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Looking for a recipe for Good Mashed Potatoes? We all need at least one! This version promises simplicity, big flavour and the perfect texture.

If you’re a cook of any kind, I think it pretty much goes without saying that you NEED a recipe for good mashed potatoes. I mean, IMHO, it’s basically mandatory in any kitchen! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting to learn how to cook, knowing how to whip up a batch of perfect mashed potatoes is simply a must. A classic side dish that is both comforting and delicious and loved all over the world, it’s perfect for accompanying a wide range of main courses, as a topping for shepherd’s pie or for enjoying on its own.

bowl of mashed potatoes next to a ramekin of salt and pepper, butter and whole potatoes

So, what if I told you that a recipe for good mashed potatoes doesn’t have to be complicated? Am I’m talkin’ those good restaurant styles ones. The perfect balance between creamy and buttery. Smooth and luscious and perfectly seasoned. What’s more? They’re quick and easy to make, use the fewest and most basic ingredients (that you probably already have lying around!) and come out dang delicious every single time. They’re a definite no brainer when it comes to planning a holiday menu as I’ve never met a person who doesn’t like them, have you?! And besides, they go great next to pretty much anything from a perfectly cooked steak, to an easy fish dinner and anything and everything in between!

So if you’re on the hunt for a recipe for good mashed potatoes – creamy mashed potatoes, quick mashed potatoes, simple mashed potatoes, THE BEST MASHED POTATO RECIPE – then you’re in luck because I’m willing to bet your last potato that you’ve most certainly come to the right place!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS EASY MASHED POTATO RECIPE

ingredients for recipe for good mashed potatoes - potatoes, salt, pepper, milk or heavy cream, butter — *Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below*.

Yeah, that’s right and no, you’re most certainly not seeing things. Are you surprised that a recipe for good mashed potatoes only requires 5 of the simplest ingredients on the planet. And yes, that’s if you’re including salt and pepper. Let’s discuss them in a little bit more detail down below:

Potatoes: The star ingredient in this easy recipe for mashed potatoes. They provide the starchy, hearty base for this dish. Russet potatoes are common for mashed potatoes because they have a high starch content, which results in a fluffy texture when mashed. However, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture or red potatoes for a slightly firmer texture with a hint of sweetness.
Heavy Cream or Whole Milk: Add richness and creaminess to mashed potatoes. They also help to loosen the mashed potatoes and make them smoother. Heavy cream contains a higher fat content than whole milk, so it will yield an even creamier result. However, whole milk works perfectly fine if you prefer a lighter version or if heavy cream is not available.
Butter: Adds flavour, richness and a velvety texture this mashed potato recipe. It helps to make the potatoes creamy and delicious. Unsalted butter is typically preferred in recipes like this so that you can control the amount of salt in the dish. Softened butter mixes more easily into the hot mashed potatoes, ensuring a smooth consistency.
Salt and Pepper: Salt enhances the natural flavour of the potatoes and balances the dish. It’s essential for seasoning them to taste. You can add salt gradually, tasting as you go, to achieve the perfect level of seasoning. Pepper adds a bit of warmth and depth to the mashed potatoes, complementing the richness of the butter and cream. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavour, but you can also use pre-ground pepper if that’s what you have on hand.

bowl of mashed potatoes with a spoon in it

HOW TO MAKE PERFECT MASHED POTATOES (KEY TIPS)

hand holding a spoonful of mashed potatoes over a bowl of the rest

You can find full instructions for how to make this recipe for good mashed potatoes in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:

Choose the right potatoes. Selecting the right type of potato is crucial for achieving the desired texture. Russet potatoes are popular for mashed potatoes due to their high starch content, resulting in a fluffy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes offer a creamier texture, while red potatoes provide a slightly firmer texture with a hint of sweetness.
Cut the potatoes into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking. This ensures even cooking in the same amount of time and helps prevent some pieces from becoming overcooked while others remain undercooked.
Boil the potatoes in salted water. Add a generous amount of salt to the water when boiling the potatoes. This seasons the potatoes from within, enhancing the overall flavour.
Be cautious not to overcook the potatoes, as they can become waterlogged and mushy. Test for doneness by piercing them with a fork; they should be tender but not falling apart.
After boiling, drain the potatoes thoroughly to remove excess water. Excess moisture can make the mashed potatoes watery and less flavourful.
Mash the potatoes while they’re still hot. This makes it easier to achieve a smooth texture and ensures that the butter melts evenly into the potatoes. EXTRA TIP: Use softened butter for easier mixing and a smoother texture. Let the butter sit at room temperature for a while before adding it to the mashed potatoes. EXTRA EXTRA TIP: Warm the heavy cream or whole milk slightly before adding it to the mashed potatoes. This prevents the mashed potatoes from cooling down too much and ensures a creamy consistency.
Season gradually. Season the mashed potatoes gradually with salt and pepper, tasting as you go. This allows you to adjust the seasoning to your liking without overdoing it.
Mix gently. Mix the ingredients together gently to avoid overworking the potatoes, which can result in a gummy texture. Stop mixing once everything is combined and smooth.

bowl of mashed potatoes next to a ramekin of salt and pepper

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT MAKES A BETTER MASHED POTATO?

