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Home » Recipes » Sides

Easy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Published: Oct 13, 2023 · Modified: May 9, 2025 by Chef Ryan Littley

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This side dish is my comforting, creamy, buttery, easy mashed potatoes recipe. It’s the perfect side dish for a weeknight meal, dinner parties, or holiday dinners.

There is something magical about mashed potatoes, it’s definitely one of my favorite comfort foods and this easy mashed potatoes recipe will become your go-to recipe for this comforting side dish.

The finished mashed potatoes recipe with butter melting on top in white bowl.


 

You don’t need to be an expert chef to whip up mashed potatoes that your family will want to devour. This mashed potato recipe is so simple and straightforward that you might want to make these potatoes a weekly indulgence. 

If you’re a potato lover, you might also love buttery smashed potatoes and my au gratin potatoes, they are easy recipes you’re going to love!

Potatoes with butter melting on top in white bowl.

The next time you’re looking for a side dish for your favorite entree, whip up a batch of my creamy mashed potatoes, they’re like a hug on a plate, and after one taste I know you’ll agree this is the best mashed potato recipe!

I always serve them with my Classic Meatloaf, Salisbury Steak, it’s the perfect side dish for many of the classic dishes I prepare in my home kitchen.

Table of Contents:
  • Ingredients
  • What type of potatoes is best?
  • How to Make Mashed Potatoes
  • ​Chef Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Recipes You’ll Love!
  • Recipe: Easy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients to make the recipe prepared on a table.

Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make my mashed potatoes recipe. In chef speak, this is called the “mise en place,” which translates to “everything in its place.”

Not only does setting up your ingredients ahead of time speed up the cooking process, it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

Made with simple ingredients

  • Yukon gold potatoes
  • Heavy cream or whole milk
  • Unsalted butter
  • Kosher salt or table salt
  • Garlic powder
  • White pepper or black pepper

What type of potatoes is best?

When I want to make delicious, creamy mashed potatoes that I know everyone will love, I reach for Yukon Golds. They are definitely the best potato for any mashed potato recipe you decide to use. Yukon gold potatoes have a creamy texture that you won’t find in other varieties and are my personal favorite.

Russet potatoes and Idaho potatoes have a high starch content making them excellent choices.

I will occasionally use red potatoes, but waxy varieties like Red Bliss and fingerling are not the best choice when making mashed potatoes. These varieties have a low starch content, and won’t absorb dairy as well as starchier varieties, like Yukon golds and russet potatoes.

How to Make Mashed Potatoes

Follow along with my numbered instructions to see how to make mashed potatoes in your own kitchen.

Before beginning, wash the potatoes. Using a scrubbing tool can help to remove dirt.

Collage showing how to start recipe.
  • Using a vegetable peeler, take the skins off of the potatoes. *You can choose to leave the potato skins on if you prefer.
  • Using a sharp knife, slice the potato into quarters. *This cuts the cooking time, rather than boiling them whole. 
  • As you cut the potatoes place them in a pot large enough to cook them, filling the pot with cold water. Drain the water and fill the pot back up to one inch above the cut potatoes with cold water so they are fully submerged. *Add a half a teaspoon of salt to the water before cooking the potatoes.
  • Place the saucepan on the stove top over medium high heat and let the potatoes come to a boil.

Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender.

Collage showing how to finish recipe.
  • When the potatoes are fully cooked, carefully pour the hot potatoes into a colander to drain before transferring to a large mixing bowl. 
  • Place the butter in the bowl with the hot potatoes and pour in the heavy cream. *It helps to have the cream at room temperature or warm it stovetop so that it can be easily absorbed by the potatoes.
  • Mash potatoes with a potato masher or electric mixer until the potatoes get smooth and creamy. You can also use a potato ricer if you have one.
  • Add the remainder of the ingredient and continue mixing until they reach the desired consistency, adding additional milk if necessary. *If you like chunkier mashed potatoes, it will take less time to mash them. 

Taste and reseason with salt and pepper to taste.

Potatoes with butter melting on top in white bowl.

Wouldn’t your family and friends love to sit down to these delicious, creamy mashed potatoes?

Store any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container, refrigerated for 3 – 4 days. To reheat the potatoes on stove top add a little milk and more butter if you’re feeling indulgent. Food Safety is important, so use a digital thermometer to make sure they have reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees

​Chef Tips

You can experiment with this recipe and add any other ingredients you like. Add sour cream or cream cheese for some added creamy tanginess, toss in some fresh herbs to add extra flavor, or sprinkle in parmesan cheese for nutty cheesiness. Try adding roasted to garlic to the mixture to make the garlic mashed potatoes. They were a big hit in the restaurants I worked at.

For tools, use what you’re comfortable with. I like to use a potato masher, but an electric mixer, stand mixer, or food processor will all work. 

Recipe FAQs

What is the key to good mashed potatoes? 

The best mashed potatoes start with the right type of potatoes. The best potatoes to use are Yukon Gold potatoes, or russet potatoes. Also starting the process with cold water is also an important factor, helping the potatoes to cook more evenly. Also, be sure not to overmix the potatoes to avoid gumminess. 

Is it better to boil potatoes whole or cut up for mashed potatoes? 

It is definitely a good idea to cut potatoes so that they cook more quickly. However, cutting them too small can result in too much water absorption, so cut them in fourths for the best results. 

How do you know when potatoes are done for mashed potatoes?

Boiled potatoes should be able to be pierced with a fork easily if they are done cooking. There should be no resistance when you push the fork into the potato. 

More Recipes You’ll Love!

