There’s no side dish quite as comforting and satisfying as creamy mashed potatoes. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy family dinner, holiday gatherings, or a weeknight meal, mashed potatoes are a staple that everyone loves. With their rich, velvety texture and buttery flavor, these mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to any main dish.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make creamy mashed potatoes that are smooth, fluffy, and packed with flavor. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Their smooth texture and rich, buttery flavor make them irresistible. They pair perfectly with almost any dish—whether you’re serving them with gravy, roast chicken, vegetables, or Bobby Flay’s famous Salisbury steaks which is similar to our smothered hamburger steak recipe.
The best mashed potatoes are creamy but not too heavy, and they have just the right balance of seasoning to enhance their natural flavor. The key to perfect mashed potatoes is choosing the right potatoes and using the best ingredients to create a velvety smooth texture.
Ingredients for Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Making creamy mashed potatoes is simple and requires just a few ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for a creamy texture)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup warm whole milk or heavy cream (depending on your desired creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives, thyme, or parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose Your Potatoes
For the best creamy mashed potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes are a fantastic option due to their naturally creamy texture. Russet potatoes are also a great choice, but they tend to be slightly fluffier. Choose whichever you prefer or combine both types for the perfect balance of creaminess.
Step 2: Peel and Cut the Potatoes
Peel 2 pounds of potatoes (if desired) and cut them into even chunks (about 1-2 inches). This helps the potatoes cook evenly and faster.
Step 3: Boil the Potatoes
Place the cut potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water to season the potatoes as they cook. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Drain and Dry the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander. For extra creamy mashed potatoes, allow the potatoes to sit in the colander for a few minutes to release any excess moisture. This helps prevent the mashed potatoes from becoming watery.
Step 5: Mash the Potatoes
Return the potatoes to the pot or a large bowl. Use a potato masher or potato ricer for the smoothest texture. Mash until the potatoes are mostly smooth, but don’t overdo it—some small lumps can add texture.
Step 6: Add Butter and Milk
While the potatoes are still hot, add the 1/2 cup room temperature butter. Let it melt completely, stirring as you go. Gradually add the 1/2 to 3/4 warm milk or cream until the potatoes reach your desired level of creaminess. For a richer flavor, you can substitute part of the milk with heavy cream.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Taste the mashed potatoes and add salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl, garnish with fresh chives, thyme, or parsley, and serve warm.
Tips for the Creamiest Mashed Potatoes
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing mashed potatoes can make them gummy. Mash the potatoes just enough to get a smooth texture.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is soft, so it blends seamlessly into the potatoes.
- Warm Your Milk: Warming the milk or cream before adding it to the potatoes helps everything come together smoothly.
- Season Well: Don’t forget to season your mashed potatoes with enough salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as you go.
- For Extra Creaminess: For even creamier mashed potatoes, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese.
Variations of Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add roasted garlic or sauté fresh garlic in butter before mixing it into the mashed potatoes for a rich, garlicky flavor.
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in shredded cheese such as cheddar, Parmesan, or Gouda for a cheesy twist.
- Herb Mashed Potatoes: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for a fresh, aromatic flavor.
- Vegan Mashed Potatoes: Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter and use plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) for a dairy-free version.
How to Serve Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with a wide variety of main dishes, including:
- Gravy: Make a rich beef or chicken gravy to pour over your mashed potatoes for an indulgent side.
- Roast Meats: Serve them alongside roast chicken, turkey, beef, or lamb for a comforting and complete meal.
- Vegetables: Pair mashed potatoes with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a balanced plate.
- Stews and Sauces: They also make a great side dish for stews, braises, and hearty meat sauces.
Conclusion: The Perfect Creamy Mashed Potatoes
With just a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can create creamy mashed potatoes that will impress everyone at the table. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With their smooth texture, rich flavor, and versatility, creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect comfort food for any meal.
Simple Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
There’s no side dish quite as comforting and satisfying as creamy mashed potatoes. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy family dinner, holiday gatherings, or a weeknight meal, mashed potatoes are a staple that everyone loves. With their rich, velvety texture and buttery flavor, these mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to any main dish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for a creamy texture)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup warm whole milk or heavy cream (depending on your desired creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives, thyme, or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Choose Your Potatoes - For the best creamy mashed potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes are a fantastic option due to their naturally creamy texture. Russet potatoes are also a great choice, but they tend to be slightly fluffier. Choose whichever you prefer or combine both types for the perfect balance of creaminess.
Step 2: Peel and Cut the Potatoes - Peel 2 pounds of potatoes (if desired) and cut them into even chunks (about 1-2 inches). This helps the potatoes cook evenly and faster.
Step 3: Boil the Potatoes - Place the cut potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water to season the potatoes as they cook. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Drain and Dry the Potatoes - Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander. For extra creamy mashed potatoes, allow the potatoes to sit in the colander for a few minutes to release any excess moisture. This helps prevent the mashed potatoes from becoming watery.
Step 5: Mash the Potatoes - Return the potatoes to the pot or a large bowl. Use a potato masher or potato ricer for the smoothest texture. Mash until the potatoes are mostly smooth, but don’t overdo it—some small lumps can add texture.
Step 6: Add Butter and Milk - While the potatoes are still hot, add the 1/2 cup room temperature butter. Let it melt completely, stirring as you go. Gradually add the 1/2 to 3/4 warm milk or cream until the potatoes reach your desired level of creaminess. For a richer flavor, you can substitute part of the milk with heavy cream.
Step 7: Season and Serve - Taste the mashed potatoes and add salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl, garnish with fresh chives, thyme, or parsley, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 303Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 75mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 5g
The nutritional information provided for the recipes on this blog is an estimate and is based on standard ingredient portions. Actual nutritional values may vary depending on factors such as ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods. For precise dietary needs or concerns, please consult a healthcare professional or nutritionist.
