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Easy Homemade Mashed Potatoes

A dish featuring creamy homemade mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and golden-brown bacon-wrapped steak bites on a sophisticated dining table.

These are the best easy homemade mashed potatoes, creamy, buttery, and full of flavor. Perfect for any meal. Quick steps, tips, and variations are included!

Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. This simple recipe is a go-to favorite for busy evenings or family dinners. Originating from the heart of home-cooked meals, it's loved for its versatility and flavor.

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 (optional for extra flavor)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Special Tips:

  • Russet potatoes are ideal for mashed potatoes because they break down easily and become creamy.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and milk with olive oil and almond milk.
  • Use a potato masher for a rustic texture or an electric mixer for smooth, creamy potatoes.

Directions To Make Homemade Mashed Potatoes:

Cook the Potatoes:

Place the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender.

A large pot filled with peeled and cut potatoes boiling on a stovetop. Steam rises in a bright kitchen with natural light and clean counters.
A clean and organized kitchen with a pot of peeled and cut potatoes boiling on the stovetop, creating a warm and inviting cooking scene.

Drain and Mash Potatoes:

Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them with a potato masher to your desired texture. For a smoother consistency, use a hand mixer.

Chunks of cooked potatoes in a pot, topped with melting butter, black pepper, and seasoning, ready for mashing, with rich textures visible.
Chunks of cooked potatoes topped with butter and sprinkled with black pepper and seasoning, ready for mashing in a cozy kitchen setting.

Add Butter & Milk:

Add the butter and mash until melted. Gradually add milk while mashing until you reach your preferred consistency. Stir in salt, pepper, and garlic if using.

Serve Homemade Mashed Potatoes:

Stir in sour cream for extra creaminess and flavor. Top with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes topped with fresh parsley, set on a kitchen counter with a homely background.
A bowl of fluffy homemade mashed potatoes garnished with parsley, bringing comfort and flavor to your table.

Tips for Variation, Substitutions, and Modifications:

  • Cheesy Mashed Potatoes:

 Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan for a cheesy twist.

  • Vegan Version: 

Use plant-based butter and milk for a dairy-free option.

  • Spicy Mashed Potatoes: 

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes: 

Roasted garlic can be mashed with the potatoes for an even richer flavor.

What to Serve With:

These mashed potatoes are perfect with roasted chicken, easy chicken and gravy, grilled steak, green beans, or a vegetable stir-fry. They pair wonderfully with gravy or a light herb butter sauce.

Storage:

Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be reheated gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Tools You’ll Need:

  • Potato peeler
  • Large pot
  • Potato masher or hand mixer
  • Colander (for draining potatoes)
  • Measuring spoons and cups
Cooking Method
Cuisine
Courses ,
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Total Time: 30 mins
Servings 4
Calories 220
Best Season Suitable throughout the year
Description

These are the best easy homemade mashed potatoes, creamy, buttery, and full of flavor. Perfect for any meal. Quick steps, tips, and variations are included!

Ingredients
  • 4 large russet potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
  • 4 tbsp butter (more for extra creaminess)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (more for desired consistency)
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (optional for tangy flavor)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional for extra flavor)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
    • Special Tips:
  • Russet potatoes are ideal for mashed potatoes because they break down easily and become creamy.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and milk with olive oil and almond milk.
  • Use a potato masher for a rustic texture or an electric mixer for smooth, creamy potatoes.
Directions

  1. Cook the Potatoes:

    Place the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender.

    Drain and Mash Potatoes:

    Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them with a potato masher to your desired texture. For a smoother consistency, use a hand mixer.

    Add Butter & Milk:

    Add the butter and mash until melted. Gradually add milk while mashing until you reach your preferred consistency. Stir in salt, pepper, and garlic if using.

    Serve Homemade Mashed Potatoes:

    Stir in sour cream for extra creaminess and flavor. Top with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 220kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10g16%
Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Sugars 2g
Protein 4g8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Easy Side Dish, Mashed Potatoes
Read it online: https://yummyexplorations.com/recipe/easy-homemade-mashed-potatoes-recipe/