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!

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
- 💡 Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- 🍽 Dinner Ideas with Mashed Potatoes as a Side
- ⏲How to make Mashed Potatoes ahead of Time?
- 🍶Storage Tips
- ❄️Freezing Tips
- 🔁How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes in Oven?
- ➡️Top Recipe Tip
- 💡Recipe FAQ
- 🌟Try these recipes next...
- 📇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.
🥣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
Potato Ricer, CUGLB Stainless Steel Professional Ricer for Mashed Potatoes and Ricer Kitchen Tool, Mash Potato Masher for Creamy Mashed PotatoesPotato Ricer,Ricer For Mashed Potatoes,Heavy Duty Potato Ricer Stainless Steel Create Fluffy Mashed Potatoes,Comfortable Silicone Handle Spaetzle Maker,Potato Masher For Gnocchi Spinach
Thanksgiving Dinner English Pilgrim With Axe Kissing Turkey Stag Ceramic Salt And Pepper Shakers Holder Figurine Set Kitchen Dining Breakfast Table Decorative
Gravy Boat with Stand and Candle, Ceramic Sauce Boat 15.5 oz Porcelain Sauce Boat with Butter Warmers for Seafood, White Boat Hot Sauce Warmer for Daily Meal, Party Supplies
📋Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients and instructions. Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact quantities, detailed instructions and special notes.

💡 Substitutions and 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: Boil peeled, quartered potatoes in salted water until fork-tender.
- Step 2: Heat the milk and butter in a saucepan until the butter is melted.
- Step 3: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. 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: Season to taste with salt and garnish with chopped chives.




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🍽 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.
🍶Storage Tips
- Refrigerate the mashed potatoes in an air-tight container for 3-5 days.
❄️Freezing Tips
- 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
➡️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.
💡Recipe FAQ
Simply click the plus sign to read more about the questions you see below. If YOU have a question regarding this recipe, please let me know in the comment section.
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!
🌟Try these recipes next...
- If you're a fan of bacon and cheese, try my Mashed Potato Casserole!
- Or you might enjoy this recipe for Baking Potatoes with Garlic and Parmesan.
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📇Recipe Card
Mashed Potatoes

Made with simple ingredients like potatoes, butter, milk, and salt, this Mashed Potatoes Recipe is perfect for everyday or a holiday meal!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- chives for garnish, optional
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.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 308Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 368mgCarbohydrates: 52gFiber: 5gSugar: 6gProtein: 8g
The nutrition information is calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you, please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator.
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