This creamy mashed potatoes recipe is shockingly good! It is absolutely holiday-worthy. The folks at your table will swoon over these whipped buttery potatoes! Our recipe has just 4 simple ingredients (one of which is salt), so believe me when I say it’s easy to make and serve!
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Next to Roasted Turkey, mashed potatoes and Turkey Gravy, are always the most popular dishes on our Thanksgiving table. In fact, I think there are a few members of the family who may come specifically for the potatoes, and I don’t blame them. This recipe is incredible alone, but out of this world when drizzled with butter and gravy.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes Video
Watch Natasha whip up this simple mashed potatoes recipe and share her tips for how to get a perfectly fluffy whipped texture and the best flavor.
Mashed Potatoes Recipe
We have made many potato recipes over the years, from Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes to Garlic Mashed Potatoes, but I have to say this creamy Mashed Potato Recipe is king, especially for Christmas and Thanksgiving.
I first published this recipe in 2018, inspired by my friend Anna, who invited us for dinner one evening. She served us her whipped mashed potatoes recipe, and I couldn’t get enough of them, so of course, I asked her for the details. Thank you, Anna!
This is the perfect side dish for a holiday table, but as Anna showed me, they are a great addition to any menu all year round. It’s a simple dish and can be made ahead to make dinner easier.
Tips for Making the Best Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potato recipes are simple and perfect for beginners, but there are several tips that make the best mashed potatoes you’ve ever had!
- Russet potatoes must be cooked whole (do not chop). I learned this awesome tip from my Mom. Russets are starchy potatoes that can fall apart or become water-filled when boiled so it takes a few minutes longer to cook them, but it’s well worth it!
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes – this leads to water-logged and gummy mashed potatoes. Also drain well.
- BUTTAH!! Lots of butter, and don’t skimp here. I’ve tried with less, and the recipe still works, but it’s incredible with the amount called for.
- Butter must be softened, not melted. The flavor of the butter is different when it’s softened, and it incorporates into the potatoes beautifully, leaving them silky, silky.
- HOT milk incorporates the easiest into the potatoes and keeps the potatoes warm.
- Using a mixer (whether it be an electric hand mixer or stand mixer) whips up the potatoes without the effort of mashing by hand and produces the smoothest results. Mash them while they are hot and avoid overmixing, which can make them gummy.
Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes
It’s incredible that this recipe only uses 4 ingredients and still tastes so buttery, so flavorful, and so satisfying.
- Potatoes – 4 lbs (12 medium) russet potatoes, peeled. Russets are the best potatoes for this recipe since they mash and whip into a great texture, but you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes or yellow potatoes.
- Milk – Use whole milk for the creamiest potatoes, but you can use lower-fat milk if that is what you have on hand.
- Butter – use unsalted butter at room temperature (not melted). Even if it seems like a lot –trust me. Just add in the full amount.
- Salt – Adding salt at the end keeps them from falling apart while cooking and it’s easy to add it to taste.
- Garnish – optional, but sprinkling with chopped fresh parsley or chives is the best way to dress up mashed potatoes, especially for the holidays.
How to Make Mashed Potatoes
This mashed potatoes recipe is simple, but the tips I’ve included make so much difference in taste and texture. Follow these directions and you’ll be the talk of the holiday!
- Boil the potatoes – Peel (and cut potatoes in half if very large) and then you may want to remove eyes or knots with a small spoon or the tip of a potato peeler to get the smoothest texture (optional). Place potatoes in a large pot (5 Qt+), cover with cold water, and then bring to a boil. Partially cover and boil until tender and easily pierced with a fork (about 20-25 minutes). Do not overcook.
- Drain the potatoes well and then transfer to the bowl of your stand mixer. Mash the hot potatoes lightly (I use the whisk attachment by hand or a potato masher). Attach the whisk attachment on the mixer (or use a hand mixer) and start to mix on low speed for 30 seconds then increase the speed to medium and slowly drizzle in 1 to 1 1/4 cups HOT milk.
- Whip the Potatoes – With the mixer on, add the softened butter 1 Tbsp at a time, be sure the butter is mostly mixed in after each addition. Finally, the potatoes should be whipped and fluffy, then add 1 1/2 tsp salt or add it to taste.
Pro Tip:
You can use a hand mixer to whip these potatoes if you don’t have a stand mixer, just be sure to transfer the cooked potatoes into a mixing bowl before beating, because beaters may damage the bottom of the cooking pot.
How to Keep Mashed Potatoes Warm for Serving
It’s easy to make this mashed potatoes recipe ahead of time to make serving dinner easier.
- Stovetop – Once whipped, cover the potatoes and place them in a warm oven, or you can create a bain-marie and set the pot over a larger pot of simmering water.
- Slow cooker – transfer into a slow cooker on the warm setting to keep potatoes warm until ready to serve.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Have Leftover Mashed Potatoes? Use them to make our delicious Shepherd’s Pie or Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes! Leftover potatoes also keep well in the refrigerator or freezer for longer storage and these reheat like a dream.
