Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Smooth, creamy, and perfectly buttery this mashed potatoes recipe is a timeless comfort food that pairs beautifully with any meal. Whether you’re preparing an easy mashed potatoes recipe for a weeknight dinner or the best mashed potatoes recipe for the holidays, these fluffy spuds always steal the show.

Made with simple mashed potato main ingredients like potatoes, butter, and warm milk, this dish delivers restaurant-level creaminess in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect side for roast chicken, turkey, steak, or even your favorite gravy recipe. Find more healthy and tasty Mashed Potatoes Recipe ideas here.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled (optional, for garlic mashed potatoes)
• 1 cup whole milk (or use heavy cream, sour cream, or cream cheese for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more for serving)
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins for Flavor:

• ½ cup shredded Cheddar or Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or cream cheese
• Fresh chives, parsley, or roasted garlic for garnish

Directions / How to Cook

• Boil the Potatoes:
  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes (and garlic, if using) and cook for 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender. Wondering how long to boil potatoes for mashed potatoes? The answer depends on size — quartered potatoes usually need about 15 minutes.
• Heat the Milk and Butter:
  While the potatoes cook, warm the milk and butter together in a small saucepan over low heat until the butter melts. This step ensures the potatoes stay smooth and creamy instead of gluey.
• Mash the Potatoes:
  Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Slowly pour in the warm milk mixture, mashing with a potato masher or blending with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Customize Your Texture:
  For creamy mashed potatoes, use more milk or cream. For smashed potatoes, leave some small chunks for a rustic feel.
• Serve and Enjoy:
  Transfer to a serving bowl, top with a pat of butter, and sprinkle with herbs or cheese. Pair with your favorite gravy recipe or roasted meats.

Pro Tip: For mashed potatoes recipe without milk, substitute warm chicken broth, vegetable stock, or even the water used to boil the potatoes for a dairy-free version.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 cups mashed potatoes