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    Buttery Smashed Potatoes Recipe
  • Oven roasted potato wedges in a white bowl.
    Roasted Potato Wedges
  • side view of white bowl of stuffing with spoon
    Homemade Stuffing Recipe
  • potato salad in a large glass bowl.
    Classic Potato Salad Recipe

Mashed potatoes with butter melting on top in white bowl.

Easy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Chef Ryan Littley
There is something magical about mashed potatoes, it’s definitely one of my favorite comfort foods and this easy mashed potatoes recipe will become your go-to recipe for this comforting side dish.
5 from 38 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Side Dish, vegetable
Cuisine American, English
Servings 4
Calories 379 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes peeled and cut into pieces (russets or red bliss can be substituted)
  • ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk – room temperature
  • 4 tablespoon Unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt to taste (if you use table salt, start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper to taste (or black pepper)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional

Instructions
 

  • Wash the potatoes to remove any dirt or debris. Then peel the potatoes to remove the skins.
    *When I use red bliss, I sometimes leave the skins on. This is a personal preference.
  • Cut the potatoes in half and then half again two more times.
    *This will help in the speed of the cooking process as the smaller pieces will cook faster.
  • As you cut the potatoes place them in a pot large enough to cook them, filling the pot with cold water. Drain the water and fill the pot back up to one inch above the cut potatoes with cold water so they are fully submerged.
    *Add a half a teaspoon of salt to the water before cooking the potatoes.
  • Place the saucepan on the stove top over medium high heat and let the potatoes come to a boil.
  • Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender.
  • Carefully drain the water and remove the potatoes from the pot and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the butter and heavy cream to the mixing bowl with the potatoes and using an electric hand mixer or potato masher, mix the ingredients together until they start to get smooth.
  • Once the potatoes have started to form a creamy texture add the seasonings and continue to mix until the potatoes have reached a smooth and fluffy consistency. Add more milk if the potatoes aren't at your desired consistency.
    Taste and reseason with salt and pepper as needed. Be careful not to over whip the potatoes, it will not make them creamier, it will make them starchy and turn from fluffy to gummy.
  • Top the potatoes with a pat of butter and serve.

Notes

*Potatoes can be peeled and cut ahead of time.  Store whole peeled potatoes or cut potatoes in cold water for up to 24 hours before cooking.  Water must be completely covering the potatoes.
Start with cold water : This will help the potatoes cook more evenly. If you start with hot or boiling water, the outsides of the potatoes cook faster and soften while the middles are still hard.  This will cause the outsides to overcook and get starchy.
What potato should I use?
When I want to make delicious, creamy mashed potatoes that I know everyone will love, I reach for Yukon Golds. They are definitely the best potato for any mashed potato recipe you decide to use. Yukon gold potatoes have a creamy texture that you won’t find in other varieties and are my personal favorite.
Russet potatoes and Idaho potatoes have a high starch content making them excellent choices.
I will occasionally use red potatoes, but waxy varieties like Red Bliss and fingerling are not the best choice when making mashed potatoes. These varieties have a low starch content, and won’t absorb dairy as well as starchier varieties, like Yukon golds and russet potatoes.

Nutrition

Calories: 379kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 6gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 605mgPotassium: 996mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 792IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askchefdennis or tag #askchefdennis!

Comments

    5 from 38 votes (30 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Stephenie D. says

    April 13, 2025 at 8:20 pm

    5 stars
    scrumdiddlyumptious! 😋

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      April 14, 2025 at 5:39 am

      Thats what I like to hear!

      Reply
  2. Mina says

    November 19, 2023 at 5:57 am

    5 stars
    I love quick and easy recipes and your mashed potato recipe was easy and delicious! I always love mashed potatoes especially for holiday gatherings.

    Reply
  3. Arialdi says

    November 15, 2023 at 7:15 pm

    5 stars
    Oh my god chef dennis so delicious like everything Chet tanks so much

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      November 15, 2023 at 7:24 pm

      That’s what I Love to hear! Thanks for the comment and great review.

      Reply
  4. Karen C. Bueche says

    November 10, 2023 at 5:29 pm

    5 stars
    Yum! Fantastic and easy recipe. I’d like to make this the day before my gathering, what’s your recommendation for preparing this recipe in advance in a 9×13 glass baking pan? Thank you so much for all of your recipes. Happy Holidays!

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      November 10, 2023 at 8:18 pm

      You can make it ahead of time and reheat it at 300 degrees covered in foil for 25-35 minutes or until an instant read thermometer registers at least 165 degrees. The only issue you may have is the bottom might get a little crusty.

      Reply
  5. Elizabeth says

    November 09, 2023 at 11:18 pm

    5 stars
    The perfect mashed potatoes! It’s a delicious recipe I’ll use a lot during the upcoming holiday season!

    Reply
  6. Andréa says

    November 08, 2023 at 9:44 am

    5 stars
    This mashed potatoes were easy to prepare and really delicious. The heavy cream made this so creamy and the garlic gave it a lot of flavor. We loved it.

    Reply
  7. Gloria says

    November 08, 2023 at 9:19 am

    5 stars
    You can never go wrong with fantastic mashed potatoes. No holiday dinner would be without them. These were smooth, creamy and delicious! A sure hit with gravy for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners coming up.

    Reply
  8. Tina says

    November 08, 2023 at 8:27 am

    5 stars
    I love how easy and delicious this mashed potato recipe is! I’m definitely going to make it again.

    Reply


My name is Chef Dennis Littley, creator and owner of Ask Chef Dennis Productions. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

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