Description

This Best Mashed Potatoes recipe creates creamy, luscious, and perfectly fluffy mashed potatoes that are easy to make and sure to please every palate. Using simple, high-quality ingredients like Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, butter, and warm milk or cream, this versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains and can be customized with herbs, cheese, or vegan alternatives. Ideal for family dinners, holidays, or any comfort food craving, these mashed potatoes deliver rich buttery flavor with a dreamy texture every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

2 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks

Dairy & Fats

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup warm whole milk or cream

Seasoning

1 teaspoon salt (plus extra for boiling water and to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Choose and Prep Your Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into evenly sized 2-inch chunks to ensure they cook evenly without mushy edges.
Boil Until Tender: Place the potato chunks in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Drain and Dry: Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the hot pot for 1-2 minutes to evaporate excess moisture, which helps keep the mash fluffy.
Mash to Perfection: Using a potato masher, ricer, or food mill, mash the potatoes until smooth but still fluffy, avoiding overworking to prevent a gummy texture.
Add Butter and Warm Milk: Gradually stir in the softened butter and warm milk or cream until the desired creamy and smooth consistency is reached.
Season and Serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give the mashed potatoes a gentle final stir and serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

Use starchy potatoes like Russets for fluffy texture, or Yukon Golds for a buttery creaminess.
Always use warm milk or cream to keep potatoes smooth and prevent cooling.
Do not overmix or use a blender to avoid gluey mashed potatoes.
Season the boiling water with salt for better flavor absorption.
Let drained potatoes sit in the hot pot briefly to evaporate excess water and maintain fluffiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Boiling, Mashing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg

Keywords: mashed potatoes, comfort food, creamy mashed potatoes, easy side dish, buttery mashed potatoes, holiday side, vegetarian side, vegan mashed potatoes variation