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    Home » Real Food » Side Dishes » Perfect Mashed Potatoes

    Perfect Mashed Potatoes

    By Kristen Chidsey | 44 Comments | Published November 16, 2020 | Updated February 28, 2022 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Are you looking for creamy, light, fluffy mashed potatoes? Grab these 5 tips and you are guaranteed to have perfect mashed potatoes. This is the recipe you need for the creamiest, dreamiest mashed potatoes! Perfect for holiday meals and of just a family dinner.

    Learn the secrets to making perfect homemade mashed potatoes with this recipe for mashed potatoes. They are creamy, fluffy, buttery--everything you want in mashed potatoes! 

    Let me share with you 5 tips that will teach you how to make the best homemade mashed potatoes. They are the perfect side dish for Roast Turkey, Meatloaf, Chicken Marsala, New York Strip Roast, or Instant Pot Honey Baked Ham.

    Bowl of Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes topped with chives.

    Perfect Mashed Potatoes

    Mashed potatoes are an all-American, classic side dish that is a must for Sunday dinners and of course for the holidays.

    And while everyone can agree, that when done correctly, there is nothing more comforting than a big scoop of homemade mashed potatoes.

    But if mashed potatoes are lumpy, gummy, or flavorless, no one enjoys them.

    With my tips for perfect mashed potatoes, you will NEVER disappoint anyone with this recipe. It is simple, yet perfect.

    Notes on Ingredients

    Ingredients for mashed potatoes labeled on white counter.
    • Potatoes: Choose a starchy potato, like Russet or Yukon Gold. This is not the time to use red potatoes.
    • Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the sodium content. You can use a dairy-free butter replacement, but the flavor will not be as rich.
    • Milk: Use any fat percentage of milk you like, you can even opt to use cream or half and half. Keep in mind that the higher the fat content of your milk or cream, the richer, more luxurious your mashed potatoes will be.
    • Sour Cream: Sour cream may sound like an odd addition, but the tanginess of the sour cream finishes off these potatoes perfectly. It also helps to keep them light and fluffy. Reduced-fat sour cream is fine to use, but do not use fat-free sour cream as the flavor is not as good.

    5 Secrets to Perfect Mashed Potatoes

    Secret #1: Cook Potatoes Evenly

    The first step to achieving really great mashed potatoes is going to sound obvious. BUT, it is one that is easily overlooked--especially when in a hurry! 

    It is really important to dice your potatoes into equal size chunks and to begin the cooking process with cold water. This will ensure that the potatoes all cook evenly and will be fork tender at the same time.

    If you have randomly sized pieces of potatoes, the smaller potatoes will become water-logged and mushy in the time it takes the larger potatoes to cook through.

    Stock pan with cubed potatoes covered with water.

    Secret #2: Get rid of Excess Moisture

    After your potatoes have cooked through, you need to drain off the cooking liquid.

    But draining off the water is not enough!

    Instead, place the drained potatoes back into the hot pan and cook over low heat for 1-2 minutes, or until all of the water has evaporated. This will let potato flavor really shine through and you won't be left with watered-down mashed potatoes.

    Cooked potatoes in pan.

    Secret #3: Do Not use a Mixer

    If you want to avoid gummy and tough mashed potatoes, skip mashing your potatoes with a handheld or stand mixer. This overworks the starch in the potatoes, turning them into a gummy mess.

    Instead, use a ricer, food mill, or handheld potato masher to mash up the potatoes into a smooth consistency. Trust me, this extra step is well worth the outcome!

    2 pictures showing how to mash potatoes with potato masher

    Secret #4: Add Warm Liquid

    Once your potatoes have been mashed, you want to stir in the cream and butter. But you do not want to add in cold butter or cold milk. This can cause the potatoes to seize up a bit.

    Instead, gently warm up your milk and butter on the stove or in the microwave and then add to the potatoes. By adding in warm milk and melted butter, the potatoes absorb that delicious flavor while staying light and fluffy.

    Steps showing warming milk and mixing into potaotes.

    Secret #5: Add Flavor

    At this point, your mashed potatoes are great. But if you want memorable mashed potatoes, now is the time to add in some flavor.

