Cut the already peeled and rinsed potatoes into ½" thick slices. Slicing them like this will help them cook more quickly and evenly. Add the slices to a pot and add cold water until the potatoes are covered by about 1 inch. Add 1 tbsp salt to the water.
4 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, 1 tbsp salt
Bring the potatoes to a full boil on high heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cover the pot with the spill stopper lid. (I love this lid! It's linked above.) Cook the potatoes for 20-25 minutes on medium heat, until the potato slices easily break apart.
Drain the potatoes using a large colander. Allow the potatoes to sit in the colander for about 5 minutes to ensure that they fully drain, which is important because you do NOT want watery, soupy mashed potatoes. You may think they're fully drained right away but they will be quite waterlogged right out of the pot- so let them sit in the colander.Once completely drained, rice the potatoes back into the warm pot. (See Note 2 below) Add the cream cheese, milk, and butter to a microwave-safe bowl or large measuring cup. Microwave until the cream cheese and butter are melted enough to combine with a whisk. Add the salt and finely ground black pepper to the cream cheese mixture and whisk until all ingredients are well combined.
8 oz cream cheese, 6 tbsp salted butter, ½ cup milk, ½ tsp salt, 1 pinch finely ground black pepper
Create a well in the middle of the warm potatoes and pour in the cream cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
Serve these delicious, creamy mashed potatoes right away. Or, put them back on the stove on low heat to keep them warm until you are ready to eat, making sure to stir them frequently to prevent scorching.