Mashed potatoes are a universal comfort food. Their creamy texture and buttery flavor make them the ideal side dish for countless meals. Picture them served alongside a perfectly roasted chicken, tender beef brisket, or a luscious vegetarian mushroom risotto.
You could also toss a scoop onto your plate with savory meatloaf or a hearty vegetable stew. But the magic doesn't stop there! They can even serve as a topping in a shepherd's pie or golden brown fish cakes. Just think of the possibilities.
Whether you choose to compliment them with rich gravies or fresh herbs, these spuds can make any meal feel like a special occasion.
The best mashed potatoes recipe is one that combines quality ingredients and straightforward techniques, creating a fluffy texture and comforting flavor. Think about using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for their creamy consistency.
Add in some classic ingredients like warm whole milk (or cream if you want to indulge) and butter. A sprinkle of salt, pepper, and perhaps a touch of sour cream for tang—all of these come together in a delightful harmony that makes every spoonful unforgettable.
The flavor profile of these mashed potatoes can only be described as comforting and rich. They have a buttery backbone, with the subtle sweetness of the potatoes up front.
The addition of roasted garlic introduces a mellow earthy note if you opt for it, while onion powder heightens the savory aspect. Each element melds beautifully, and the seasoned finish dances on your palate with warmth, leaving you craving more.
First off, they are incredibly versatile. Whether served at Thanksgiving or Tuesday night dinner, mashed potatoes never go out of style!
Secondly, the recipe is make-ahead friendly. You can prepare them earlier in the day, keep them warm, and they’ll still taste amazing.
They're also easily customizable. Want to throw in some cheese or herbs? Go for it!
4 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
⅓ cup salted butter, melted
1 cup warm whole milk or heavy cream
1 tablespoon sour cream (for added creaminess)
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 cloves roasted garlic (optional, but highly recommended)
¼ teaspoon onion powder
Start by peeling and chopping your potatoes into even-sized chunks. This will ensure they cook uniformly in boiling water.
Depending on how you like your mashed potatoes, you can choose between Yukon Gold or Russet. Yukon Gold offers creaminess; Russet gives you that airy texture.
Put your chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Make sure the water covers them by about an inch.
It helps to salt the water to flavor the potatoes as they cook. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook until fork-tender, usually about 15 to 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes in a colander, shaking off the excess water. Now, return them to the pot. Allowing them to steam dry for a minute will evaporate any remaining moisture.
This is a key step in achieving fluffy mashed potatoes.
Grab a potato masher or a ricer (if you’re feeling fancy) and start mashing!
For a super creamy texture, a ricer is brilliant. If using a masher, be careful not to over-mash to avoid that gummy texture you might encounter.
While still warm, mix in your melted butter, warm milk (or cream), sour cream, salt, and pepper. If you opted for roasted garlic, now's the time to mix it in. Adjust the seasonings as per your taste preference; a little more salt never hurt anyone!
Once everything is blended to your liking, serve your mashed potatoes immediately, or keep them warm. These beauties pair well with anything and are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Use Warm Milk or Cream
Heating your milk or cream before adding it to the potatoes helps keep everything warm and maintains that lovely creamy texture.
Roast Your Garlic
Roasting garlic in the oven beforehand elevates the flavor significantly. Simply wrap a head in foil, drizzle with olive oil, and roast at 400°F for 30-40 minutes.
Avoid Overworking
The key to light mashed potatoes is to handle them gently. Overworking can lead to gummy spuds.
Experiment with Cheese
Want an extra punch? Grate in some sharp cheddar or dollop cream cheese into the mix.
Herbs Add Freshness
Toss in some fresh herbs like chives or parsley right before serving for a splash of color and flavor.
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: Approximately 250
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 400mg
Total Carbohydrates: 36g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 4g
Storing mashed potatoes is simple. Let them cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer to an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture.
Sour Cream Alternatives
If you happen to be out of sour cream, consider using plain Greek yogurt. It delivers a similar tanginess and creaminess.
Milk Substitutes
Almond or soy milk can work in place of whole milk, though the richness won’t be quite the same.
Butter Alternatives
For a dairy-free version, vegan butter is a suitable substitute. It will impart a similar texture without the dairy.
So, there you have it! My favorite mashed potatoes recipe laid out just for you. The recipes that linger in my memory—and belly—are the ones that feel like a warm embrace at the dinner table.
Each scoop of these fantastic mashed potatoes is filled with flavor and the nostalgia of shared family meals. Give this recipe a spin at your next get-together, or treat yourself during a cozy night in. I bet you’ll find yourself smirking at the thought of leftovers. Enjoy!
Let’s embark on a chipper culinary journey where mashed potatoes take center stage. If you're like me, you've probably experienced the joy of a steaming bowl of this creamy goodness at family dinners, holiday feasts, or even quiet nights at home.
Today, I'm ready to share my go-to mashed potatoes recipe — that perfect balance of fluffiness, creaminess, and flavor that seems to have a magic touch. It's simple yet delicious, and I promise, once you've made them this way, you’ll never look back. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned pro, you can nail this recipe without breaking a sweat.
Start by peeling and chopping your potatoes into even-sized chunks. This will ensure they cook uniformly in boiling water.
Depending on how you like your mashed potatoes, you can choose between Yukon Gold or Russet. Yukon Gold offers creaminess; Russet gives you that airy texture.
Put your chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Make sure the water covers them by about an inch.
It helps to salt the water to flavor the potatoes as they cook. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook until fork-tender, usually about 15 to 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes in a colander, shaking off the excess water. Now, return them to the pot. Allowing them to steam dry for a minute will evaporate any remaining moisture.
This is a key step in achieving fluffy mashed potatoes.
Grab a potato masher or a ricer (if you’re feeling fancy) and start mashing!
For a super creamy texture, a ricer is brilliant. If using a masher, be careful not to over-mash to avoid that gummy texture you might encounter.
Servings 6
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
I'm Lisa Schneider, a registered dietitian and the creator of Simple Food Dishes. My passion is to help people create easy, nutritious meals that fit seamlessly into their busy lives. Through this blog, I aim to make home cooking fun, accessible, and stress-free for everyone!