Next to Roasted Turkey, mashed potatoes and Turkey Gravy, are always the most popular dishes on our Thanksgiving table. In fact, I think there are a few members of the family who may come specifically for the potatoes, and I don’t blame them. This recipe is incredible alone, but out of this world when drizzled with butter and gravy.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes Video
Watch Natasha whip up this simple mashed potatoes recipe and share her tips for how to get a perfectly fluffy whipped texture and the best flavor.
Mashed Potatoes Recipe
We have made many potato recipes over the years, from Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes to Garlic Mashed Potatoes, but I have to say this creamy Mashed Potato Recipe is king, especially for Christmas and Thanksgiving. I first published this recipe in 2018, inspired by my friend Anna, who invited us for dinner one evening. She served us her whipped mashed potatoes recipe, and I couldn’t get enough of them, so of course, I asked her for the details. Thank you, Anna! This is the perfect side dish for a holiday table, but as Anna showed me, they are a great addition to any menu all year round. It’s a simple dish and can be made ahead to make dinner easier.
Tips for Making the Best Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potato recipes are simple and perfect for beginners, but there are several tips that make the best mashed potatoes you’ve ever had!
Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes
It’s incredible that this recipe only uses 4 ingredients and still tastes so buttery, so flavorful, and so satisfying.
Potatoes – 4 lbs (12 medium) russet potatoes, peeled. Russets are the best potatoes for this recipe since they mash and whip into a great texture, but you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes or yellow potatoes. Milk – Use whole milk for the creamiest potatoes, but you can use lower-fat milk if that is what you have on hand. Butter – use unsalted butter at room temperature (not melted). Even if it seems like a lot –trust me. Just add in the full amount. Salt – Adding salt at the end keeps them from falling apart while cooking and it’s easy to add it to taste. Garnish – optional, but sprinkling with chopped fresh parsley or chives is the best way to dress up mashed potatoes, especially for the holidays.
How to Make Mashed Potatoes
This mashed potatoes recipe is simple, but the tips I’ve included make so much difference in taste and texture. Follow these directions and you’ll be the talk of the holiday!
Boil the potatoes – Peel (and cut potatoes in half if very large) and then you may want to remove eyes or knots with a small spoon or the tip of a potato peeler to get the smoothest texture (optional). Place potatoes in a large pot (5 Qt+), cover with cold water, and then bring to a boil. Partially cover and boil until tender and easily pierced with a fork (about 20-25 minutes). Do not overcook.
How to Keep Mashed Potatoes Warm for Serving
It’s easy to make this mashed potatoes recipe ahead of time to make serving dinner easier.
Stovetop – Once whipped, cover the potatoes and place them in a warm oven, or you can create a bain-marie and set the pot over a larger pot of simmering water. Slow cooker – transfer into a slow cooker on the warm setting to keep potatoes warm until ready to serve.
This creamy whipped Mashed Potatoes recipe is so easy to serve for a weeknight or weekend meal, but it’s fancy and tasty enough for a holiday menu. This recipe is a keeper!
To Refrigerate: Cool and pack in a heat-safe, airtight container with a lid for up to 5 days. Freezing: Pack cooled potatoes in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. To Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight. Then reheat on the stove, in a 350°F oven, or in the microwave with a splash of milk and a bit of butter. Mix until the milk is just incorporated so the potatoes aren’t overmixed and gummy.
What to Serve with Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are one of the most versatile side dishes, and they pair well with pretty much anything. Here are our favorite main courses and sides to pair with mashed potatoes.
Beef – Meatloaf, Prime Rib, Pan-Seared Steak, Roast Beef Chicken – Chicken Casserole, Chicken Fricassee, Roast Chicken Pork – Baked Ham, Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Pork Schnitzel Gravy – Turkey Gravy, or Easy Mushroom Gravy Sides – Roasted Cauliflower, Roasted Broccoli, Sautéed Mushrooms
