Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Featured in: Family Table Meals

Fluffy mashed Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes blended with butter and warm milk create a smooth, creamy texture perfect for complementing any main dish. Using simple seasonings like salt and freshly ground black pepper enhances the natural potato flavor. Optional additions like heavy cream or sour cream deepen richness. Garnishing with fresh chives or parsley adds a subtle herbal note. Ideal for quick preparation, this side balances comfort and elegance in every serving.

Updated on Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:13:47 GMT
Fluffy mashed potatoes, seasoned perfectly, served in a bowl, ready to be enjoyed as a side. Save
Fluffy mashed potatoes, seasoned perfectly, served in a bowl, ready to be enjoyed as a side. | happytiziri.com

Nothing says comfort quite like a bowl of creamy, fluffy Mashed Potatoes. This classic American side dish transforms simple potatoes into a velvety-smooth delight, perfectly blended with rich butter and warm milk. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal, from a weeknight dinner to a festive holiday feast.

Fluffy mashed potatoes, seasoned perfectly, served in a bowl, ready to be enjoyed as a side. Save
Fluffy mashed potatoes, seasoned perfectly, served in a bowl, ready to be enjoyed as a side. | happytiziri.com

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The beauty of mashed potatoes lies in their simplicity and adaptability. Whether you prefer them rustic and lumpy or silky smooth, this recipe provides the perfect foundation. It's a dish that evokes a sense of home and warmth, bringing everyone to the table to enjoy a shared meal.

Ingredients

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  • Potatoes
  • 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • Dairy
  • 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, warm
  • Seasonings
  • 1 tsp salt, plus more for boiling
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional Additions
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) heavy cream or sour cream (for extra creaminess)
  • Chopped chives or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1
Place potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water.
Step 2
Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 3
Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to the pot. Allow excess steam to escape for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4
Add butter and warm milk to the potatoes. Mash using a potato masher or ricer until smooth and creamy.
Step 5
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, mix in heavy cream or sour cream for extra richness.
Step 6
Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Für besonders glattes Püree eine Kartoffelpresse (Ricer) verwenden. Nachdem die Kartoffeln abgegossen wurden, lassen Sie sie 2-3 Minuten im Topf ausdampfen, damit überschüssige Feuchtigkeit entweicht und das Püree nicht wässrig wird.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

Ersetzen Sie die Milch durch pflanzliche Alternativen für eine milchfreie Version. Fügen Sie gerösteten Knoblauch, Käse oder sautierte Zwiebeln für geschmackliche Variationen hinzu.

Serviervorschläge

Servieren Sie das Kartoffelpüree als Beilage zu Braten, Geflügel oder Gemüse-Hauptgerichten. Es passt hervorragend zu klassischen Gerichten und sorgt für eine sättigende Komponente.

Creamy mashed potatoes, pictured with fresh chives, a classic and comforting American side dish. Save
Creamy mashed potatoes, pictured with fresh chives, a classic and comforting American side dish. | happytiziri.com

There you have it—a simple, foolproof recipe for perfect mashed potatoes every time. Whether garnished with fresh chives or enjoyed plain, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy your homemade comfort in a bowl!

Recipe Q&A

What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal due to their texture, which yields a fluffy and smooth mash when cooked properly.

How can I make the mash creamier?

Incorporate warm milk and unsalted butter gradually while mashing. For richer texture, add heavy cream or sour cream if desired.

What tools help achieve ultra-smooth mashed potatoes?

Using a potato ricer or masher after draining ensures a consistently smooth and creamy result without lumps.

Can I prepare this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy milk and butter with plant-based alternatives to maintain creaminess without dairy ingredients.

How should I season the potatoes?

Simple seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper enhances natural flavors without overpowering the dish.

What are common garnish options?

Chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley add color and a mild herbal aroma that nicely complement the creamy potatoes.

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Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Fluffy Yukon Gold potatoes blended with butter and warm milk for a smooth, tasty American side.

Prep duration
10 minutes
Cooking duration
20 minutes
Overall time
30 minutes
Written by Rebecca Holt


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Serves 4 Number of servings

Dietary details Vegetarian friendly, No Gluten

What You Need

Potatoes

01 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

Dairy

01 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
02 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed

Seasonings

01 1 tsp salt, plus additional for boiling water
02 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Optional Additions

01 2 tbsp heavy cream or sour cream for extra creaminess
02 Chopped chives or parsley for garnish

Step-by-step guide

Step 01

Prepare Potatoes: Place the peeled and chunked potatoes into a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tsp salt to the water.

Step 02

Cook Potatoes: Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 03

Drain and Steam: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly using a colander, then return them to the pot. Let the potatoes steam off excess moisture for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 04

Mash Potatoes: Add the butter and warmed milk to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy using a potato masher or ricer.

Step 05

Season and Enrich: Season the mashed potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Optionally, fold in heavy cream or sour cream for additional richness.

Step 06

Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve hot.

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Essential equipment

  • Large pot
  • Potato masher or ricer
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy details

Always check every ingredient for allergens and talk with a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk, optional cream or sour cream)

Nutrition data (per serve)

Details given for informational use only and aren't medical advice.
  • Energy: 220
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 4 g

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