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Home » Course » Side Dish

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

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August 21, 2022

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Rich and creamy mashed potatoes made with Yukon gold potatoes and seasoned to perfection.
Jump to Recipe
bowl of creamy mashed potatoes with butter on top

Who doesn’t love a good creamy mashed potatoes recipe? I could eat this every day. These are the best mashed potatoes because they turn out perfectly every time. Whether you’re looking for Thanksgiving food or a potato side dish you’ll make this a new staple.

collage - yellow cut up potatoes in a bowl and on a cutting board next to a stick of butter, salt and milk. Potatoes being mashed in a silver pot and a finished photo of mashed potatoes in a bowl.

Table of Contents

  • Make it a Meal!
  • What Makes Them Creamy Mashed Potatoes?
  • DRY RUB TURKEY
  • BEST POT ROAST
  • Tips for Mashing Potatoes
  • Ingredients:
  • Possible Variations
  • FAQs About Mashed Potatoes
  • How to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
  • More Great Thanksgiving Food:
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Make it a Meal!

Turn this recipe into a whole meal! It pairs well with:

  • Main Dish: Pot Roast – This classic dish has instructions for cooking in an electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot), slow cooker, dutch oven or a stock pot.
  • Side Dish: Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Never eat bad Brussels sprouts again. Try these!
  • Salad: Italian Salad – This classic side dish is colorful and full of flavor!
  • Bread: Pizza Dough Garlic Knots – Speaking of being able to eat something every day!
  • Drink: Red Wine Sangria – This is one of my all time favorite sangria recipes. Use the rest of the wine leftover from your marinara recipe.
  • Dessert: Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes or Best Apple Pie– This needs no introduction!
plate full of roasted golden Brussels sprouts, roast, carrots and creamy mashed potatoes recipe

What Makes Them Creamy Mashed Potatoes?

These are not low calorie or low fat mashed potatoes. These are super creamy because we use lots of butter, cream and whole milk. I’ve tried creamy mashed potatoes recipes that use cream cheese but those have a distinctly cream cheesy flavor. You won’t find that in this recipe.

The method of mashing also helps make them creamy. Pay close attention to our tips.

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DRY RUB TURKEY

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BEST POT ROAST

CLICK FOR RECIPE
Thanksgiving food - mashed potatoes with butter on top in a bowl for serving potato side dish

Tips for Mashing Potatoes

  • Don’t undercook or overcook potatoes – When you’re boiling the potatoes, remove them from the water when you can poke a fork easily through the potato and it splits.
  • Use a potato ricer or masher if you have one – You can use a mixer but once you try a potato ricer or masher you’ll never want to go back! You won’t get over mixed potatoes anymore!
bowl of fluffy mashed potatoes with butter

Ingredients:

  • Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes
  • sea salt
  • salted butter
  • heavy cream
  • whole milk
white counter with wood board on top. 11 medium potatoes, a stick of butter, jug of heavy cream, jug of milk and a tray of salt

Possible Variations

  • More cream: Omit the whole milk and use all heavy cream.
  • Make it garlicky: When you add the butter, add in roasted garlic. If you don’t want to roast garlic, add 1/4-1/2 tsp of garlic powder, depending on your taste.
  • Make them cheesy: Spread the mashed potatoes into a 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the potatoes. Bake at 350° until the cheese is melted.
bowl full of creamy mashed potatoes recipe with butter

FAQs About Mashed Potatoes

How long can you store homemade mashed potatoes in the refrigerator?

As soon as potatoes are cool place them in a covered container. Refrigerate for 3-5 days. You can tell when they’ve gone bad when the liquid begins to separate from the potatoes.

How long can you store homemade mashed potatoes in the freezer?

As soon as the potatoes are cool, place them in an airtight freezer safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator.

Can mashed potatoes be made ahead?

Yes. Keep the mashed potatoes warm by placing them in a heat-resistant bowl, covering, and setting it over a pot of simmering water. They should stay warm and safe for up to 2 hours.

bowl of fluffy potatoes topped with butter

How to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes:

Step 1: Peel and dice potatoes. Be sure to cut the potato pieces into similar size so that they cook evenly.

Step 2: Place the sliced potatoes in your stock pot.

sliced potatoes in a pot

Step 3: Add 1 tbsp salt on top of potatoes in the stock pot. This will prevent potatoes from browning.

Step 4: Fill the stock pot with enough water to come just above the potatoes. You can put in more water but it will take longer to boil and is unnecessary.

cooked potatoes in pot

Step 5: Turn the stovetop burner on to high and bring the pot of potatoes to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a low boil.

Step 6: Cook until the potatoes pierce easily with a fork (time will depend on the size of your potato pieces).

cooked potatoes with butter on top

Step 7: Drain. Return potatoes to the pot.

Step 8: Add butter on top of cooked potatoes. You can also add a little more salt and pepper, if you desire.

tool mashing potatoes

Step 9: Begin to mash with a potato masher or potato ricer (affiliate links). Stef recommends you do NOT use a hand mixer unless you don’t have a potato masher.

