Easy Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Easy mashed potatoes recipe made with simple ingredients. Creamy, smooth, and perfect for any meal or holiday. Great for beginners!

Mashed potatoes are one of the most loved comfort foods around the world. They are made by boiling peeled potatoes until soft and then mashing them with butter, milk, or cream to create a soft and creamy texture. Whether you call it mashed potatoes, mash potato, or even pure de papa, this dish is always a favorite on the dinner table.

The best part? This homemade mashed potatoes recipe fits into any kind of meal. It’s perfect for everyday dinners like grilled chicken or baked fish, and it’s also a must-have for special events like Thanksgiving. If you’re searching for the best mashed potatoes recipe for your next gathering or just want to learn how to make creamy mashed potatoes at home, this one is an easy place to start.

Why You Will Love This Recipe:

• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
  This mashed potatoes recipe uses basic kitchen staples like potatoes, butter, and milk. You don’t need anything fancy to make the best mashed potatoes. With the right type of potatoes and easy steps, the flavor really shines..
• Easy to Follow – Great for Beginners
  If you’re wondering how to make mashed potatoes, this guide is perfect. It explains every step clearly so even beginners can make creamy, smooth potatoes without any lumps.
• Creamy Texture Every Time
  This creamy mashed potatoes recipe gives you soft, rich, and smooth results. It’s the secret to making homemade mashed potatoes that feel like comfort in every bite.
• Works for Any Meal
  Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or Thanksgiving mashed potatoes, this recipe fits right in. It’s a flexible side dish that pairs well with almost anything.
• Perfect Texture Made Simple
  Want to know how to mash potatoes the right way? This recipe explains it clearly so you can get the perfect consistency — not too thick and never runny.
• Customizable to Your Taste
  This mashed potato recipe is easy to adjust. Add garlic, cheese, or herbs for extra flavor, or make it dairy-free if needed. Wondering, can you make homemade mashed potatoes without milk? Yes, and we show you how.
• Reliable Every Time
  This is one of the best mashed potato recipes because it works. If you follow the steps, you’ll get the same great results each time — fluffy, creamy, and tasty..
• Quick Cooking Time
  Are you not sure how long to boil potatoes for mashed potatoes? This recipe keeps it simple: about 15–20 minutes until they’re fork-tender. Then you’re just a few steps away from delicious, easy mashed potatoes.
• Family-Friendly Favorite
  Kids and adults both love this classic side. Whether you call it mash potato, pure de papa, or just mashed, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 tbsp butter (or more for extra creaminess)
• 1/2 cup whole milk (or more for desired consistency)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional for tangy flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for extra flavor)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Tools Needed

• Large pot
• Potato masher, fork or hand mixer
• Peeler
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups/spoons
• Colander (for draining potatoes)

How to make mashed potatoes:

Step 1: Wash, peel, and cut the potatoes into chunks:

Start by washing the russet potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Peel them using a simple vegetable peeler. Once peeled, cut each potato into evenly sized chunks. This helps them cook faster and evenly, which is important in any mashed potatoes recipe.

Step 2: Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (15–20 minutes)
Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes are soft when pierced with a fork. This step is key when learning how long to boil potatoes for mashed potatoes.

Step 3: Drain the water and let potatoes sit for a minute to dry
Carefully drain the hot water from the pot. Let the boiled potatoes rest in the pot for about a minute. This allows excess moisture to evaporate, which helps create creamy mashed potatoes without being watery.

Step 4: Mash potatoes until smooth
Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the potatoes while they’re still hot. If you’re wondering how to mash potatoes easily, keep mashing until there are no large lumps. For extra smooth texture, you can use a hand mixer—but only lightly to avoid making the mashed gummy.

Step 5: Add butter and warm milk (or cream) and mix until creamy
Melt the butter and warm the milk slightly before adding to the mashed potatoes. Pour them in slowly while stirring. This gives your homemade mashed potatoes that creamy texture everyone loves. You can add more milk if you want a softer consistency. For a tangy twist, stir in sour cream at this stage.

Step 6: Add salt and any extra flavors to taste
Sprinkle in salt and pepper to match your taste. For extra flavor, stir in the minced garlic now. This step adds depth to your mashed potato recipe. You can also mix in cheese, herbs, or keep it classic and simple.

Step 7: Serve warm
Scoop the mashed potatoes onto a serving dish and add a few pats of butter on top if you like. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a nice finish. These easy mashed potatoes are perfect for any dinner table and make a great side dish for holidays like Thanksgiving.

Tips for Best Results:

When you’re making a mashed potatoes recipe, a few small tricks can make a big difference in texture and taste. Whether you’re making easy mashed potatoes for a weeknight dinner or creamy mashed potatoes for a holiday meal, these tips will help you every time.

