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:
Potato Type
Texture
Best For
Yukon Gold
Creamy, buttery
Perfect for creamy mashed potatoes. Excellent flavor.
Russet Potatoes
Starchy, fluffy
Great for light and airy mashed potatoes.
Red Potatoes
Firm, waxy
Less creamy but holds shape better. Ideal for chunkier mashed potatoes.
For the creamiest results, we recommend Yukon Gold potatoes for their naturally buttery flavor and smooth texture.
Recipe Variations
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Roast a whole garlic bulb, squeeze out the cloves, and mash them into the potatoes.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan for a rich, cheesy twist.
Vegan Mashed Potatoes: Substitute butter and cream with plant-based options like vegan butter and almond milk.
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
2pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
½cup unsalted butter (softened)
½cup heavy cream (warmed)
1tsp salt (adjust to taste)
2cloves roasted garlic (optional)
2tbsp chopped chives or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized 2-inch chunks.
Rinse under cold water to remove excess starch.
Boil the Potatoes
Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
Add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Cook for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain and Dry
Drain the potatoes in a colander and return them to the hot pot.
Place the pot on low heat for 1–2 minutes to evaporate any excess water.
Mash the Potatoes
Use a potato masher or ricer to mash the potatoes to your desired texture.
Add Butter and Cream
Gently mix in the softened butter, warm heavy cream, and salt.
Combine until smooth and fluffy, avoiding overmixing.
Garnish and Serve
Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with chives or parsley, and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 5
Amount Per Serving
Calories200kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat10g16%
Saturated Fat6g30%
Cholesterol25mg9%
Sodium350mg15%
Potassium620mg18%
Total Carbohydrate25g9%
Dietary Fiber3g12%
Protein4g8%
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.
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.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong Potatoes: Waxy potatoes like red potatoes don’t yield the creamy texture you’re aiming for.
Overcooking Potatoes: Overcooked potatoes absorb too much water, resulting in a watery mash.
Skipping the Drying Step: Always let the cooked potatoes dry out on low heat before mashing.
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.