If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Easy Mashed Potatoes Recipe. Creamy, buttery, and full of flavor, these mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal, from casual weeknights to special holiday dinners. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity yet incredible richness, thanks to Yukon Gold potatoes, a touch of cream, and just the right balance of seasoning. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or someone who loves a classic, reliable side, this Easy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is sure to win your heart and the hearts of your guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing out the perfect flavor and texture of these mashed potatoes.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture make them ideal for mashing.
- Heavy cream or whole milk: Adds richness and helps achieve that silky smooth consistency.
- Unsalted butter: Elevates the creaminess and adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Kosher salt: Enhances flavor without overpowering the potatoes.
- Ground black pepper: Provides just the right hint of subtle heat and complexity.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens up the dish.
- Freshly grated cheese (optional): Adds a delicious, melty twist as a finishing touch.
How to Make Easy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Cooking the Potatoes
Start by combining the peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes with heavy cream, water, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper in a large saucepan over medium heat. This combination gently infuses the potatoes with creaminess from the beginning, setting the stage for a delicious mash.
Step 2: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the mixture just to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily pierce the potatoes with a fork. This slow simmer ensures the potatoes cook perfectly without falling apart.
Step 3: Drain and Reserve Potato Milk
Drain the cooked potatoes using a colander set over a heatproof bowl so you can catch and save some of the potato milk-water. This flavorful liquid is a secret ingredient you can use later to adjust the texture of your mash perfectly.
Step 4: Evaporate Excess Moisture
Return the drained potatoes to the pan and heat them gently on medium-low while stirring to evaporate any lingering excess moisture. This step helps keep your mashed potatoes fluffy instead of watery.
Step 5: Mash and Season
Now, add the cut butter, the remaining kosher salt, and black pepper to the potatoes. Mash everything together until you reach a smooth, creamy consistency. If the potatoes feel too thick, stir in some of the reserved potato milk-water a little at a time to get that perfect fluffy texture.
Step 6: Final Touches
Transfer your mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and dot the top with extra butter or drizzle melted butter over the surface. For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or freshly grated cheese on top to add color and extra flavor.
How to Serve Easy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheese instantly uplift this dish, making it look as good as it tastes. A few pats of melting butter on top create an inviting, glistening finish that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This Easy Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with nearly any main course. Think roasted chicken, juicy steaks, savory meatloaf, or even hearty vegetarian stews. It’s the ultimate comfort side that complements everything.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve these mashed potatoes in mini ramekins topped with a flourish of fresh herbs or cheese broiled until golden. You can also swirl in roasted garlic or caramelized onions for extra flair and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the mash tightly sealed preserves the creamy texture and flavor so you can enjoy them again quickly.
Freezing
You can freeze mashed potatoes for up to 2 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. When thawed, they might need a little extra stirring or addition of cream to restore the original texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding small amounts of milk or cream and stirring frequently. This helps bring back that fresh, fluffy creaminess you loved from the start.
FAQs
What type of potatoes are best for this Easy Mashed Potatoes Recipe?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because of their buttery flavor and creamy texture, which mash beautifully without becoming gluey.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Absolutely! Whole milk works well as a lighter alternative, though heavy cream will give you the richest, creamiest results.
How can I make these mashed potatoes dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives for a delicious, dairy-free mashed potato.
Why do my mashed potatoes sometimes turn out watery?
Using too much liquid or skipping the evaporation step can cause watery results. Always drain thoroughly and gently evaporate moisture to keep the texture perfect.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a big event?
Yes, you can make the mash in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm it up gently before serving and add a bit of reserved potato milk or cream if needed to refresh the texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of perfectly creamy, buttery mashed potatoes to make everyone feel at home. This Easy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a dependable classic that never fails to satisfy and impress alike. Whether it’s a cozy dinner with family or a festive holiday spread, these mashed potatoes bring warmth and joy to your table. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to side dish!
Print
Easy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy mashed potatoes recipe yields creamy, fluffy potatoes perfect as a comforting side dish. Made with Yukon Gold potatoes, rich butter, and either heavy cream or whole milk, these mashed potatoes are seasoned simply with kosher salt and black pepper. The recipe includes tips for adjusting texture with reserved potato cooking liquid and optional garnishes like fresh parsley and grated cheese.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Liquid
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups heavy cream (or whole milk)
Seasonings and Butter
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt (divided)
- 1½ teaspoons ground black pepper (divided)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into 6-8 pieces (1 stick)
- Extra butter for serving
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly grated cheese
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the heavy cream (or whole milk), water, peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Set the pan over medium heat to prepare for cooking.
- Cook Potatoes: Bring the mixture just to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender, indicating they are fully cooked and soft.
- Drain Potatoes: Drain the potatoes using a colander placed over a medium-sized heatproof bowl. Reserve the potato cooking liquid, often called potato milk or potato water, as it will be used to adjust the texture of the mashed potatoes later.
- Dry Potatoes Slightly: Return the drained potatoes to the saucepan and set the heat to medium-low. Stir the potatoes gently for about 1 minute to evaporate any excess moisture, preventing the mash from becoming watery.
- Mash and Season: Add the butter pieces, the remaining 1½ teaspoons of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper to the potatoes. Mash the potatoes using your preferred masher or hand mixer until smooth and creamy. If needed, add some of the reserved potato milk-water in ¼-cup increments to achieve a fluffy and creamy texture, taking care not to make the potatoes watery. If you are not serving immediately, save about 1 cup of the potato milk-water to stir in later before serving.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Dot with 3-4 tablespoons of butter or drizzle with melted butter if desired. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or freshly grated cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, which are ideal for mashing.
- Adjust the consistency by adding reserved cooking liquid gradually to keep the mashed potatoes fluffy rather than watery.
- Butter can be increased or decreased to taste, and extra butter can be added on top at serving for richness.
- Optional garnishes like parsley and cheese add freshness and depth of flavor but can be omitted for a simpler dish.
- The potatoes are best served immediately but can be kept warm covered; add reserved liquid before reheating to retain creaminess.
