Creamy, fluffy, and buttery—this mashed potatoes recipe is bound to become your go-to side dish. It’s simple yet delicious, making it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. Whether paired with juicy Crock Pot Pork Chops, tender Baked Chicken Thighs, or flavorful Baked Salmon, these mashed potatoes will elevate any meal!
If you love potato side dishes, don’t miss out on my other favorites like Scalloped Potatoes, Twice-Baked Potato Casserole, and Baked Potatoes.
Why You’ll Love These Mashed Potatoes:
These mashed potatoes are not just creamy and flavorful but also incredibly easy to make. A few key steps and tips ensure you’ll get the perfect texture every time, whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast. Want to make ahead? I’ve got tips for that, too!
What Kind of Potatoes Are Best for Mashed Potatoes?
For the creamiest mashed potatoes, choose Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes are rich and flavorful, creating a creamy consistency. Russets are lighter and fluffier. If you can’t decide, try mixing half Yukon Gold and half Russet potatoes for the perfect balance!
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (about 8 medium Yukon Gold or 4 medium Russet)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed (plus more if needed)
How to Make Perfect Mashed Potatoes:
- Scrub and Cut Potatoes: Wash the potatoes under cold water. Peel them if you prefer, or leave the skins on for a bit of texture. Cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the cut potatoes in a pot of cold water and add ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, but not falling apart.
- Drain and Dry the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes well in a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the pot and let them sit for 2-3 minutes to evaporate excess moisture. This step helps make the mashed potatoes extra fluffy.
- Mash and Cream: Add the butter pieces to the hot potatoes. Use a potato masher to mash until smooth. Gradually add the warm milk, starting with half and adding more until you reach your desired creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined and serve!
Pro Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes:
- Start with Cold Water: Always begin cooking the potatoes in cold water to ensure even cooking. This prevents the outside from overcooking before the inside is tender.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: Be sure to cook the potatoes until they are fully tender. Under-cooked potatoes will make your mash lumpy.
- Hand Mash for Fluffiness: For the best texture, mash your potatoes by hand with a potato masher. Avoid overworking them, as using an electric mixer can turn them into a sticky, gummy texture.
- Use Warm Milk and Softened Butter: Cold milk and hard butter can cool down the potatoes and make them harder to mash. Be sure to warm your milk and soften your butter before adding.
Make Ahead and Reheating Tips:
- Slow Cooker: Make mashed potatoes up to 2 hours ahead of time and keep them warm on the slow cooker’s “warm” setting.
- Oven Reheating: For a day-ahead make-ahead option, stir in a bit of milk, transfer the potatoes to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Microwave Reheating: Stir in milk and microwave on high, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Variations to Elevate Your Mashed Potatoes:
- Extra Rich & Creamy: Swap out the milk for half-and-half or heavy cream for an even richer texture.
- Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes: Substitute buttermilk for the milk for a tangy twist. Just remember, don’t heat the buttermilk to avoid curdling.
- Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes: Add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese per 3 pounds of potatoes for extra richness and tang.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For a simple garlic-infused mash, stir in garlic powder or roasted garlic.
- Herb Mashed Potatoes: Add fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme for a burst of flavor.
- Bacon and Cheese: Top with crispy bacon crumbles and shredded cheddar for a loaded mashed potato experience.
Serving Suggestions:
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, and they pair perfectly with your favorite main dishes, like Crockpot Pork Chops, Baked Chicken Thighs, or Roast Beef. For a real treat, top your mashed potatoes with extra butter and fresh herbs like chives or parsley.
More Delicious Potato Recipes:
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Smashed Potatoes
- Potato Salad
- Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
- Twice Baked Potatoes
Enjoy this creamy mashed potato recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite!