Mashed Potatoes Recipe | Primavera Kitchen (2024)

This Mashed Potatoes Recipe is the best mashed potato recipe you’re ever going to make. Not just for holidays, this mashed potato recipe goes with everything!

As the holiday season is approaching, I wanted to share this super easy and delicious creamy mashed potatoes recipe with you. While in my opinion, mashed potatoes recipe goes with everything, it’s the best side dish for the holiday as pretty much everyone loves potatoes! You can’t go wrong with it and it’s a crowd pleaser just like my Potatoes au Gratin.

Need something to serve with these mashed potatoes recipe? Try my Baked Meatballs Casserole, Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin Recipe, Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs, Easy Broiled Salmon Recipe, and my Roasted Lemon Chicken Leg Recipe.

Mashed Potatoes Recipe | Primavera Kitchen (1)

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This best mashed potatoes recipe is not only a great option to go along with your juicy turkey or cranberry sauce, but it is also a great recipe to have on hand every time you need a quick and easy side dish. It is so quick to whip up as it’s a recipe you can make in less than 30 minutes.

I find that this homemade mashed potatoes recipe is a very family friendly recipe as well. Most little ones I know love mashed potatoes and they are always reaching for seconds. If you have a little one who loves this creamy mashed potatoes recipes, let me know in the comments!

Ingredients to Make Mashed Potatoes Recipe

  • Russet or Yukon gold potatoes– peeled and cut potatoes into quarters lengthwise.
  • Salt
  • Softened butter –softened, not melted.
  • Heavy cream –you can also use sour cream or even cream cheese if you prefer.
  • Salt and ground black pepper –to taste
  • Fresh parsley
Mashed Potatoes Recipe | Primavera Kitchen (2)

Instructions to make Mashed Potatoes recipe

Prep and Cook the Potatoes

  1. Peel potatoes and remove the little knots from the potatoes with the tip of a potato peeler.
  2. In a large pot (6qt.), place potatoes and cover with water. Add salt and bring to a boil. Cook potato until fork tender (about 15-20 minutes).
  3. Drain the potatoes and return them to pot.
Mashed Potatoes Recipe | Primavera Kitchen (3)

Make the Creamy Mashed Potatoes

  1. Add butter, salt, pepper and heavy creamy.
  2. Use a potato masher, a potato ricer or an electric mixerto mash the potatoes until smooth.
  3. Stir with a wooden spoon until completely combined and creamy.
  4. Transfer this creamy mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and top with more butter for more flavor. Season with fresh parsley.
Mashed Potatoes Recipe | Primavera Kitchen (4)

Tips to the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe

  • Always start your potatoes in cold water and bring it up to a boil and don’t add the raw potatoes to boiling water. This helps the potatoes cook evenly and not fall apart/overcook.
  • Be sure to fully drain your potatoes before you mash them. You don’t want it to be watery.
  • It’s important to salt your water when cooking the potatoes as it helps flavour the potatoes early on and makes the potatoes more flavourful. This also means you can add less salt later since there’s already flavour.
Mashed Potatoes Recipe | Primavera Kitchen (5)

How To Store Leftovers

  • To Store: Add your buttery mashed potatoes in an airtight container and place it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • To Freeze:While potatoes don’t tend to freeze well, you can freeze mashed potatoes as the fat that’s added to it helps it freeze better. You can freeze mashed potatoes in 1 cup portions on a lined sheet pan before transferring them into a freezer bag if you want single portion mashed potatoes for later!
  • To Reheat: In the microwave: when reheating mashed potatoes in the microwave, try to do so on half heat so it decreases the likelihood of it drying out. On the stove top: reheat this creamy mashed potatoes on low heat on the stove top with an extra splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.

