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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Best Mashed Potatoes

    Published: Dec 17, 2021 · Modified: Nov 5, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    An easy, classic way to make THE BEST mashed potatoes that turn out perfectly creamy and fluffy every time!

    mashed potatoes
    Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links to cooking items we love & use. If you purchase through one of these links we may earn a small commission.

    Ingredients

    Here's what you'll need to make this recipe. The full recipe card and ingredient list can be found at the bottom of the page.

    • 4 pounds russet or Yukon potatoes
    • ¾ cup whole milk or more for a smoother texture
    • 6 tablespoons salted butter
    • Salt & pepper to taste

    How to Make Mashed Potatoes

    Step 1: Prepare the potatoes

    Peel the potatoes and dice into 1” cubes.

    mashed potatoes

    Step 2: Boil the potatoes

    Add 1 teaspoon salt to a large pot of cold water. Add the potatoes to the pot (the water should cover the potatoes by about 1”). Bring the pot to a boil. Gently boil for 15 - 20 minutes. The potatoes should be cooked through and tender when pierced with a fork. Drain.

    Step 3: Melt milk & butter

    While the potatoes cook, add the milk and butter to a small saucepan to heat; or heat in a small bowl in the microwave. The milk and butter should be hot but don’t let the milk come to a boil.

    Step 4: Mash the potatoes

    Add the heated milk and butter along with salt and pepper to taste to the potatoes in the large pot. Mash until the potatoes to your desired consistency. Add more milk and/or butter if you prefer creamier potatoes.

    Step 5: Serve

    Serve immediately, optionally with a pat of butter or chopped parsley on top.

    mashed potatoes

    Substitutions

    • Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes or Russet potatoes work best for this recipe.
    • Milk: you can use any milk or non-dairy milk alternative (almond, oat, etc.) in this recipe. For the creamiest mashed potatoes, use whole milk or heavy cream.
    • Garlic: add 1 tablespoon (or more, if preferred) of minced garlic.
    • Bacon: crumble and add a few strips of cooked bacon to your mashed potatoes for some flavorful crunch.
    • Cheese: stir in up to 1 cup of cheddar cheese to turn these into cheesy mashed potatoes
    • Herbs: to add herbs to your mashed potatoes, stir in a couple tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley or chives

    Storage

    • In the fridge: cool and store in an airtight container for 3 - 4 days
    • In the freezer: cool and store in an airtight container for up to 1 month

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How can I make my mashed potatoes creamier?

    To make your mashed potatoes creamier, stir in more butter and milk. Add both, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If your potatoes feel too thick, add more milk.

    Why are my mashed potatoes gummy or gluey?

    Gummy potatoes are caused by over-mixing them. To avoid this, mash your potatoes with a hand masher or fork; or if you use a handheld mixer only mix until the potatoes are barely combined and smooth.

    How long should you boil the potatoes for?

    Boil the potatoes for 15 - 20 minutes: they should be tender all the way through when pierced with a fork. Depending on how large you cut your chunks of potatoes, you may need to boil them for more or less time.

    Can you make mashed potatoes ahead of time?

    Yes, you can make mashed potatoes ahead of time. When you're ready to serve your potatoes, reheat them in the oven (covered) at 350°F until warm. Add extra milk and butter if the potatoes start to dry out.

    mashed potatoes

    Top Tip

    The trick to making these mashed potatoes (or any mashed potatoes!) is to add a little butter and milk at a time. Start by adding close to the amount that the recipe recommends, and then add more until the potatoes reach your desired consistency.

    Equipment

    • Potato peeler (Y-Peeler)
    • Potato masher

    Similar Recipes

    For more easy, classic side dish recipes, check out the following:

    • Honey Glazed Carrots
    • Oven Roasted Potatoes
    • Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

    Print
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    mashed potatoes

    Mashed Potatoes


    • Total Time: 30 minutes
    • Yield: 10 1x
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    An easy, classic way to make mashed potatoes that turn out perfectly creamy and fluffy every time.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 4 pounds russet or Yukon potatoes
    • ¾ cup whole milk (or more for a smoother texture)
    • 6 tablespoons salted butter
    • Salt & pepper (to taste)

    Instructions

    1. Peel the potatoes and dice into 1” cubes.
    2. Add 1 teaspoon salt to a large pot of cold water. Add the potatoes to the pot (the water should cover the potatoes by about 1”). Bring the pot to a boil. Gently boil for 15 - 20 minutes. The potatoes should be cooked through and tender when pierced with a fork. Drain.
    3. While the potatoes cook, add the milk and butter to a small saucepan to heat; or heat in a small bowl in the microwave. The milk and butter should be hot but don’t let the milk come to a boil.
    4. Add the heated milk and butter along with salt and pepper to taste to the potatoes in the large pot. Mash until the potatoes to your desired consistency. Add more milk and/or butter if you prefer creamier potatoes.
    5. Serve immediately, optionally with a pat of butter or chopped parsley on top.
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Category: Side Dish
    • Cuisine: American

    Keywords: mashed potatoes, potatoes

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    More Side Dishes

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    • Easy Creamed Spinach
    • Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
    • Cranberry Relish

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    Hi, I'm Megan! I'm a health coach & I love to create salad recipes that are simple and delicious.

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