Easiest Mashed Potatoes Recipe
If you’re a fan of buttery, creamy mashed potatoes that you thought only grandma or a five-star steakhouse could execute to perfection, I’m here to share my tips for success for how to make the best mashed potatoes. Turns out, it’s not quite as easy as throwing some potatoes in water and then mashing them up with butter and cream in order to yield the best possible results — almost that easy, but not quite. However, this post will guide you through what to do and not do. If you’re already a mashed potato pro, feel free to scroll down to the recipe and skip my chatter, photos, and advice.
Ingredients for Simple Mashed Potatoes
This is the simplest ingredients list and that’s what makes them so good. Real food, simply prepared, and kept simple. To make these easy mashed potatoes from scratch, all you need are the following ingredients:
Potatoes Unsalted butter Half-and-half Kosher salt Pepper
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How to Make Mashed Potatoes
Making easy mashed potatoes is a quick process that anyone can master. Just make sure to follow my advice for mashed potato success! Let’s go over how to make basic — but perfect! — mashed potatoes:
Recipe Variations to Try
I would add the following items in when you’re adding in the melted butter and half-and half, with the exception of the garlic:
A couple cloves of garlic, finely minced (for this option, cook the garlic in the saucepan with the melted butter and cream so that raw garlic taste mellows) Chives Other fresh herbs you have on hand from making turkey (rosemary, sage, parsley, etc.) Shredded cheese such as Parmesan or sharp cheddar, or chunks of blue cheese or goat cheese Cooked bacon bits
More Potato Side Dishes:
ALL OF MY POTATO RECIPES! In the freezer: Let mashed potatoes cool completely, then seal in a freezer bag or a freezer-safe container. These easy mashed potatoes will last up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, place in fridge overnight to thaw or reheat from frozen in the oven (transfer to a baking dish first). To reheat: I recommend reheating them gently in a pot over low heat until warm (you may need to add a splash of milk or cream). You could also reheat larger servings in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Bacon Cheddar Loaded Mashed Potatoes — If you like loaded baked potatoes, you’ll LOVE these mashed potatoes with bacon, cheddar cheese, butter, sour cream, and more! Browned Butter Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes — Creamy and decadent from the herbed browned butter, these mashed potatoes are a family favorite side dish! Made in the slow cooker to free up stove and oven space. Cheesy Funeral Potatoes — This casserole is creamy, CHEESY, and topped with crunchy Corn Flakes! It’s an easy side dish that feeds a crowd, so it’s perfect for potlucks, holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, and family gatherings. Parmesan and Herb Roasted Potatoes — These herb roasted potatoes are sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and are made with seasonings you already have on hand. So easy to prep, and crazy delicious! Crispy Parmesan Ranch Roasted Potatoes – The BEST roasted potatoes you’ll ever eat!! Tender potatoes seasoned with ranch mix and topped with a CRISPY Parmesan breadcrumb topping! So DELICIOUS you don’t even need a main course!! Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole – Tender potatoes mixed with butter, cheese, sour cream, bacon, and green onions for the ultimate in LOADED baked potatoes! Three Cheese Scalloped Potatoes — These baked scalloped potatoes are EXTRA cheesy thanks to three cheeses used as well as super rich and CREAMY!! They’re a perfect HOLIDAY SIDE DISH as well as family friendly weeknight COMFORT FOOD!
