Peel the potatoes and slice about 1 inch thick. Put in a saucepan, cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, continue to cook for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. Meanwhile, cut the cream cheese and the butter into small pieces. If using dried parsley, mix it with the milk and let it sit to soften.

When the potatoes are soft, turn off the heat, drain the potatoes, and return to the burner with the heat off. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher. Add the cream cheese, butter, milk, parsley, and garlic salt. Turn the heat back on to LOW an continue to mash until desired consistency. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Potatoes will thicken while standing,