Recipe Variations

  • Garlic and herbs:If you love garlic as much as me, you’ll want to try this best mashed potatoes recipe with minced cloves garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives. Just trust me!
  • Low carb:For a low carb version of this recipe, give mashed cauliflower a try! I have an easymashed cauliflowerrecipe that has the same creamy texture as these mashed potatoes!
  • Vegan:To make this mashed potato recipe vegan, simply substitute the butter for vegan butter and use your preferred dairy-free cream instead of heavy cream.
  • Instant Pot: How to make this recipe in a IP? Make my Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes.

More Mashed Vegetables Recipes to Try:

Mashed Butternut SquashCreamy Savory Mashed Sweet PotatoesHealthy Mashed Sweet PotatoesWhole30 Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

Recommended Tools

  • Large Pot: To boil the potatoes, you’ll need a large soup or stock pot.
  • Potato Masher: Use a potato masher to get the perfect thick and creamy consistency. For this mashed potato recipe, you can also use a potato ricer or a hand mixer.
  • Large Bowl: I can never make just a little bit of mashed potatoes, so a nice big bowl comes in handy for serving.

What To Serve With Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Here are tasty recipes that would pair well with creamy mashed potatoes:

  • Easy mains:I love recipes that come together in the oven, because you can multi-task and make the potatoes while the rest of the meal is cooking. For an easy, nutritious meal that your family will love, serve this classic side dish with myEasy Oven Baked Ribs,Easy Oven Pork Chop Recipe,or myHealthy Meatloaf Recipe.Also, it’s perfect to serve it for Thanksgiving dinner with Easy Roasted Turkey Leg and or Turkey Breast Recipe.
  • Garlic butter: There’s just something about garlic butter that pairs SO well with these creamy mashed potatoes. I highly recommend trying this dish with myGarlic Butter Pork Tenderloin Recipe.
  • More sides!: To round out your meal, add another tasty veggie side dish like myair fryer Brussels sprouts,roasted green beans, roasted vegetables orfresh arugula salad.

Mashed Potatoes Recipe | Primavera Kitchen (10)

Please, Try it!!

Electric Potato Masher

No more lumpy, sticky mash! With this immersion hand blender, you’ll whip up creamy, fluffy, and smooth potatoes in just 20 seconds, making your food mixing effortless and super smooth.

Check it Out

Mashed Potatoes Recipe | Primavera Kitchen (11)

Frequently Asked Questions

What potatoes is best for mashed potatoes recipe?

Choose higher starch potatoes such as Russet Potatoes or Yukon Golds for the most fluffy and smooth mashed potatoes. Waxy potatoes are more firm so when mashed, it might come out looking more like a paste.

What butter should I use?

I suggest using unsalted butter for this mashed potatoes recipe since we are seasoning with salt and pepper. If you only have salted butter, I suggest tasting as you go to not make this creamy mashed potatoes recipe overly salty.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Half and half is a good alternative if you don’t have any heavy cream on hand.
Whole milk also can work in a pinch as well but keep in mind that the heavy cream in the recipe helps with giving the mashed potatoes a creamy luxurious texture. If you use something like slim milk, your mashed potatoes won’t come out as creamy.

What are some toppings I can put on my potatoes?

Here are some ideas of what you can (but not limited to!) top your creamy mashed potatoes with: Bacon, chives, shredded cheese, jalapeños, roasted garlic, green onions, other fresh herbs of choice.

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Mashed Potatoes Recipe | Primavera Kitchen (12)

4 from 8 votes

Mashed Potatoes Recipe

ThisMashed Potatoes Recipe is the best mashed potato recipe you're ever going to make. Not just for holidays, this mashed potato recipe goes with everything!

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Cook: 15 minutes minutes

Total: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 people

PrintRate

Video

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. russet or Yukon gold potatoes peeled and cut potatoes into quarters lengthwise.
  • Salt for boiling water
  • 1 stick softened butter plus 2 tablespoons for garnish
  • 1/2 cup heavy creamy
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tsp. fresh parsley chopped

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Peel potatoes andremove the little knots from the potatoes with the tip of a potato peeler.