    I always finish mashed potatoes with a generous scoop of sour cream. The sour cream adds creaminess, richness, and a bit of tang that makes these mashed potatoes incredible.

    You can also add in freshly grated Parmesan, fresh herbs, or roasted garlic for additional flavor.

    Bowl of Mashed Potatoes topped with butter and chives

    FAQs about Mashed Potatoes

    Which potatoes are best for mashed potatoes?

    For creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes, you want to choose a starchy potato-like Russet or Yukon Gold. And peel the potatoes for the creamiest mashed potato recipe. Red and white potato varieties are waxier and therefore best used for smashed or roasted potatoes.

    How much Mashed Potatoes should you make?

    As a side dish, you should plan on ½ pound of potatoes per person. That means if you are planning on 10 people, use 5 pounds of potatoes. 4 people, use 2 pounds of potatoes.

    Can you Freeze Mashed Potatoes?

    YES! Prepared Mashed Potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months.

    To freeze leftover mashed potatoes, allow them to cool and then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

    To reheat frozen mashed potatoes, place frozen mashed potatoes in a casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove foil, stir, and add in 1-2 tablespoons of additional milk. Cover again with foil and continue to bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

    How to Keep Mashed Potatoes Warm?

    To keep your potatoes warm until serving, simply set the bowl of prepared mashed potatoes over a pot of simmering water--sort of like a double boiler. Cover the top of the bowl with plastic wrap and give the potatoes a stir every few minutes to keep the heat evenly distributed. You can hold your potatoes warm like this for up to 1 hour.

    Leftover Mashed Potatoes?

    Have you ever found yourself with way too many potatoes? If so, use them to make Pierogi Lasagna or Thanksgiving Egg Rolls.

    Serve Mashed Potatoes With

    • Instant Pot Turkey Breast
    • Easy Baked Ham
    • Homemade Rotisserie Chicken
    • Instant Pot Pork Chops
    • Chopped Steaks with Mushroom Gravy

    I hope you enjoy this recipe for the BEST Homemade Mashed Potatoes. Please be sure to leave a comment and rating below.

    Bowl of creamy mashed potatoes topped with butter and chives.

    Perfect Mashed Potatoes

    A simple classic recipe for homemade mashed potatoes that turn out creamy, fluffy, and buttery every single time.
    4.9 from 38 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 281kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • 3 pounds russet or yukon gold potatoes scrubbed clean
    • 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt divided
    • ¾ cup half and half or milk
    • 3 tablespoons butter unsalted
    • ½ cup sour cream
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • Peel and cube the potatoes into 1 inch cubes. Place into a large stock pan and cover with water. Salt the water with 2 teaspoons kosher salt.
    • Bring the potatoes to a rapid boil, then reduce the heat. Simmer until the potatoes are fork tender (the chunks should fall apart easily when pieced with a fork.)
    • Drain the potatoes and return to the hot pan. Place over low heat and simmer until all the moisture has evaporated–about 1-2 minutes.
    • Run potatoes through a food mill or ricer or mash with a handheld potato masher until potatoes are smooth.
    • Heat the half and half or milk and butter together in a small saucepan or in the microwave, until the butter is melted. Slowly fold the warm milk into the potatoes and mix until absorbed and creamy.
    • Stir in the sour cream if using and serve. Taste and season with additional ½ teaspoon salt as needed.

    Equipment Needed

    • potato masher
    • ricer
    • food mill

    Notes

    • Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are best for creamy mashed potatoes.
    • Half and half is best for the richest luscious mashed potatoes, but milk of any fat percentage can be used if desired. 
    • Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes: Use vegetable stock in place of milk and use vegan butter in place of butter. Omit sour cream.
    • Low Fat Mashed Potatoes: Use evaporated milk or skim milk in place of cream and decrease butter to only 1 tablespoon. Use low-fat sour cream.
    • Serving Size: As a side dish, you should plan on ½ pound of potatoes per person. That means if you are planning on 10 people, use 5 pounds of potatoes. 4 people, use 2 pounds of potatoes.
    • To freeze leftover mashed potatoes, allow to cool then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat frozen mashed potatoes, place frozen mashed potatoes in a casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove foil, stir, and add in 1-2 tablespoons additional milk. Cover again with foil and continue to bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
    • To keep the mashed potatoes warm until serving, simply set the bowl of prepared mashed potatoes over a pot of simmering water--sort of like a double boiler. Cover the top of the bowl with plastic wrap and give the potatoes a stir every few minutes to keep the heat evenly distributed. You can hold your potatoes warm like this for up to 1 hour.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 1059mg | Potassium: 1014mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 324IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 2mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

