes and cream cheese, which lends a slightly tangy flavor.
  • It’s highly customizable. These mashed potatoes are just rich enough so that the potato flavor shines. For added richness, add additional milk or sub the milk with half and half or heavy cream.
  • It’s easy to make. This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and they’re ready in about 30 minutes.
  • It’s versatile. This is versatile side dish that can be changed up by adding herbs and spices, and it can be served with almost any dish!

  Recipe ingredients

  The ingredients in this yukon gold mashed potatoes recipe can be changed up a number of different ways as outlined in the ingredient notes below.

  The ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card.

  

  Ingredient notes

  • Yukon gold potatoes. The yukon gold potatoes are my secret ingredient for perfect mashed potatoes. They have a higher starch content and creamier texture than russet potatoes, an almost buttery flavor, and they don’t absorb as much water as well.
  • Garlic. I always add garlic in my mashed potatoes for flavor. I used to use roasted garlic, which is always good, but it’s time consuming. A family member filled me in years ago about cooking garlic cloves with the potatoes and I’ve been doing it ever since. Once the garlic is cooked, it’s nice, soft, and mash-able! The garlic may be omitted if you prefer.
  • Cream cheese. I got the idea to make mashed potatoes with cream cheese from the same family member that clued me in about cooking garlic with the potatoes. It adds creaminess and a nice, tangy flavor that I love. It may be substituted with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  • Butter. Soften your butter to room temperature, and use unsalted butter to control the amount of sodium.
  • Milk. Use whatever type of milk that you have on hand. Whole milk will add the most richness. For extra rich mashed potatoes, consider half and half or heavy cream.

  How to make yukon mashed potatoes

  These yukon mashed potatoes are extremely easy to make. Simply set out the cream cheese and butter to soften, and peel and chop your potatoes.

  No special equipment is necessary — I simply use a bowl and a potato masher!

  Pro tip: Be sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mashing them into the potatoes to prevent any lumps.

  See the recipe card below for full instructions.

  

  1. Cut the potatoes into 1″ chunks and toss them into a large pot with the garlic cloves. Fill the pot with water until it covers the potatoes by about 2″, cover, and bring to a boil. Boil for 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender.
  2. Drain the potatoes well in a colander.
  3. Place the potatoes back in the pan or in a large bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, butter, milk and salt and pepper, to taste.
  4. Mash with a potato masher or beat with a hand held mixer until they reach the desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

  

  Recipe FAQs

  What’s so special about yukon gold potatoes?

  Yukon gold potatoes have a creamy texture and higher starch content, so they lend a fluffy, creamy texture to your mashed potatoes. They also have a buttery, nutty flavor, and they don’t absorb as much water as they cook.

  How do you add garlic to potatoes while boiling?

  Place the desired amount of garlic cloves on a cutting board and smash them with the side of a knife. Peel them and add them to the pot with cubed potatoes and boil until the potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.

  The garlic will be perfectly soft and mash-able and will add a nice mellow garlic flavor to the mashed potatoes.

  Why make mashed potatoes with cream cheese?

  Cream cheese is a secret ingredient that makes these yukon mashed potatoes extra special! It adds creaminess and a delicious, tangy flavor. It can be substituted with Greek yogurt or sour cream if you don’t have any on hand.

  What is the best way to mash potatoes?

  I prefer to use a potato masher as it’s super easy and I don’t mind if my mashed potatoes are perfectly smooth.

  I don’t recommend using a mixer or blender as the potatoes can become gluey or gummy. A potato ricer is the best option to achieving super smooth mashed potatoes.

  Serving suggestions

  The sky is the limit on the ways that you can serve up this yukon gold mashed potatoes recipe!

  • Make your weeknights extra special by serving this alongside pork chops with creamy mushroom sauce or baked salmon.
  • It makes a comforting meal served with beef bourguignon or Instant pot short ribs.
  • This recipe is a must for Thanksgiving served with dry brine roast turkey and homemade turkey gravy. It’s also great for Christmas with slow cooker ham!
  • It make a great Sunday dinner side dish served with pork loin roast or roasted chicken.
  • Use leftover yukon mashed potatoes to prepare classic shepherd’s pie by The Wholesome Dish.
  • Change up this recipe by adding your favorite spices, grated cheese or chopped herbs such as thyme or rosemary.

  Recipe notes

  • Pro tip: Be sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mashing them into the potatoes to prevent any lumps.
  • For richer yukon gold mashed potatoes, substitute half and half or heavy whipping cream for the milk.
  • Add more milk as desired to achieve the right consistency for you.
  • Sub the cream cheese with sour cream or Green yogurt for a nice tangy flavor.
  • Store leftover mashed potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave.

  

  More potato recipes you’ll love:

  • Air fryer baked potatoes
  • Air fryer potatoes
  • Crispy smashed potatoes
  • Slow cooker mashed potatoes

  Did you try this recipe? If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram

  

  Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

  Servings: 8 servings

  Prep Time: 15 minutes mins Cook Time: 10 minutes mins Additional Time: 0 minutes mins Total Time: 25 minutes mins

  Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes are creamy and fluffy with garlic flavor and include a surprise ingredient that makes them extra special. This is a family-friendly side dish that's so easy to make!

  Ingredients

  • 3 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and chopped into 1″ chunks
  • 4 cloves garlic smashed, peeled, and cut in half width-wise
  • 2 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened, plus more for serving
  • ½ cup milk
  • salt and pepper to taste

  Instructions

  Place the potatoes and garlic cloves in a large pot. Fill with water up to 2" over the potatoes. Cover and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Once boiling, remove the lid, and reduce the heat slightly. Boil for 10 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender. Drain well in a colander.

  3 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes, 4 cloves garlic

  Place the potatoes in a large bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, butter, milk and salt and pepper, to taste. Mash with a potato masher or beat with a hand held mixer until they reach the desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

  2 ounces cream cheese, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, ½ cup milk, salt and pepper Serve warm with chives and additional butter, if desired. Enjoy!

  Notes

  • Pro tip: Be sure to soften the cream cheese to room temperature to ensure that it becomes smooth once it’s mashed.
  • For richer yukon gold mashed potatoes, substitute half and half or heavy whipping cream for the milk.
  • Add more milk as desired to achieve the right consistency for you.
  • Sub the cream cheese with sour cream or Green yogurt for a nice tangy flavor.
  • Store leftover mashed potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave.

  Nutrition

  Calories: 192 kcal , Carbohydrates: 31 g , Protein: 4 g , Fat: 6 g , Saturated Fat: 3 g , Cholesterol: 17 mg , Sodium: 40 mg , Potassium: 752 mg , Fiber: 4 g , Sugar: 2 g , Vitamin A: 207 IU , Vitamin C: 34 mg , Calcium: 47 mg , Iron: 1 mg

  Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

  Course: Side Dishes Cuisine: American All recipes and images © Flavor the Moments.

  Did you try this recipe? Be sure to tag @flavorthemoments with the hashtag #flavorthemoments on Instagram so I can see what you made!

  **This post was originally published in March 2013. The photos have been updated to include step by step instructions and the text has been modified to include more recipe information.