These Easy Creamy Mashed Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal—soft, fluffy, and wonderfully creamy. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this recipe creates mashed potatoes that are both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday meal, family dinner, or weeknight comfort food, these mashed potatoes are sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this mashed potato recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. With just a handful of ingredients, the result is creamy, smooth, and so satisfying. The richness from the butter and cream makes it feel like a special treat, but it’s quick and easy enough to make on a regular basis. Plus, I can add a little sour cream for extra creaminess, and the fresh herbs like chives or parsley add a pop of color and flavor. These mashed potatoes are versatile, making them a great side for anything from roasted meats to grilled veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
First, I place the peeled and cut potatoes into a large pot and cover them with water. I add a pinch of salt to the water to help season the potatoes as they cook.
I bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Once the potatoes are done, I drain them and return them to the pot.
Next, I add the cubed butter, milk (or heavy cream for extra richness), salt, and black pepper to the potatoes.
Using a potato masher or hand mixer, I mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. If I want a smoother texture, I add a bit more milk or cream until I reach the desired consistency.
For an extra creamy touch, I stir in the sour cream.
I taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
Finally, I garnish with fresh chives or parsley, if desired, and serve the mashed potatoes warm.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add roasted garlic cloves for a flavorful twist. Simply mash the roasted garlic into the potatoes for a rich, savory flavor.
Cheese Mashed Potatoes: Stir in grated cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère for extra flavor and creaminess.
Herb-Infused Mashed Potatoes: For more depth of flavor, add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or a combination of herbs while cooking the potatoes. Remove before mashing.
Vegan Mashed Potatoes: Use plant-based butter and milk, such as coconut milk or almond milk, to create a dairy-free version of these mashed potatoes.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the mashed potatoes on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore their creamy texture. You can also reheat them in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
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FAQs
How do I make mashed potatoes fluffier?
To get fluffier mashed potatoes, make sure to not overwork the potatoes. Mash them gently and use a potato masher instead of an electric mixer if you want to avoid making them too dense. Adding a bit of milk or cream also helps achieve a lighter, fluffier texture.
Can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make mashed potatoes ahead of time! Simply prepare the potatoes and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little milk or cream to keep them creamy.
Can I use a different type of potato for mashed potatoes?
While russet and Yukon Gold potatoes are my top choices for mashed potatoes because of their creamy texture, you can also use red potatoes or even a mix of different potatoes. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
Can I add more flavor to my mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Feel free to add roasted garlic, cheese, or fresh herbs to enhance the flavor. Sour cream, cream cheese, or even a splash of chicken or vegetable broth can be great additions.
How do I make mashed potatoes creamier?
For extra creaminess, I recommend using heavy cream instead of milk, and adding a generous amount of butter. Stir in some sour cream for a rich and velvety finish. You can also use a hand mixer to get a smoother texture.
Conclusion
These Easy Creamy Mashed Potatoes are a go-to side dish that I always turn to when I want something comforting and indulgent. The recipe is quick and simple, with just a few basic ingredients, but the result is a rich and creamy mash that pairs perfectly with any meal. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, these mashed potatoes are sure to impress.
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Creamy Mashed Potatoes are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly creamy—a perfect side dish for any meal. Made with simple ingredients like butter, milk, and optional sour cream, they’re quick to prepare and rich in flavor. Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a casual weeknight meal, these mashed potatoes deliver comforting indulgence every time.
Ingredients
2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot, covering them with water. Add a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, until tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add butter, milk (or heavy cream), salt, and black pepper to the pot. Mash using a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in sour cream if desired, adjusting the consistency with additional milk or cream if needed.
- Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as necessary.
- Garnish with fresh chives or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For fluffier potatoes, avoid over-mashing. Use a potato masher for a rustic texture or a hand mixer for a smoother consistency.
Variations include adding roasted garlic, grated cheese, or fresh herbs for enhanced flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and Mashing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 220 kcal
