A bowl of freshly made mashed potatoes feels like a warm hug on a plate. These creamy, buttery, and oh-so-comforting foods go with everything, from a simple weeknight dinner to a fancy holiday meal.
But here’s the thing: making mashed potatoes isn’t just about mashing boiled potatoes with butter and milk. You need the right potatoes, the right method, and the right amount of seasoning to get results that people will remember and want to eat again.
In this guide, I’ll show you my favorite mashed potatoes recipe, how to make it even better, an easy baked version, and a quick gravy recipe that brings the whole dish together.
Why This is the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe
You might think that all mashed potatoes taste the same, but the little things make a big difference between good and great. This recipe works because I use Yukon Golds potatoes because:
- they have a naturally buttery flavor and a creamy texture. If you want a fluffier mash, russets work too.
- Balanced dairy means adding just the right amount of butter and cream to make them rich without making them feel greasy or heavy.
- Gentle technique: Don’t mix them too much or they’ll get too gummy.
- You can make it plain and classic, or add roasted garlic, cream cheese, or herbs to give it more flavor.
This is the best mashed potato recipe that works every time if you’ve been looking for one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the classic mashed potato recipe:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (or Russet potatoes), peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus extra for serving)
- ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk (warm)
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional flavor boosters:
- Roasted garlic cloves (for garlic mashed potatoes)
- 2 ounces cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
- Fresh herbs like chives or parsley (for color and freshness)
Step-by-Step: Mashed Potatoes Recipe Easy
This step-by-step guide will make it feel easy to make mashed potatoes, even if you’ve never done it before.
1. Choose and prep your potatoes
Use good potatoes to start. I like Yukon Golds best because they have a naturally creamy texture. Russets make a lighter, fluffier mash. Cut them into even pieces after peeling them so they cook at the same rate.
2. Boil gently
Put your potatoes in a big pot and cover them with cold water. As they cook, sprinkle them with a little salt to taste. Set the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Then turn the heat down to low and let it simmer. If you boil the potatoes too hard, they can break apart and soak up too much water, which makes them watery.
3. Check for doneness
After 15 to 20 minutes, use a fork to test a piece. It should slide in easily without any trouble.
4. Drain and steam-dry
This changes the game. Put the potatoes in a colander and let them sit for 2 to 3 minutes after draining them well. The steam that escapes will get rid of extra water, which will make your potatoes creamier.
5. Mash while warm
You can use a potato masher, a ricer, or even a hand mixer on low speed to mash your potatoes until they are smooth. Leave a few small pieces in if you want them to look more rustic.
6. Add butter and warm cream
Before adding it, heat your cream or milk a little bit. This makes it mix better and stops it from getting sticky. First, stir in the butter, and then slowly add the warm dairy while stirring gently. Add salt and pepper to taste.
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Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe Variation
You’re going to love baked mashed potatoes if you’ve never had them before. Inside, they’re creamy, and on top, they have a golden, slightly crunchy topping that you can’t resist.
- Make the mashed potatoes like you did before.
- Put them in a buttered baking dish and spread them out.
- You can add more butter, shredded cheese, or even breadcrumbs to the top for texture.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the top is golden and a little crunchy.
This is a holiday favorite because you can make them ahead of time and bake them right before you serve them.
Gravy Recipe for Mashed Potatoes
A great gravy recipe can make mashed potatoes taste even better. This is a simple one:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken, turkey, or beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Put butter in a saucepan over medium heat to melt it.
- To make a roux, add flour and cook for one minute.
- Add the broth slowly while whisking until the mixture is smooth.
- Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste.
For pure comfort food bliss, pour a lot over your mashed potatoes.
Extra Tips for the Best Mashed Potatoes
- Start with cold water: If you put potatoes in boiling water right away, they might not cook evenly.
- Don’t overwork them: if you mash them too much, they will become sticky instead of fluffy.
- Adjust consistency: If they are too thick, add a little more warm milk or cream.
- Taste as you go: you can always add more salt, but you can’t take it out.
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Serving Ideas
Mashed potatoes are the best side dish that goes with everything. You can serve them with:
- beef, turkey, or chicken that has been roasted.
- Gravy on meatloaf
- Vegetarian mushroom gravy and veggies that have been roasted
They are also great for making dishes like shepherd’s pie.
FAQs
1. What’s the best potato for mashed potatoes?
Use Yukon Gold for a creamy, buttery taste, or Russet for light, fluffy results.
2. Can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes. Make them, let them cool, and then store them in the fridge for up to two days. Add a little milk or cream and heat it slowly on the stove.
3. How do I make mashed potatoes more flavorful?
Add some roasted garlic, cream cheese, Parmesan, or fresh herbs.
4. Can I bake mashed potatoes?
Yes, if you want a golden crust, use the baked mashed potatoes recipe above.
5. What gravy goes best with mashed potatoes?
Gravy made from chicken, turkey, or beef is good. For a quick homemade version, use the gravy recipe in this article to make mashed potatoes.
Final Thoughts
These potatoes are pure comfort food, whether you stick to the classic easy method for making mashed potatoes or try the baked version. They are rich, fluffy, and can be changed in any way you want.
And don’t forget that the best mashed potatoes are made with a lot of love, time, and butter. Get your potatoes, heat up the cream, and get ready to make the side dish that everyone will be talking about.