Best Mashed Potatoes

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Creamy, buttery, and irresistibly smooth, these mashed potatoes are everything you want from a classic comfort food. Whether you’re piling them next to a holiday roast or spooning them under rich gravy, they always manage to steal the show. The best part? They’re incredibly simple to make and easy to elevate with your favorite twists.

From rustic skins-on style to silky-smooth with cream, mashed potatoes are one of those dishes that welcome personalization. This version finds the perfect balance of flavor and texture with just the right amount of butter, cream, and seasoning to turn humble potatoes into a heartwarming side that never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Mashed Potatoes Recipe

This mashed potatoes recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and ease. It delivers that classic homemade taste with velvety richness, without requiring hours in the kitchen. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, it’s one of those recipes everyone asks for seconds of. It also reheats beautifully, making leftovers just as enjoyable.

What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?

For the fluffiest and creamiest results, russet potatoes or Yukon golds are the top choices. Russets are starchy and light, yielding smooth and cloud-like mashed potatoes. Yukon golds bring a naturally buttery flavor and a slightly denser texture that still whips into creamy perfection. You can even mix the two for the best of both worlds.

Ingredients for the Best Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes require just a handful of ingredients, but each one plays an essential role in creating the ultimate creamy texture and mouthwatering taste.

• Russet potatoes
• Unsalted butter
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic (optional)
• Chives (optional garnish)

The russet potatoes are the foundation of this recipe, offering the right amount of starch for fluffy mash. Unsalted butter provides richness and allows you to control the saltiness. Heavy cream and whole milk make the potatoes creamy and luxurious. Salt enhances the flavors, while black pepper adds a little kick. If you like an aromatic twist, minced garlic can be added while boiling. A sprinkle of fresh chives finishes it off beautifully.

How To Make the Best Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks. This ensures they cook at the same rate.

Step 2: Boil Until Tender

Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add salt and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender.

Step 3: Heat the Dairy

While the potatoes cook, gently warm the butter, heavy cream, and milk in a small saucepan. This helps the potatoes absorb everything smoothly.

Step 4: Mash to Perfection

Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash using a potato masher or a ricer for ultra-smooth texture.

Step 5: Mix It All Together

Gradually pour in the warm dairy mixture while mashing until everything is incorporated and silky. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with a few extra pats of butter and chopped chives if desired. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy spoonful.

Serving and Storing These Mashed Potatoes

This recipe yields about 6 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or small gathering. Serve them straight from the pot or transfer to a warm dish for presentation. If you’re prepping ahead, mashed potatoes can be made up to two days in advance and gently reheated with a splash of milk or cream to restore their silky consistency.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often.

What to Serve With Mashed Potatoes?

Roasted Chicken

Classic roasted chicken with crispy skin and juicy meat pairs like a dream with mashed potatoes.

Garlic Herb Pork Chops

The richness of mashed potatoes balances beautifully with savory, seared pork chops.

Gravy-Smothered Meatballs

Spoon your mashed potatoes under saucy meatballs for the ultimate comfort meal.

Thanksgiving Turkey

No holiday plate is complete without a hearty helping of mashed potatoes beside the turkey.

Sautéed Greens

A pile of garlicky spinach or kale adds a nutritious contrast to the creaminess.

Beef Stew

Thick beef stew served over mashed potatoes is pure cold-weather bliss.

Grilled Salmon

Pair mashed potatoes with something lighter like lemony grilled salmon for a well-balanced dinner.

Crispy Fried Tofu

For a vegetarian twist, serve mashed potatoes with crispy tofu and a drizzle of miso gravy.

Want More Side Dish Ideas?

If creamy mashed potatoes are your thing, don’t miss out on these other irresistible side dishes:

• Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes for a low-effort, flavor-packed option.
• Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak that makes any meal restaurant-worthy.
• Old-Fashioned Corn Fritters with a golden, crunchy outside and soft inside.
• Cheesy Baked Tennessee Onions for a sweet-savory side dish twist.
• Loaded Cheese Fries if you’re craving indulgent comfort.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go all-butter or lighten it with milk? Do you add roasted garlic or keep it classic?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated comfort recipes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your next cozy favorite!

Conclusion

Mashed potatoes might be simple, but when done right, they are unforgettable. This Best Mashed Potatoes recipe is all about honoring tradition while dialing up the flavor with just a few thoughtful touches. It’s comfort food at its finest—creamy, fluffy, buttery goodness that fits every table from weeknight dinner to holiday feast.

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