The Best Mashed Potatoes

We love potatoes around here, and mashed potatoes are one of our favorite recipes. And, I like to think these are the best mashed potatoes.

A Super Easy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

 

The recipe is super easy to make and the potatoes turn out creamy, buttery, and perfect every time.

Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Homemade mashed potatoes are one of our favorite side dishes, especially around the holidays. They are inexpensive, super easy to make, and can feed a crowd.

My son helped with this recipe and was gracious enough to peel the potatoes for me. Once he peeled the potatoes, I cut them up, boiled them, mashed them, and they were done.

You can make mashed potatoes for a side dish at Thanksgiving and Christmas (or any meal in between).

And, if you have leftovers you can make loaded mashed potatoes, fried mashed potato balls, mashed potato salad, potato pancakes, crispy potato cakes, and so much more.

What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes?

• Russet potatoes
• Water
• Butter
• Milk
• Salt and pepper

Step-By-Step Instructions

Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes. Then, place them in a large cooking pot and cover with water. Bring the potatoes to a boil.

Cut the potatoes so that they are about two to three inches in diameter. I try to keep my pieces somewhat similar in size so that the smaller pieces don’t get waterlogged before the larger pieces soften.

Once you add the potatoes to the pot, add enough water to cover the potatoes.

Boil the potatoes until you can stick a fork easily through the potato pieces. Drain the water and let them sit in the hot pan for a minute or two to let some of the water evaporate.

I have a strainer that I pour the potatoes into while draining the water. Then, I put the potatoes back into the pot and let them sit there for a couple of minutes.

Pour the potatoes into a large glass bowl, add the butter, and start mashing.

Some people prefer using a hand masher, but I like to use a hand mixer because it makes things a little easier. Either one will work fine.

If you love lumps in your mashed potatoes, mash by hand, but if you prefer more creamy potatoes, use a hand mixer.

If you choose to use the hand mixer, just mix until creamy and then stop, to avoid making the potatoes gluey.

Next, pour the milk into the bowl. Add the salt and pepper and mix well and serve.

Potatoes are so easy to fix and always so delicious. You can also add more butter, sour cream, cream cheese, or anything that will add to the flavor of the potatoes.

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just cover with plastic wrap or a sealed container. You can reheat them in the microwave or in the oven in an oven-safe container.

The Best Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes

I personally like russet potatoes for mashing because I like the flavor and the fact that they are bigger.

But, a lot of people like to use Yukon Gold potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes are a little more buttery in flavor and tends to be a little bit creamier.

It all comes down to preference.

Other delicious and easy side dishes:

• Add some homemade gravy from Joyous Apron on top of your mashed potatoes.
• If you love these potatoes, give loaded mashed potatoes a try with cheese, bacon, and plenty of butter.
• Funeral potatoes are one of those side dishes that are popular with everyone (even the picky crowd).