Achieving the perfect mashed potatoes is a fine balance of technique, ingredient selection and attention to detail. Several factors contribute to making a better mashed potato dish. Firstly, selecting the right type of potato is crucial. Russet potatoes, with their high starch content, result in a fluffy texture, while Yukon Gold or red potatoes offer creamier or firmer options, respectively. Proper cooking is key—boil the potatoes until tender but not mushy and ensure thorough draining to remove excess moisture. Mash the potatoes while they’re hot for a smoother consistency and incorporate softened butter and warmed cream or milk gradually for richness and creaminess. Seasoning is another crucial element; salt enhances flavour, while pepper adds depth. Finally, avoid over-mixing, as it can lead to a gummy texture. By paying attention to these details and techniques, you can create mashed potatoes that are creamy, flavourful, and irresistibly delicious.

IS MILK OR CREAM BETTER FOR MASHED POTATOES?

The choice between milk and cream for mashed potatoes ultimately depends on personal preference and desired consistency. Both milk and cream can contribute to delicious mashed potatoes, but they offer slightly different results. Whole milk is lower in fat compared to heavy cream, resulting in mashed potatoes that are lighter and less rich. However, milk can still provide a creamy texture but with a more subtle dairy flavour.

On the other hand, heavy cream contains a higher fat content, leading to mashed potatoes that are exceptionally rich, velvety and indulgent. Cream also lends a thicker consistency to the mashed potatoes, making them ultra-luxurious. Whether you opt for milk or cream depends on your taste preferences and dietary considerations. For a lighter dish, milk may be preferred, while heavy cream adds unmatched decadence and richness to mashed potatoes. Ultimately, both options can yield delicious results, so it’s worth experimenting to find the perfect balance for your palate!

WHAT ADDS FLAVOR TO MASHED POTATOES?

Several ingredients contribute to the flavourful profile of mashed potatoes, enhancing their taste and making them a beloved comfort food. Butter is a primary flavour enhancer, adding richness, depth and a creamy texture to the dish. The buttery flavour complements the natural earthiness of the potatoes, creating a harmonious balance. Salt is another essential component, amplifying the flavours of the potatoes and other ingredients while providing necessary seasoning. Pepper adds a subtle heat and complexity, complementing the richness of the butter and cream.

Additionally, the type of potato used can impact the flavour profile of mashed potatoes; Russet potatoes offer a neutral base, while Yukon Gold potatoes provide a slightly buttery flavour and red potatoes offer a hint of sweetness. Other ingredients, such as garlic, herbs (like parsley or chives) or cheese, can be added to further enhance the flavour profile, adding depth and complexity to the dish. Ultimately, it’s the combination of these ingredients that creates mashed potatoes bursting with flavour, making them a timeless favourite on dinner tables around the world.

ARE MASHED POTATOES HEALTHY TO EAT?

Mashed potatoes can be a nutritious addition to your diet when prepared and consumed in moderation. Potatoes themselves are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre, especially if you keep the skin on. They provide essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins. However, mashed potatoes often contain added ingredients like butter, cream, or milk, which can increase their calorie and fat content. While these ingredients add flavour and creaminess, they also contribute to the overall calorie count of the dish.

Additionally, excessive consumption of mashed potatoes with added fats can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if not balanced with a varied diet and regular exercise. To make mashed potatoes healthier, consider using lower-fat dairy options like low-fat milk or Greek yogurt, reducing the amount of added fats, or incorporating flavourful herbs and spices instead of excessive salt or butter.

side view of a bowl mashed potatoes with a spoon in it

RECIPE FOR GOOD MASHED POTATOES

Yield: 4 Servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Looking for a recipe for Good Mashed Potatoes? We all need at least one! This version promises simplicity, big flavour and the perfect texture.

Ingredients

2 lbs (about 900g) Potatoes
1/2 cup (120ml) Heavy Cream or Whole Milk
4 tablespoons (56g) Unsalted Butter, cut into cubes, softened
Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cut the potatoes into even size chunks then place them in a pot. Cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer until they are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them thoroughly in a colander. Return them to the pot. Add the butter to the pot and mash until smooth.
Gradually add the milk or heavy cream to the mashed potatoes, stirring continuously, until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 152Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 192mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 3gProtein: 2g

Nutrition is only an estimate and calculated using Nutritionix.