- To Refrigerate: Cool and pack in a heat-safe, airtight container with a lid for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Pack cooled potatoes in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
- To Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight. Then reheat on the stove, in a 350°F oven, or in the microwave with a splash of milk and a bit of butter. Mix until the milk is just incorporated so the potatoes aren’t overmixed and gummy.
This creamy whipped Mashed Potatoes recipe is so easy to serve for a weeknight or weekend meal, but it’s fancy and tasty enough for a holiday menu. This recipe is a keeper!
What to Serve with Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are one of the most versatile side dishes, and they pair well with pretty much anything. Here are our favorite main courses and sides to pair with mashed potatoes.
- Beef – Meatloaf, Prime Rib, Pan-Seared Steak, Roast Beef
- Chicken – Chicken Casserole, Chicken Fricassee, Roast Chicken
- Pork – Baked Ham, Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Pork Schnitzel
- Gravy – Turkey Gravy, or Easy Mushroom Gravy
- Sides – Roasted Cauliflower, Roasted Broccoli, Sautéed Mushrooms
Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe (So Creamy!)
Ingredients
- 4 lbs russet potatoes, (12 medium) peeled
- 1 1/4 cups hot milk, (use 1 to 1/4 cups) we used whole milk
- 16 Tbsp unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature (not melted)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste (we used sea salt)
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Peel potatoes and rinse in cold water (cut potatoes in half if very large). If you want the smoothest potatoes possible, remove the little knots from the potatoes with a small spoon or the tip of a potato peeler. Place potatoes in a large pot (5 Qt+) and cover potatoes with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook partially covered until easily pierced with a knife (boil 20-25 min depending on the size of your potatoes; mine took 22 min). Do not overcook.
- Drain well and transfer to the bowl of your stand mixer. Grab the whisk attachment and mash potatoes lightly by hand to break them up. Fit mixer with whisk attachment and start on low speed for 30 seconds then increase to medium and slowly drizzle in 1 to 1 1/4 cups of the HOT milk to reach your desired texture.
- With the mixer on, add softened butter 1 Tbsp at a time, waiting a few seconds between each addition. Potatoes will be whipped and fluffy. Finally, add 1 1/2 tsp salt, or add to taste.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
Hi natasha! Do you have a recipe of gravy as well?
Hi Venice, sure you can check out these gravy recipes.
Hi Natasha, just wanted to tell you how wonderful a cook you are. Last night we had your Instant Pot Whole chicken.
We have been married for fifty years. For the first time in a long time. My husband told me how good I cook. Your recipes are absolutely scrumptious. You know how to bring the flavors out, when you cook. I really enjoy your cooking. Because being married for so long, you don’t know what to cook. But, I know if I cook something from your recipes. I know that it will be a hit.
Also, we had the Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe. The potatoes were so fluffy. The way you incorporate the butter and the milk made the difference.
So, please don’t stop cooking.
Thank so much.
Hello Islah, that is so sweet of you to share. Thank you for your kind words and good feedback. It helps inspire me to do more recipes and video tutorials for you all!
Natasha, I’ve been making mashed potatoes forever with varying degrees of success. I figured I was doomed to making “Meh” smashed spuds forever.
Then I watched your video and thought it can’t be THAT easy.
Well it is and now my family actually ASKS for mashed potatoes when they used to offer up alternatives. We all live it.
Thank you!
Hello Laura, I am so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing that with us, I hope you and your family will love all the recipes that you will try from my videos and website.
Hi Natasha! I’m making these potatoes with a roast prime rib today for my hubby’s 50th birthday! I have many times in the past, tried to whip my potatoes, only for them to turn into a gluten ball of yuck!!! Before I do this today, any pointers? I am a very good cook, but eggs and potatoes (in different forms!) seem to be my Achilles heel!!! Thank you and have a very Merry Christmas🎄
Hi Sherry, it sounds like they may be over mixed. But also, make sure you follow all the recipe steps and use the right kind of potatoes.
I love the mashed pita when their sticky!! Lol
Add fresh ground pepper!
My stand mixer does not have a whisk but my had mixer has a very small one. Will regular beaters over mash the potatoes? Also, if I make a day ahead and reheat in crock pot chilled what setting do I use Low or Warm? Also if making a half recipe my crock pot is too large. Can I put it in a bowl in the crock pot with water at the bottom of the crock to steam heat them? Thank you.
Hi Mary, I often use my electric hand mixer to beat mashed potatoes. This especially convenient when I make instant pot mashed potatoes and I can just beat it inside the bowl or inside the pot with regular mashed potatoes.
Here is the easiest way to keep mashed potatoes hot… my grandma did this, my mom did it, I do it and my daughter does it! If you mashed the potatoes in the pot you boiled them in, leave them in there; if you whipped them in a stand mixer, put them back into the pot you boiled them in (because the pot will still be warm).Put the lid on the pot, take it to the bedroom, and wrap them up in a duvet on the bed and leave them there! You can leave them there for many hours and they will still be hot when you’re ready to serve them 🙂
Thanks for sharing some tips with us, Karmen!
