There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes. Fluffy, buttery, and rich with cream, these mashed potatoes are a perfect side dish for any meal. Whether you’re serving them with a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, they always make the meal feel extra special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This creamy mashed potato recipe is incredibly easy to make but tastes like a dish that’s been perfected over years. The potatoes are super smooth, buttery, and comforting with just the right amount of seasoning. Plus, it’s a recipe that can be customized with your favorite add-ins, from roasted garlic to cheese, for an extra touch of flavor.
Ingredients
You’ll need russet potatoes, butter, heavy cream or milk, garlic, salt, and pepper. For an extra rich flavor, you can add sour cream or cream cheese. Full list of ingredients is at the bottom of the recipe!
Directions
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water.
- Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the potatoes for 12-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- While the potatoes are cooking, heat the butter and cream (or milk) together in a small saucepan until the butter is melted. You can add garlic at this stage to infuse the flavor if you like.
- Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Let them sit for a minute or two to allow the excess moisture to evaporate.
- Mash the potatoes using a potato masher, ricer, or hand mixer until smooth. Gradually add the warm butter and cream mixture, mixing until the potatoes are creamy and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra creaminess, stir in sour cream or cream cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or a pat of butter.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For the fluffiest mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or food mill instead of a masher.
- Don’t over-mash the potatoes, as this can make them gluey.
- Warm the butter and cream before adding them to the potatoes to keep everything nice and smooth.
- Taste the potatoes before adding salt—you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add roasted garlic or sauté minced garlic in butter for extra flavor.
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or cream cheese for a rich, cheesy twist.
- Herb Mashed Potatoes: Add fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme to the potatoes for extra freshness.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect with roasted meats like turkey, roast beef, or chicken. Pair them with a rich gravy, a side of sautéed vegetables, and a crisp salad for a complete meal. They also pair wonderfully with meatloaf or a hearty stew.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a little extra butter or milk and warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the potatoes are too thick after being refrigerated, thin them out with a splash of milk or cream.
FAQs
Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can make them up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the fridge and reheat before serving, adding a little extra cream or butter to refresh the texture.
Can I use different potatoes?
While russet potatoes are ideal for creamy mashed potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes work well too, as they have a naturally buttery flavor.
Can I freeze mashed potatoes?
Yes, mashed potatoes freeze well! Allow them to cool, then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Reheat by warming them on the stovetop and adding a bit of milk or butter.
How do I keep my mashed potatoes from being lumpy?
Make sure the potatoes are fully cooked before mashing, and use a potato ricer or food mill for the smoothest texture.
Conclusion
Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting classic that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe will always impress with its rich, creamy texture and perfect flavor.
Print
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Mashing
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Creamy Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate side dish! Rich, buttery, and smooth, they are the perfect complement to any meal. With a secret ingredient to make them extra creamy, these mashed potatoes will quickly become your go-to recipe for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Prepare the cream mixture: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream, milk, and minced garlic (if using). Warm the mixture until it’s hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Mash the potatoes: Using a potato masher or a ricer, mash the potatoes until smooth. Slowly pour the warm butter and cream mixture into the mashed potatoes, stirring gently to combine until creamy.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for flavor.
- Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra richness, add more butter or cream to the potatoes.
- You can use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
- To make ahead, prepare the mashed potatoes and refrigerate them. Reheat with a splash of milk before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg