Mashed Potatoes

Want to know how to make light, fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes? This is the BEST Mashed Potatoes Recipe and you will love them! They are easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner, but so delicious you can make them for all of your holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter too.

Can we take just a moment and revel in all that is mashed potato? I mean, don’t you want to just dive mouth-first into this lovely bowl of creamy goodness? I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to share basic mashed potatoes with you.

Every time I make these easy mashed potatoes, I have to use all of my self control to not grab a spoon and dig into them before it’s time to eat. They’re just so creamy and delicious! Then I just pair them with easy dishes like blackened chicken or smothered chicken and green beans and dinner is ready to go.

Why You’ll Love this Mashed Potatoes Recipe

• Make this amazing recipe in just 30 minutes. They’re super easy and won’t take long at all!
• You can use this tasty side dish with pretty much any meal. They’re super versatile and oh so yummy!
• This is a really easy recipe to follow. Even if you don’t have much cooking experience, you can make this dish.

Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes

• Yukon gold potatoes – You could substitute russet potatoes, just make sure they are scrubbed well before using. Red potatoes work too!
• Butter – We used salted butter at room temperature to melt into the potatoes as we mashed them. A little extra can be put on top of the potatoes at the end. If you use unsalted butter, your mashed potatoes may need more salt.
• Milk – Make sure it is warm to help the potatoes stay warm while mashing.
• Sea salt and black pepper – Classic mashed potatoes just need some sea salt and black pepper to add flavor.
• Parsley or chives – These are optional but do add so much flavor to these amazing homemade mashed potatoes!

Optional Add-Ins for Mashed Potatoes

• Onions – Green onions, shallots or chopped red onion are all tasty additions to mashed potatoes. We recommend adding these to the water when you boil the potatoes.
• Fresh herbs – Herbs like thyme, parsley or rosemary are all great ways to mix it up a bit.
• Cream cheese – Believe it or not, cream cheese is a great addition to mashed potatoes! It makes them so creamy.
• Bacon – I think bacon may be my most favorite add-in for mashed potatoes!
• Roasted garlic – Roasted cloves of garlic makes the most incredible garlicky flavor.
• Parmesan cheese – The sharp flavor of parmesan contrasted to starchy potatoes is irresistible.
• Sour cream – If you use this, then you may need to reduce the amount of milk used.

How to Make Mashed Potatoes

Wash your potatoes well and then peel if desired. Quarter them into large chunks

Place the quartered potatoes in large pot with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes, or until potatoes pierce easily with knife or fork. Drain off the liquid.

Add butter to the tender potatoes and then begin mashing with your potato masher. Pour in a little of the warmed milk at a time while mashing to achieve desired consistency.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with fresh parsley and chives if desired.

How to Store Leftover Mashed Potatoes

FRIDGE: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and allow to cool before placing on the lid. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

FREEZER: You can freeze leftovers in a freezer safe bag or airtight container for about 3 months. Allow to thaw before reheating.

To reheat, place into a small saucepan and add a splash of milk or a bit of butter and heat until warmed through.

Is milk or cream better for mashed potatoes?

Either will work. For extra extra creamy potatoes, heavy cream or half and half would be tasty. But whole milk and 2% are great options too. Make sure to warm your milk before you add it! This helps them stay warm while you are mashing them.

How do you make mashed potatoes not taste bland?

It is essential to salt and pepper the potatoes in order to keep the finished product from being bland! But be careful when adding salt. Taste as you go so that you don’t end up over-salting the potatoes.

What is the best method for mashing potatoes?

The best option to mash is using a hand masher. This prevents the starches breaking down which happens when you used a hand mixer or stand mixer. Hand mashing will create the best texture!

What to Serve with Mashed Potatoes

These creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes pair well with so many different main courses! I love to serve it as a side dish with baked pork chops and air fryer pork tenderloin.

It’s a classic side to serve with meatloaf and parmesan crusted chicken. Mashed potatoes are also delicious alongside Mississippi pot roast. Serve them with whatever main course you want!

No time to make these on the big day? No problem! Make them ahead and reheat the potatoes in the oven, delicious!

More Potato Recipes You’ll Love!

• This amazing Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Casserole is loaded with flavor!
• Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a total game-changer of a recipe. You’re going to love this recipe.
• Need something super easy? Then make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes!
• Mashed Potato Casserole, what’s not to love about those three words, all-together and in one dish!
• Make some Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes for all of your potluck needs.
• And if you somehow manage not to eat all of your delicious mashed potatoes, you can repurpose them later in this leftover Mashed Potato Soup!