If the mashed potatoes you make are always bland, Martha Stewart has a game-changing tip that will up your potato game.
And no, it has nothing to do with peeling technique, potato variety, or how aggressively you whisk. According to Martha, the secret to ultra creamy, ultra dreamy mashed potatoes is simple: CREAM CHEESE.
During a visit to the Today show, Martha dropped the wisdom she picked up from her mom. Her method is built on classic basics like butter and milk, but with one rich upgrade that apparently makes all the difference. As she put it, “My mother’s mashed potatoes, secret ingredient. Cream cheese with the butter and milk.”
The internet did what the internet always does, and people quickly split into Team Martha and Team Absolutely Not. Some commenters praised the idea for adding tang and extra richness. Others declared their loyalty to alternatives like sour cream or Greek yogurt, both of which also bring a little zip to the bowl without as much decadence.
The fun part is that none of this changes the basics. Mashed potatoes are still one of the most forgiving dishes on the table. Whether you go rustic and lumpy, silky and whipped, buttery, tangy, garlicky, roasted, or dairy-free, adding cream cheese just gives you one more option to test while everyone is in the kitchen sneaking samples.
If you want to test the Martha method for yourself, she shared the tip on air. And she posted her full recipe online, which keeps things simple but indulgent.