• Don’t over-mix your potatoes
  After boiling and draining, mash the potatoes just enough to get the texture you like. Over-mixing can make them sticky and gluey. If you’re wondering how to mash potatoes the right way, a hand masher is usually the safest choice for fluffy, homemade mashed potatoes.
• Use warm milk and melted butter
  For the best mashed potatoes, always warm the milk and melt the butter before adding them in. This helps the potatoes soak in the flavor better and gives a smoother finish. It’s a small step, but it really helps in making the best mashed potatoes recipe. If you’re asking how to make creamy mashed potatoes, this tip is key.
• Taste and adjust salt before serving
  After mashing, always taste your mashed potato. Add salt as needed. The flavor of your mashed potatoes recipe depends a lot on this step. Whether you’re going for a simple mashed potato or a creamy mashed potatoes recipe, seasoning brings everything together.

These tips work for any kind of mashed—whether you’re making Thanksgiving mashed potatoes, pure de papa, or trying out the best mashed potato recipe from your family cookbook. If you have ever wondered how to make homemade mashed potatoes just like mom’s, these small steps can help you get it right.

Variation, Substitutions, and Modifications:

Changing up your mashed potatoes recipe is a fun way to match different meals or preferences. Here are four tasty variations you can try with your basic homemade mashed potatoes:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

If you enjoy the bold flavor, garlic is a great choice. For this variation, add 2–3 cloves of garlic to the pot while boiling the potatoes. This helps soften the garlic and makes it easy to mash along with the potatoes. After mashing, mix in warm butter and milk as usual. This version of the mashed potatoes recipe is perfect with roasted meats or grilled veggies. It’s a simple way to change how you make creamy mashed potatoes at home.

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

To make cheesy mashed potatoes, follow your regular mashed potato recipe, then stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese while the potatoes are still hot. Cheddar is a classic, but you can also try Parmesan, mozzarella, or even a mix. The heat melts the cheese, giving you rich and gooey mashed potatoes that are perfect for kids or cheese lovers. This is one of the best mashed potato recipes for comfort food nights.

Herb Mashed Potatoes (Parsley, Chives, Thyme)

Fresh herbs add color and a fresh flavor to your homemade mashed potatoes. Use chopped parsley, chives, and thyme to mix in after mashing. These herbs work well with any basic mashed potatoes recipe. You can use dried herbs too, but fresh ones bring out the best taste. This is a great way to make your easy mashed potatoes feel fancy without extra work. Serve with chicken, fish, or as a side for your Thanksgiving mashed potatoes.

Vegan Mashed Potatoes (Dairy-Free)

Yes, you can enjoy a mashed potatoes recipe even if you don’t use dairy. Just replace butter with plant-based butter and use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk instead of regular milk. This makes a smooth and tasty vegan mashed potato dish that’s just as creamy. Many people ask, “Can you make homemade mashed potatoes without milk?” — and the answer is yes, and they’re still delicious!

Serving Suggestions

Perfect with Meat Dishes

This mashed potatoes recipe goes great with many meat-based meals. Serve it with grilled chicken, pan-seared steak, roast beef, or baked back ribs. The creamy mashed potatoes balance the rich flavors of meat, making every bite satisfying.

Delicious with Gravy and Sides

Top your homemade mashed potatoes with brown gravy, mushroom sauce, or even a fried egg for a comforting meal. Pair with steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots for a complete plate.

Holiday Favorite

Mashed potatoes are a must for special meals. On Thanksgiving, serve them with roast turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. They also fit perfectly on a Christmas or Sunday dinner table.

Great with Comfort Meals

This creamy mashed potatoes recipe is perfect with dishes like meatloaf, fried chicken, or beef stew. If you’re learning how to make mashed potatoes, these pairings will help you enjoy them in different ways.

Add Flavor and Variety

Mix in garlic butter, cheddar cheese, or fresh herbs like chives or parsley for more flavor. Try with grilled sausages, BBQ ribs, or easy chicken and gravy. Remember, the best potatoes for mashed are Russet or Yukon Gold for that smooth, fluffy texture.

Comfort in Every Meal

No matter the dish, this mashed potatoes recipe adds a warm and cozy touch. It’s a simple side that fits almost any meal, from quick weeknight dinners to festive holiday feasts.

Storage and Reheating:

How to Store Mashed Potatoes

After making your mashed potatoes recipe, let the mashed potatoes cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days.

How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes

To reheat mashed potatoes, put them in a pot on low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or butter to bring back the creamy texture. Stir often until warm and smooth.

Can You Reheat Mashed Potatoes in the Microwave?

Yes, you can. Place the mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts (30–60 seconds), stirring in between. Add a little liquid if they feel dry.