  • In a large pot (6qt.),place potatoes and cover with cold water. Add salt and bring to a boil. Cook potato until fork tender (about 15-20 minutes).

  • Drain and return potatoes to pot.

  • Add butter, salt, pepper and heavy creamy.

  • Use a potato masher to mash potatoes until smooth. I LOVE to use this one (It's the best)

  • Stir until completely combined and creamy.

  • Transfer potatoes to a serving bowl and top with more butter. Season with fresh parsley.

Tips

  • Salt the water generously as it adds flavour to the potatoes.
  • Make sure the potatoes are well drained before mashing so they stay thick and creamy.
  • To store: Place leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • To reheat:I like to reheat the mash in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of liquid to help loosen it up.
  • To freeze: Freeze mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/6 Calories: 381kcal (19%) Carbohydrates: 48g (16%) Protein: 6g (12%) Fat: 19g (29%) Saturated Fat: 10g (63%) Monounsaturated Fat: 3g Cholesterol: 33mg (11%) Sodium: 855mg (37%) Potassium: 750mg (21%) Fiber: 5g (21%) Sugar: 3g (3%)

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.

© Author: Olivia Ribas

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Mashed Potatoes Recipe | Primavera Kitchen (17)

Reader Interactions

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  1. Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says

    Love love love the array of herbs you used in these mashed potatoes! Mine were so boring, now I have an excuse to mix it up a bit!

    Reply

  2. Denise @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says

    I’ve never tried putting olive oil in my mashed potatoes before, but these look so creamy I’m going to have to try it! I also love that you put tarragon in them…I love tarragon and it seems so underused!

    Reply

  3. eat good 4 life says

    I love everything about this. I love mashed potatoes but I have not made them in for ever. I like the fact that you used basil, I am sure the flavor was superb!

    Reply

  4. Susan Wirth says

    I’m confused. The comments don’t seem to match the ingredients in your recipe. Where is the tarragon, basil, and olive oil?

    Reply

    • Olivia says

      This recipe was retested and updated. That’s why we didn’t add these ingredients.

      Reply

  5. jessica says

    I dont have heavy cream or cream at all, is there a subsitute I can do?

    Reply

    • Olivia says

      You can use milk 2%

      Reply

  6. Bonnie says

    You have contradicting potato boiling instructions. One place says add potatoes to cold water and bring to boil. A second place says add potatoes to boiling water. 1st is correct.

    Reply

    • Olivia says

      Thanks for pointing it out. You should add potatoes to cold water and bring to boil.

      Reply

  7. Mika balogh says

    This recipe is marked vegan but cream and butter arent

    Reply

    • Olivia says

      I think it’s marked as vegetarian.

      Reply

Mashed Potatoes Recipe | Primavera Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

What's better in mashed potatoes sour cream or cream cheese? ›

Sour Cream: The sour cream helps keep the mashed potatoes fluffy. Cream Cheese: This adds a bit of creaminess without being too overpowering. Heavy Cream: Increases the creaminess and helps thin out the potatoes a bit.

Why do restaurant mashed potatoes taste better? ›

Instead of regular milk, pro chefs generally use a generous helping of buttermilk and plenty of half-and-half or (even better) heavy cream in their potatoes. If you think the bartenders up front are pouring heavy, they've got nothing on the cooks in the back who are in charge of the mashed potatoes.

Is milk or water better for mashed potatoes? ›

Potatoes are like pasta, in that they leach starches into their cooking liquid. In the case of pasta, you want to reserve some of that liquid to give sauce a luscious shine and bind it to the noodles.

Should you soak potatoes in water before boiling for mashed potatoes? ›

There is no need to soak your potatoes before making mashed potatoes. Soaking is best prior to frying or roasting.

Is it better to use milk or heavy cream in mashed potatoes? ›

Heavy Cream - While you, hypothetically, could use whole milk or something, I don't recommend it. Part of what makes these the creamiest mashed potatoes is the CREAM! Use the cream, we aren't eating mashed potatoes for our health. Sour Cream - This recipe is rich and it needs some tanginess for balance.

