What’s in this Easy Mashed Potatoes Recipe?
The secret to beautifully creamy easy mashed potatoes is to boil the potatoes in a cream (or whole milk) and water mixture. The potatoes suck up all the goodness from the cream and result in flavorsome potatoes that are beautifully smooth.
Heavy Cream: Adds so much extra flavor to these potatoes. You can also use whole milk. Water: Helps create enough liquid to boil the potatoes in. Potatoes: I swear by Yukon golds; they turn out fluffy, smooth, and full of flavor. You want to use a high-starch potato, so russets will also work well. Avoid waxy potatoes, like red or white varieties, as they require a lot of mashing and can become gloopy. Salt + Pepper: Enhance the natural flavor of the potatoes. Unsalted Butter: Add richness and creaminess to the potatoes.
Pro Tip: The potatoes should be boiled until fork tender. Don’t under or overcook them.
Variations on Simple Mashed Potatoes
These easy mashed potatoes are also super simple to flavor any way you like. I love to add a bit of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley to mine, but you could stir in any fresh herbs (sage, rosemary, or thyme would be yummy), cheeses (mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack are my faves), or spices (like garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper) to add a bit more flavor. They’re the perfect blank slate for any meal.
How to Make Ahead and Store
You can make these easy mashed potatoes up to 1 day in advance of when you plan to serve them. Prepare the recipe as directed, let cool completely, then cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Before serving gently reheat them on the stovetop, and add about 1 cup of the milk-water (slowly) and stir to combine. Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to Freeze and Reheat
Scoop 1-cup mounds of these easy mashed potatoes onto a lined baking sheet and freeze uncovered until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a Dutch oven over medium-low heat or in the microwave on high for 1 minute.
Serving Suggestions
These easy mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for all of your favorite main dishes! They really go with everything– stuffed pork loin, honey baked ham, hamburger steaks, air fryer meatloaf, garlic rosemary turkey breast, pork crown roast, or whatever you’re serving for dinner. And of course, they’re a must with your Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas dinner.
More Mashed Potato Recipes We Love
Creamy Mashed Potatoes Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Fondue Mashed Potatoes Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Colcannon Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
