This creamy mashed potatoes recipe is shockingly good! It is absolutely holiday-worthy. The folks at your table will swoon over these whipped buttery potatoes! Our recipe has just 4 simple ingredients (one of which is salt), so believe me when I say it’s easy to make and serve! This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
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 VideoWatch 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 RecipeWe 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 PotatoesMashed potato recipes are simple and perfect for beginners, but there are several tips that make the best mashed potatoes you’ve ever had!
Russet potatoes must be cooked whole (do not chop). I learned this awesome tip from my Mom. Russets are starchy potatoes that can fall apart or become water-filled when boiled so it takes a few minutes longer to cook them, but it’s well worth it!
Don’t Overcook the Potatoes – this leads to water-logged and gummy mashed potatoes. Also drain well.
BUTTAH!! Lots of butter, and don’t skimp here. I’ve tried with less, and the recipe still works, but it’s incredible with the amount called for.
Butter must be softened, not melted. The flavor of the butter is different when it’s softened, and it incorporates into the potatoes beautifully, leaving them silky, silky.
HOT milk incorporates the easiest into the potatoes and keeps the potatoes warm.
Using a mixer (whether it be an electric hand mixer or stand mixer) whips up the potatoes without the effort of mashing by hand and produces the smoothest results. Mash them while they are hot and avoid overmixing, which can make them gummy.Ingredients for Mashed PotatoesIt’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 PotatoesThis 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.
Drain the potatoes well and then transfer to the bowl of your stand mixer. Mash the hot potatoes lightly (I use the whisk attachment by hand or a potato masher). Attach the whisk attachment on the mixer (or use a hand mixer) and start to mix on low speed for 30 seconds then increase the speed to medium and slowly drizzle in 1 to 1 1/4 cups HOT milk.
Whip the Potatoes – With the mixer on, add the softened butter 1 Tbsp at a time, be sure the butter is mostly mixed in after each addition. Finally, the potatoes should be whipped and fluffy, then add 1 1/2 tsp salt or add it to taste. Pro Tip:You can use a hand mixer to whip these potatoes if you don’t have a stand mixer, just be sure to transfer the cooked potatoes into a mixing bowl before beating, because beaters may damage the bottom of the cooking pot.
How to Keep Mashed Potatoes Warm for ServingIt’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. Make-Ahead and StorageHave Leftover Mashed Potatoes? Use them to make our delicious Shepherd’s Pie or Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes! Leftover potatoes also keep well in the refrigerator or freezer for longer storage and these reheat like a dream.
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. 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!
What to Serve with Mashed PotatoesMashed 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
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Ingredients for Mashed PotatoesIt’s incredible that this recipe only uses 4 ingredients and still tastes so buttery, so flavorful, and so satisfying.
How to Make Mashed PotatoesThis 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!
Pro Tip:You can use a hand mixer to whip these potatoes if you don’t have a stand mixer, just be sure to transfer the cooked potatoes into a mixing bowl before beating, because beaters may damage the bottom of the cooking pot.
Make-Ahead and StorageHave Leftover Mashed Potatoes? Use them to make our delicious Shepherd’s Pie or Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes! Leftover potatoes also keep well in the refrigerator or freezer for longer storage and these reheat like a dream.
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!