My daughter and I made your mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving this year. They were absolutely delicious.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Natasha. I made your mashed potato recipe on Thanksgiving exactly the way you instructed. They came out so creamy fluffy and delicious! My family really loved them! Two days later I reheated them in the microwave and they still tasted yummy!
Thank you so much! Your videos and recipes are wonderful!
Hello Robbi, you are so welcome! I also want to thank you for trying out this recipe and for sharing your great experience with us. I’m happy that you loved it even the leftovers!
This is an amazing recipe!! I just made this for my family on Thanksgiving and it was creamy deliciousness. Already excited to make it again, thanks Natasha!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Mahi! Thank you for the wonderful review!
Tried your mash potatoes.
They were delicious.
Good job on showing us how to.
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
Thank you Natasha!
Made it last night and was a fantastic success!
Could I ask, how do you calculate the nutritional value? Calories?
How much does one serving weight?
Hi Meytal, I recommend reading through our nutritional disclosure but also we use a nutritional calculator. I have not weighed the end product to advise on that.
This was the BEST mashed potatoes I ever made.. It went over well and everyone love it. SOOOO creamy and light.. I even was tasting it while it was mixing..
Thank you for this recipe.
Hello Yolanda, thank you for your awesome comment and feedback. We appreciate you sharing that with us!
Happy Thanksgiving Natasha & Family!
I made your Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Turkey Gravy! Delicious!! Thanks so much!!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family too, Susan! Wonderful, I hope both recipes were a hit!
Hi!!! These potatoes are DELICIOUS! I am curious how to store them overnight? Do you let them sit at room temp and then just cover the bowl with foil and leave them in the fridge overnight? Also to reheat do you just put them in the oven? Thank you so much!! 🙂
Thank you, I’m glad you loved it! Yes, they do reheat really well and will still be creamy when reheated, that is one of the things I absolutely love about this recipe – it reheats great, and pre-making the potatoes is a great idea when you have other dishes that need to be made fresh. Heating in the slow cooker or in the oven would work fine.
Hi Natasha!
Can you use salted butter?
Are eastern potatoes okay instead of russet potatoes?
Thanks!
Liz
Hi Liz, yes, you may use salted butter and you may just adjust the salt in the recipe. Yukon Gold potatoes are the best for mashed potatoes but I think that will work too if that’s what you have handy.
As good or possibly a tad better than the ones I used to make with my Mom…. Yours are silky and creamy indeed! I am soooo glad for your recipe as I had lost the touch, and my husband needed all of your well deserved rave reviews to reconsider whipped/mashed potatoes. After all, his rustic mashed potatoes are full of rich and earthy goodness. Still, I missed my Mom’s mashed potatoes. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I’m sure you do and I’m also sure your mon’s version is also so delicious. But I’m glad you also liked our recipe! Thank you for your great comments and feedback.
I am a decent cook, however, I have always had problems with mashed potatoes. This was very easy and as promised they are delicious and creamy. The only comment I have is that if like me you have the smaller kitchen aide it is a little easier to do mix this in 2 batches otherwise it is hard to get the lumps out.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Carolyn! Thank you for the wonderful review!
Hi can another type of potato like Yukon work in this recipe ? Thank you ! Happy Thanksgiving
Hi Dorothy, the recipe would need to be altered with red or Yukon potatoes without testing it; it’s hard to say. One of our readers did write in with the following feedback “Also I used red potatoes and left the skin on. Delicious! Can’t wait to eat leftovers.” I hope that helps
Hi Natasha, can you substitute with Yukon gold potatoes? Love your recipes.
Hi Liz, the recipe would need to be altered with red or yukon potatoes without testing it, its hard to say. One of our readers did write in with the following feedback “Also I used red potatoes and left the skin on. Delicious! Cant wait to eat leftovers.” I hope that helps.
Hello! In your video after peeling the potatoes you rinse them off under running water and say it removes the starch. But in the actual written recipe there’s no mention of this. Also in the video you say to use between 1-1/4 cups hot milk, and in your written recipe it says 1 1/4 cups milk.
Can you please clarify? Thanks.
Hi Robbi, you are correct – I have added those details in the recipe card to rinse the potatoes and also to add 1 to 1 1/4 cups milk to reach the desired consistency. Thank you so much for pointing that out and Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you very much for clarifying Natasha!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well!
Hi Natasha. I see the details you added about running the potatoes under cold water and adding 1-1 1/4 cup milk to the recipe card, but when it prints, it loses those details and
deviates to the original.
Hi Robbi, it may be due to your computer showing a cached version of the page. Try clearing your browser cache. I am seeing it loading and I have flushed the caches on our end which may also help.
Thank you! Whatever you did on your end worked! I didn’t do anything on, except click on print again and it’s showing the added details. Thank you so much. Can’t wait to make the recipe tomorrow!
Happy Thanksgiving!!🦃🍁
Wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving to you also!