Snowy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes with chives and a hint of paprika, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook potatoes until tender and drain; mash.
- Add cream cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, and minced garlic to the mashed potatoes.
- Beat at high speed until smooth.
- Stir in chopped chives.
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a lightly greased 2 1/2-quart dish.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Dot with butter.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For creamier mashed potatoes, consider using half-and-half in place of sour cream. If you prefer a garlicky flavor, roast the garlic before adding it for a sweeter note. Make sure to use starchy potatoes like Russets for the best texture. If chives aren't available, green onions or parsley can be excellent substitutes.
Serving Suggestions
These Snowy Mashed Potatoes make a perfect side dish for holiday dinners or weeknight meals. They pair beautifully with roasted meats, such as chicken or beef, and are a great accompaniment to vegetarian recipes like stuffed bell peppers. Consider serving them alongside Pickled Beets And Onion Rings for a colorful plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Snowy Mashed Potatoes contains roughly 791 calories, with 14g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (125% of the Daily Value), potassium (63% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 794mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes a day in advance. Just follow the recipe until step 5, then cover and refrigerate. Before serving, sprinkle with paprika and dot with butter, then bake as directed. This makes it convenient for gatherings.
Why did my mashed potatoes turn out gluey?
Gluey mashed potatoes can occur if you overmix them. To avoid this, mash the potatoes until just smooth, then gently fold in the other ingredients. Use a potato masher or ricer for the best results. Avoid using a food processor, as it can lead to a gummy texture.
Can I freeze leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze mashed potatoes for up to 2 months. To do this, cool them completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently. You may need to add a little milk to restore the consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).