Step 10: Add cream, milk, the rest of the salt and pepper and continue mashing until very few lumps remain.

add milk to mashed potatoes

Top mashed potatoes with a large pat of butter. Serve while your potato side dish is warm with the rest of your Thanksgiving food or whatever meal you’re serving! Enjoy!

bowl of mashed potatoes with butter on top

More Great Thanksgiving Food:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Easy Roasted Brussels sprouts with pecans and cranberries make a delicious and simple side dish.
See Recipe
baking sheet covered in roasted brussels sprouts
Dry Brine Turkey Recipe
The easiest way to brine your turkey is with this simple dry salt and spice mixture – makes a perfect, juicy turkey!
See Recipe
golden roasted turkey on a bed of greens and red cranberries and rosemary and sage
Granny Smith Apple Pie Recipe
Classic apple pie recipe with the perfect balance of tart apples and a sweet filling in a sugar-sprinkled crust. Make this delicious apple pie dessert to accompany any meal.
See Recipe
granny smith apple pie with one slice missing
Thanksgiving Stovetop Stuffing
Using the breadcrumbs and seasoning that come in the Stovetop stuffing box are super handy, while adding freshly sautéed vegetables and the giblets from your turkey make for a flavorful, delicious side dish.
See Recipe
plate of bread stuffing with cranberries
bowl of creamy mashed potatoes with butter on top
5 from 17 votes

Creamy Mashed Potatoes


Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
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6
Rich and creamy mashed potatoes made with Yukon gold potatoes and seasoned to perfection.
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Equipment

  • Potato Masher

Ingredients
  

  • 5 pounds Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes
  • 1 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons sea salt or 1 T.+3/4 t. table salt
  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

Instructions

  • Peel and dice potatoes. Be sure to cut the potato pieces into similar size so that they cook evenly.
  • Place diced potatoes and salt into a stock pot. Fill with enough water to come just above the potatoes.
  • Turn the stovetop burner on to high and bring the pot of potatoes to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a low boil.
  • Cook until the potatoes pierce easily with a fork (time will depend on the size of your potato pieces)
  • Drain and begin to mash with a potato masher or ricer (do NOT use a hand mixer). Add butter, cream, and milk and continue mashing until very few lumps remain.
  • Serve hot with more butter!

Notes

Do NOT use a hand/standing mixer or any type of blending appliance to mash your potatoes.  They will become gluey.  The key is to cook the potatoes enough that they will break down easily with mashing.  Use a ricer for the smoothest results.

Nutrition

Calories: 507kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 1337mg | Potassium: 1632mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 796IU | Vitamin C: 74mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 3mg

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posted in: American, Course, Cuisine, Diet, Gluten Free, Ingredient, Method, Occasion, Potato, Side Dish, Stovetop, Thanksgiving, Vegetarian

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Kat says

    February 6, 2021

    5 stars
    Thanks for these mashed potato tips! Which masher or ricer do you use or recommend? I bought a ricer that came with several stars but it’s sooo bad, requires tiny portions of potatoes at a time and dozens of turns, exhausting. TIA!

    Reply
    • stef says

      February 6, 2021

      That sounds exhausting, Kat! I used to use a ricer like this one: https://bit.ly/3rtG3Tw. – It had the different size discs you could change out and was easier to clean. I can’t speak to the quality of this specific one, but this style is what I used. Nowadays, I use a masher like this: https://amzn.to/2MHIVNB – I think I got mine from Target. It works well and is easy to clean – does take a little more effort though. Let us know if you find one you love!

      Reply
  2. Claire says

    May 10, 2022

    5 stars
    These were the creamiest and softest mashed potato I have ever made!!!
    I loved the buttery taste, the kids said they were the best mashed potatoes I have ever made! Thank you 🙂

    Reply
  3. Peter says

    May 10, 2022

    5 stars
    This was creamy and delicious! Great tip about adding cheese in a baking dish – creamy and cheesy! I added parmesan cheese, mozzarella and cheddar – a bit overboard but worth it!!!

    Reply
  4. Amanda| The Kitcheneer says

    May 10, 2022

    You can’t ever go wrong with classic creamy mashed potatoes! And love your tips on making this! Gonna apply next time I make mashed potatoes

    Reply
  5. Tayler Ross says

    May 10, 2022

    5 stars
    This is my absolute favorite mashed potato recipe! I’ll never make them another way again!

    Reply
  6. MJ says

    May 10, 2022

    5 stars
    Oh wow these turned out SO rich, creamy, and tasty!! Easy enough for weeknight dinners and I can’t wait to make this again for the holidays, too!

    Reply
  7. Tavo says

    May 10, 2022

    5 stars
    my mashed potatoes came out indeed super creamy and they were delicious, thank you!

    Reply
  8. Tara says

    May 10, 2022

    5 stars
    Such a delicious, creamy texture! I love all the tips to help make the mashed potatoes perfect along with the possible variations.

    Reply
  9. Jenni says

    May 12, 2022

    5 stars
    These mashed potatoes are so creamy and delicious! Love how easy they are!

    Reply

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