The Ultimate Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe: Perfect Every Time!

Introduction

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes. Silky smooth, buttery, and loaded with flavor, they’re the perfect side dish for any occasion—from cozy weeknight dinners to extravagant holiday feasts.

But here’s the thing: not all mashed potatoes are created equal. Have you ever made mashed potatoes that turned out gluey, lumpy, or bland? Don’t worry—we’ve all been there. The good news? With this foolproof recipe, you’ll learn how to create perfectly creamy mashed potatoes every single time.

This recipe is easy to follow, packed with tips and tricks, and even includes variations so you can make it your own. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you’ll love how simple and versatile these mashed potatoes are. Plus, we’ll share expert advice on the best potatoes to use, how to achieve the ultimate texture, and how to store leftovers without losing their creaminess.

Ready to elevate your mashed potato game? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Unbeatable Texture: These mashed potatoes are luxuriously creamy and fluffy, thanks to the perfect blend of ingredients and technique.
2. Easy and Foolproof: Whether it’s your first time making mashed potatoes or your hundredth, this recipe guarantees success.
3. Versatile: From Thanksgiving dinners to Sunday roasts, this dish pairs beautifully with almost any main course.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves mashed potatoes, and this recipe ensures they’ll be talking about yours for days.

The Best Potatoes to Use

Not all potatoes are created equal, especially when it comes to mashed potatoes. Here’s a quick guide:

For the creamiest results, we recommend Yukon Gold potatoes for their naturally buttery flavor and smooth texture.

Recipe Variations

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Roast a whole garlic bulb, squeeze out the cloves, and mash them into the potatoes.
2. Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan for a rich, cheesy twist.
3. Vegan Mashed Potatoes: Substitute butter and cream with plant-based options like vegan butter and almond milk.

Print Recipe

Comfort Food

5 from 1 vote

The Ultimate Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe: Perfect Every Time!

Author: Anjana Kavidu Cooking Method: Boiling Cuisine: American Courses: Side Dishes Recipe Keys: Dairy Gluten Free High Protein Kids Quick Meals Vegetarian Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 35 mins

Servings: 5 Estimated Cost: $ 7 Calories: 200 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Dietary:

G Gluten-Free V Vegetarian

Description

Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Perfectly smooth, buttery, and rich, this classic dish pairs beautifully with any main course. Whether you're planning a festive holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this recipe guarantees delicious results every time.

Made with Yukon Gold potatoes for their naturally creamy texture, this recipe uses simple ingredients like butter and cream to create an indulgent side dish. Follow our foolproof step-by-step instructions to achieve the perfect consistency—fluffy yet creamy without being gluey.

This recipe also offers variations, like adding roasted garlic for extra flavor or cheese for a decadent twist. Plus, we provide tips for storing and reheating so you can enjoy leftovers just as much as the first serving.

With a prep time of only 10 minutes and ready to serve in 30, this dish is ideal for busy cooks. You'll love how versatile it is and how quickly it becomes a family favorite. Whether you're a seasoned chef or new to the kitchen, this recipe is designed for success.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

• ½ cup heavy cream (warmed)

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 2 cloves roasted garlic (optional)

• 2 tbsp chopped chives or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

   1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized 2-inch chunks.
   2. Rinse under cold water to remove excess starch.

1. Boil the Potatoes

   1. Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
   2. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
   3. Cook for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

1. Drain and Dry

   1. Drain the potatoes in a colander and return them to the hot pot.
   2. Place the pot on low heat for 1–2 minutes to evaporate any excess water.

1. Mash the Potatoes

   Use a potato masher or ricer to mash the potatoes to your desired texture.

1. Add Butter and Cream

   1. Gently mix in the softened butter, warm heavy cream, and salt.
   2. Combine until smooth and fluffy, avoiding overmixing.

1. Garnish and Serve

   Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with chives or parsley, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 5

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 200kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 10g16%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Cholesterol 25mg9%

Sodium 350mg15%

Potassium 620mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 25g9%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Protein 4g8%

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Vitamin A 8 IU

Vitamin C 15 mg

Calcium 4 mg

Iron 6 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• For ultra-smooth potatoes, use a potato ricer.
• Add roasted garlic for a flavor boost.
• Avoid overmixing to prevent gluey potatoes.

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Tips for the Perfect Texture

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing breaks down the starches, leading to gluey potatoes.
• Use Warm Butter and Cream: Cold ingredients can cool down the potatoes and make them less creamy.
• Mash While Hot: Potatoes are easiest to mash while they’re still hot.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the Wrong Potatoes: Waxy potatoes like red potatoes don’t yield the creamy texture you’re aiming for.
2. Overcooking Potatoes: Overcooked potatoes absorb too much water, resulting in a watery mash.
3. Skipping the Drying Step: Always let the cooked potatoes dry out on low heat before mashing.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

How to Store Mashed Potatoes

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Scoop into portions and freeze in an airtight bag for up to 2 months.

Best Way to Reheat Without Losing Creaminess

• Microwave: Add a splash of cream and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over low heat, adding butter or cream to restore texture.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair these creamy mashed potatoes with:

• Juicy roasted chicken or turkey.
• Savory beef stew.
• Crispy fried chicken.
• Gravy or cranberry sauce for a festive twist.

Keywords: mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, buttery mashed potatoes, easy side dish, mashed potato recipe, holiday mashed potatoes