Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Servings: 6 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner
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Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food, beloved for their velvety texture and rich, buttery flavor. Made with tender boiled potatoes, a splash of cream or milk, and a generous amount of butter, this dish melts in your mouth with every bite.

The key to perfectly creamy mashed potatoes lies in selecting the right type of potato—Yukon Golds are ideal for their naturally buttery taste and smooth consistency, while Russets provide a fluffier texture.

Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and optional garlic, creamy mashed potatoes complement almost any main course, from roasted meats to hearty stews.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Mashed Potatoes

There’s nothing quite like silky-smooth mashed potatoes made with real butter, cream, and just the right amount of seasoning. These creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side—perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, or anything in between. Easy to make, rich in flavor, and endlessly versatile!

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins
Cooking Temp: 170  C Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 5.00 Calories: 250
Best Season: Fall, Winter, Suitable throughout the year

Description

Creamy, buttery, and perfectly seasoned mashed potatoes made from scratch with just a few simple ingredients—an essential, crowd-pleasing side dish for any meal.

They are not only a staple for holiday feasts but also an easy weeknight side dish that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes.

For added flavor, herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme can be folded in, creating a fragrant and colorful dish that appeals to both adults and children alike.

Ingredients

2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

Instructions

  1. Boil Potatoes: Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender.
  2. Drain & Mash: Drain well. Return potatoes to the hot pot to steam off excess moisture. Mash using a potato masher or ricer.
  3. Mix Cream & Butter: Warm cream and butter together. Slowly mix into the mashed potatoes until smooth and creamy.
  4. Season & Serve: Add sour cream (optional), salt, and pepper. Stir until fully combined. Garnish with chives or extra butter.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 250kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g19%
Sodium 150mg7%
Total Carbohydrate 28g10%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Protein 3g6%

* 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

Tips & Serving Tricks:

  • Use a ricer for ultra-smooth texture.
  • Don’t overmix! Overworking mashed potatoes can make them gluey.
  • Keep warm: Place in a slow cooker on warm for serving at parties or holidays.
  • Flavor boost: Add roasted garlic, cream cheese, or parmesan for extra depth.
  • Make ahead: Prepare a day in advance and reheat gently with added cream.

Variations

Mashed potatoes can be customized in countless ways. For a richer taste, swap cream for sour cream or cream cheese. Roasted garlic mashed potatoes add a sweet, caramelized depth.

For a lighter version, use low-fat milk or Greek yogurt. Cheesy mashed potatoes with Parmesan, cheddar, or Gruyère are indulgent and perfect for special occasions.

Vegan options replace butter with olive oil or plant-based margarine and use almond or oat milk instead of dairy. You can also mix in roasted vegetables like cauliflower or parsnip for added nutrition and a unique flavor twist.

Storage

Proper storage ensures your mashed potatoes stay fresh and maintain their creamy texture. Allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container.

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring to restore smoothness.

Mashed potatoes can also be frozen for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze them in portions to make reheating easier.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat slowly with additional butter or milk to regain creaminess.

Overmixing during reheating can cause them to become gluey, so stir gently. You can also enhance reheated mashed potatoes by folding in fresh herbs, cheese, or a dollop of sour cream to revive flavor and texture.

Conclution:

In conclusion, Creamy Mashed Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food, offering the perfect balance of rich, velvety texture and buttery flavor. With their smooth, creamy consistency, these mashed potatoes are a crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs effortlessly with a wide variety of meals.

Whether served alongside roasted meats, gravy-covered turkey, or a simple vegetable dish, they elevate any plate and bring a touch of indulgence to your meal.

What makes these mashed potatoes truly exceptional is the combination of key ingredients—potatoes, butter, cream, and seasoning—that create a luxurious texture without being overly heavy.

The key to achieving that ideal consistency lies in using the right potatoes, such as Yukon Golds, which are naturally creamy and buttery, allowing the mash to become silky without the need for excessive milk or cream. The richness of butter and the smoothness of cream blend perfectly, offering a comforting dish that’s never too dense or greasy.

These mashed potatoes are also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the flavor to suit your preferences by adding garlic, chives, sour cream, or even cheese for a decadent twist. For those looking for a lighter option, substituting some of the cream for vegetable or chicken broth can still produce a flavorful dish without sacrificing texture.

Additionally, they can be prepared in advance and reheated, making them a great choice for holiday meals, dinner parties, or meal prep.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a hearty side dish, Creamy Mashed Potatoes are the go-to option for satisfying your comfort food cravings.

With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, this dish delivers maximum flavor and a rich, velvety finish that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a classic recipe that’s sure to remain a beloved staple in your kitchen for years to come.

Keywords: Creamy mashed potatoes, Homemade mashed potatoes, Thanksgiving side dish, Buttery mashed potatoes, Easy potato recipe
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes! Whole milk works well—just use a bit less for thickness.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Add a splash of cream or milk and reheat over low heat, stirring often.

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