Name: Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup heavy cream; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste

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If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food side, look no further than these luscious Creamy Mashed Potatoes. This classic dish enchants with its velvety texture, buttery richness, and a taste that simply melts in your mouth. Perfectly whipped and seasoned, Creamy Mashed Potatoes elevate any meal, whether you’re enjoying a holiday feast or just craving something soothing and satisfying on a weeknight. Once you master this recipe, you’ll never want to go back to packaged stuff again.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whipping up this batch of Creamy Mashed Potatoes calls for a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that irresistibly smooth texture and rich flavor that make this dish so beloved.

Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes break down easily to create the perfect creamy base without being gluey.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth, allowing you to control the salt level precisely.
Whole milk: Provides the ideal balance of creaminess without weighing down the potatoes.
Heavy cream: Boosts the silky texture, making the mashed potatoes luxuriously smooth.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every element of the dish’s flavor.

How to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare and Boil the Potatoes

Start by peeling and cubing the russet potatoes into even pieces. Placing them in a large pot of salted water ensures even cooking and adds a subtle seasoning from the start. Boil the potatoes until they’re fork-tender, which usually takes about 15 minutes. This step lays the foundation for a perfectly smooth mash.

Step 2: Drain and Return to Pot

After the potatoes are tender, drain them thoroughly to remove excess water. Returning them to the hot pot helps evaporate lingering moisture, which could otherwise make your mashed potatoes watery. This is a key trick that keeps the texture creamy and not watery.

Step 3: Mash with Butter, Milk, and Cream

Next, add the unsalted butter, whole milk, and heavy cream to the warm potatoes. Using a hand masher or mixer, gently mash everything together until silky smooth. The fats in the butter and cream coat each potato bit, creating that coveted luscious mouthfeel everyone loves.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Finally, taste your creation and add salt and pepper as desired. Never underestimate seasoning—properly seasoned Creamy Mashed Potatoes will have that perfect balance of flavor that keeps people coming back for seconds.

How to Serve Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

To finish off your Creamy Mashed Potatoes beautifully, consider sprinkling fresh chopped herbs like chives or parsley for a burst of color and a mild, fresh flavor. A pat of melting butter on top right before serving adds an inviting shine and extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

The versatility of Creamy Mashed Potatoes makes them an excellent companion to an array of main courses. They pair exceptionally well with roasted turkey, gravy, and green beans for a comforting classic meal, but also work wonderfully alongside grilled steak, pan-seared chicken, or even hearty stews.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, pipe the mashed potatoes into elegant swirls using a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. You can even sprinkle crispy fried shallots or crumbled bacon on top for a textural contrast and added flavor twists.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Mashed Potatoes keep very well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re delicious eaten cold or warmed up, and will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezing

If you want to save your Creamy Mashed Potatoes for a longer period, they freeze nicely too. Place them in a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of space for expansion. When frozen, they can last up to 2 months without losing their delicious texture or flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen mashed potatoes overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Adding a splash of milk or cream during reheating helps restore their smooth, creamy consistency as heat can sometimes dry them out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato for Creamy Mashed Potatoes?

While russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffiness and starch content, Yukon Gold potatoes also work well due to their naturally creamy texture. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes since they tend to be gluey when mashed.

How do I get perfectly smooth mashed potatoes without a food mill?

A sturdy potato masher works just fine if you don’t have a food mill. For ultra-smooth results, you can also use a hand mixer on low speed, but be careful not to overmix or you might end up with gummy mashed potatoes.

What’s the secret to super creamy mashed potatoes?

The key is balancing the right amount of fat and moisture. Using both butter and cream adds richness, while heating milk before adding helps the potatoes absorb it better, resulting in a silky smooth texture.

Can I make Creamy Mashed Potatoes vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with plant-based margarine or olive oil, and replace milk and cream with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk. Just adjust seasoning to taste and you’ll have a vegan-friendly version that’s still delicious.

How much salt should I add?

Salting the cooking water and mashing the potatoes with salted butter ensures the seasoning is well distributed. Start with about a teaspoon in the boiling water and adjust salt gradually while mashing, tasting as you go.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the joy of making and sharing these Creamy Mashed Potatoes enough. They’re the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a simple family dinner, this recipe will quickly become your go-to side that everyone raves about. Give it a try and watch how this humble dish turns into the highlight of your meal!

Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This recipe for creamy mashed potatoes delivers perfectly smooth, buttery, and rich potatoes that make an ideal side dish for holiday meals or any comforting dinner. Made with russet potatoes, butter, whole milk, and heavy cream, these mashed potatoes offer a silky texture and classic flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey, gravy, or roasted meats.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

Dairy

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup heavy cream

Seasonings

Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Instructions

Boil Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed russet potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, approximately 15 minutes.
Drain and Return: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly, then return them to the pot to evaporate any remaining water and keep warm.
Add Dairy: Add the unsalted butter, whole milk, and heavy cream to the potatoes while still warm, preparing them for mashing.
Mash Until Smooth: Using a potato masher or electric mixer, mash the potatoes with the dairy ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
Season to Taste: Finally, season the mashed potatoes with salt and black pepper, adjusting the flavor to your preference before serving.

Notes

Use russet potatoes for the best fluffy texture.
Warm the milk and cream slightly before adding to keep potatoes hot and smooth.
For extra creaminess, add a bit more butter or cream as desired.
Avoid over-mashing to prevent gluey potatoes.
Mashed potatoes can be made a few hours ahead and reheated gently with a splash of milk.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Boiling and Mashing
Cuisine: American