Indulge in the comforting and timeless goodness with my basic classic mashed potatoes recipe.
Made with just a few simple ingredients like potatoes, butter, milk, and salt, this is the best holiday mashed potatoes recipe!
Whether you're looking for a cozy addition to a family dinner or want to impress guests over the holidays, this recipe is sure to satisfy cravings and warm hearts.
Check out all the other Vegetable Side Dish Recipes for even more delicious ideas to add to your weekly meal plan or holiday celebration!
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Preparing and serving mashed potatoes is incredibly versatile! This recipe works when you're looking for a quick and easy side dish to add to your weekly meal plan or an impressive addition to a holiday feast.
The simplicity of this side dish makes it accessible to cooks of all levels. It's made with simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have on hand in your pantry.
Looking for more Family Dinner Ideas or Thanksgiving Recipes? Try my Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Candied Sweet Potatoes, and even my Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing. Yum!
Table of Contents
- How to Mash Cooked Potatoes?
- Mashed Potatoes using a Ricer
- 🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Ingredients
- Recipe Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Top Recipe Tip
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- Recipe FAQ
- Dinner Ideas with Mashed Potatoes as a Side
- How to make Mashed Potatoes ahead of Time?
- Storing and Freezing Tips
- How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes in Oven?
- More Recipes to Love
- Indulge in Flavor, Not Ads - Get Your Ad-Free Digital Cookbook Today!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
How to Mash Cooked Potatoes?
When the potatoes are fork tender, use either a potato masher which allows you to control the texture of the potatoes better.
You can also use an hand-held electric mixer. However, using a stand mixer to mash potatoes is not recommended because it can result in a dense and gluey texture. The same with a food processor.
Try my Company's Coming Sweet Potato Casserole for another delicious side dish for Thanksgiving. Or switch the flavor up a notch and make Ranch Mashed Potatoes.
Mashed Potatoes using a Ricer
Place the cooked potatoes in the ricer while holding it over a bowl. Squeeze the handles of the ricer together firmly which will press the potatoes through the small holes.
This is my favorite way to get smooth, creamy mashed potatoes in no time!
🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
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Ingredients
Below is a quick preview of the ingredients you’ll need. For exact amounts, check the recipe card below. You can also use the "Shopping List button" to create a printable shopping list, or the "Get Ingredients button" in the recipe card to order groceries online.
Recipe Variations
- Add 1-2 cloves of fresh minced garlic for garlic mashed potatoes!
- For a richer flavor, use half-and-half in place of the milk.
- You could even add a little heavy cream to the mashed potatoes...especially if you're making this recipe for Thanksgiving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Place the quartered potatoes in a saucepan. Cover them with water.
Step 2: Allow the potatoes to come to a boil. Cook until they are fork tender. Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot.
Top Recipe Tip
Rinse the potatoes to remove excess starch. This will help keep them from becoming gummy when mashed.
Return the drained potatoes back to the pot they were cooked in so the residual heat can help evaporate any extra water.
Step 3: Add in the warm milk mixture and mash the potatoes using either a masher, hand-held electric mixer or a ricer until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Finish with a sprinkle of salt to taste and garnish with chopped chives for a pop of color and freshness.
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Recipe FAQ
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
Mashing potatoes releases starch, and if too much starch is released it will make them gummy. Rinse the potatoes to remove extra starch, and don't over-mix them to avoid gummy potatoes!
Dinner Ideas with Mashed Potatoes as a Side
These mashed potatoes make a great side dish to your Thanksgiving Turkey or a Sunday Dinner Pot Roast!
They also make a great side dish with roast chicken or any of my favorite Chicken Cutlet Recipes.
How to make Mashed Potatoes ahead of Time?
Place the mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe casserole dish or even a plastic container.
After being at room temperature for approximately 2 hours, it is necessary to refrigerate them if you intend to serve them at a later time.
When you're ready to serve, follow the reheating tips below.
If you'd prefer a casserole type of mashed potatoes, check out my other recipe for Prep Ahead Company Mashed Potatoes.
Storing and Freezing Tips
Refrigerator: Refrigerate the mashed potatoes in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
Freezer: Add leftovers to a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes in Oven?
Place the frozen or thawed mashed potatoes in a covered oven-safe dish and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes until they are heated through.
You can also reheat frozen or thawed mashed potatoes in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat the potatoes in the microwave on medium power
More Recipes to Love
Or you might enjoy this recipe for Baking Potatoes with Garlic and Parmesan. If you're a fan of bacon and cheese, try my Mashed Potato Casserole!
Indulge in Flavor, Not Ads - Get Your Ad-Free Digital Cookbook Today!
📖 Recipe Card
Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes peeled and quartered
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Place the peeled, quartered potatoes in water and add the salt. Once the water comes to a boil, cook the potatoes for another 20 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
- Heat the milk and butter in a saucepan until the butter is melted.
- Drain the potatoes, then return them to the pot. Slowly add the warm milk mixture, mashing with a potato masher or a hand-held mixer until the potatoes are smooth and creamy.
- Season to taste with extra salt. Garnish with chopped chives if desired.
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