Why do people add sour cream to mashed potatoes? ›

Sour cream adds a little bit of tangy flavor and a boost of richness to mashed potatoes. It's a fun change from the standard milk or cream and butter combo usually flavoring mashed taters. You can even try your hand at making homemade sour cream from heavy cream!

Why are Bob Evans mashed potatoes so good? ›

Made with fresh real potatoes, butter, and milk, Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes tastes like homemade. We put extra care into making our mashed potatoes rich and creamy to deliver that homemade flavor you expect.

How do restaurants make mashed potatoes so fast? ›

Restaurants prepare the potatoes ahead by boiling and mashing just the potato, then just before serving, it is mixed into boiling cream (or milk or even broth or a combination thereof) to reheat it and make it nice and creamy.

What should you avoid when making mashed potatoes? ›

10 Mistakes You're Making With Mashed Potatoes
  1. Using the Wrong Potato.
  2. Not Washing Your Potatoes Before Peeling.
  3. Dumping Your Cubed Potatoes Straight Into Boiling Water.
  4. Not Seasoning the Water.
  5. Not Allowing Them To Drain and Dry.
  6. Overworking the Potatoes When Mashing or Whipping Them.
  7. Not Using Enough Butter.
Oct 17, 2023

Should I melt the butter before putting in mashed potatoes? ›

Butter and cream require different temperatures in mashed potatoes. There's no denying that melted butter is a lot easier to mix into mashed potatoes than cold butter, but unfortunately, it's actually not the best idea.

How long should I boil potatoes for mashed potatoes? ›

Once boiling, reduce heat, adjusting as needed to maintain a simmer. Cook potatoes until they offer no resistance when pierced: 10–12 minutes for baby potatoes, 15–20 minutes for small potatoes, or 30–40 minutes for large cubed potatoes. Drain potatoes in a colander and let cool 10 minutes.

Should mashed potatoes start in cold or boiling water? ›

Tips for the Best Mashed Potatoes

Start cooking the potatoes in cold water: This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly. Otherwise, if you start with hot or boiling water, the outsides of the potatoes cook and soften while the middles are still hard and crunchy.

What is the one ingredient upgrade for the fluffiest mashed potatoes? ›

The secret ingredient is just ice-cold water.

You soak the potatoes in iced water before they are cooked. This eliminates much of the starches in the potatoes, resulting in a super light and fluffy mash. It's also like when you make rice.

How long can potatoes sit in water before cooking for mashed potatoes? ›

How long can peeled and cut potatoes sit in water before cooking, before they begin taking on too much water? A: We usually recommend no more than 24 hours. You can keep the potatoes from absorbing the water by making sure the water is not salted, and is chilled (you can even add ice to the water).

Which is better cream cheese or sour cream? ›

Sour cream replicates cream cheese's taste but isn't quite as caloric, making it a good choice for a lower-calorie substitute. It gives baked goods a texture that's airy and moist, and even adds an extra bit of creaminess to cheesecake. You can substitute an equal amount of sour cream for cream cheese in recipes.

Can you use sour cream instead of cream cheese in mashed potatoes? ›

As far as mashed potatoes go, though, the sour cream really helps to up the rich and creamy factor. Plus, sour cream has a really nice subtle tanginess to it that adds some delicious flavor to the finished product.

Why add cream cheese to mashed potatoes? ›

Mashing the warm potatoes with softened cream cheese makes the final product unbelievably rich and creamy. Adding cream to fluffy whipped potatoes is certainly not a new technique. Mashed potatoes are always blessed with a hearty helping of butter, cream, milk, half and half, or some sort of combination.

Is cream cheese a good substitute for sour cream? ›

Fresh, spreadable cheeses like cream cheese and mascarpone generally work well as 1:1 substitutes for sour cream in baking. Be sure to let them warm up to room temperature before using, and thin them out slightly by stirring in milk or lemon juice to get a similar texture.

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