    This post was originally published in 2017 but updated with new pictures and a video in 2020. 

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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jessica McAllen

      November 11, 2021 at 1:25 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is now my go to for potatoes
      I just added a little more butter and voila, perfect!!!

      Reply
    2. Donna

      October 22, 2021 at 10:08 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is absolutely amazing! I added the sour cream and my husband gave me raving reviews! Will be making it for Thanksgiving this year!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        October 22, 2021 at 10:20 am

        I love hearing that Donna! I am honored this recipe will be featured at your Thanksgiving dinner.

        Reply
    3. JC

      October 17, 2021 at 10:59 am

      5 stars
      Why the sour cream? Does it give the potatoes a kick? I guess I just increase the othe ingredients if I don't use it. I need about 25 servings as a side dish. Will 5 lbs be enough pots? Thank you.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        October 18, 2021 at 6:45 am

        Hi JC! The sour cream keeps the potatoes light, fluffy, and creamy. They really don't add a kick the mashed potatoes. If you want to omit the sour cream, add extra butter and milk, but the sour cream really makes this recipe incredible. As for serving size, I recommend 1/2 pound per person for a standard serving--so for 25 servings, I would suggest making at least 10 pounds, if you have plenty of other side dishes, more like 12 pounds if that is the only side you are serving.

        Reply
    4. Mo

      September 25, 2021 at 11:42 pm

      5 stars
      They really ARE perfect mashed potatoes! Very tasty, great texture! Thank you!!!

      Reply
    5. Gayle

      September 09, 2021 at 7:36 pm

      I'm making your recipe for 50 - 100 servings. If I left out the Sour Cream should I use more butter and/or half & half?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 10, 2021 at 6:20 am

        I would add in both. Use more half and half, but for richness still add in 2-4 tablespoons of butter (for that many servings)

        Reply
    6. Kaylee

      February 03, 2021 at 8:15 am

      hi random question, but does keeping skin on affect the recipe at all? Or does it stay the same?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        February 03, 2021 at 8:32 am

        Hi Kaylee! The directions will remain the same 🙂

        Reply
    7. Kristi

      November 26, 2020 at 7:18 pm

      These were delicious! Our entire thanksgiving dinner turned out perfect, thanks to your recipes!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 27, 2020 at 7:51 am

        I could not be happier that your family enjoyed my recipes. Thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    8. jaemi

      November 25, 2020 at 2:12 pm

      probably a dumb question, first time doing all the cooking for thanksgiving.. grandma left all her recipes in her head.

      for a 5Lb bag of potatoes .. how much more of each ingredient should i add?

      thank you!!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 25, 2020 at 2:19 pm

        Not a dumb question at all! I would cook your potatoes using 3 teaspoons of salt. Then add in about 3/4 teaspoon additional salt to cooked potatoes, along with 5 tablespoons of butter, 1 1/2 cups milk/cream, and 3/4 cup to 1 cup of sour cream to your liking. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

        Reply
    9. Erica Schwarz

      November 18, 2020 at 3:20 pm

      5 stars
      Game changer! I totally never realized adding cold butter and liquid to hot mashed potatoes would be a negative but now that I read this post it makes total sense. So glad for this info.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 18, 2020 at 4:48 pm

        Happy to help up your spud game 🙂

        Reply
    10. Jennifer

      November 18, 2020 at 3:03 pm

      5 stars
      These mashed potatoes really did come out perfect!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 18, 2020 at 4:48 pm

        So glad you enjoyed Jennifer.

        Reply
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