The Fluffiest Homemade Mashed Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Meals

Creamy, dreamy homemade mashed potatoes bring pure comfort to any dinner table.

Rich butter and smooth milk create a heavenly side dish that melts in your mouth.

potatoes boiled to tender perfection set the stage for culinary magic.

Each spoonful promises a velvety texture that whispers pure satisfaction.

Salt and pepper add subtle depth to this classic recipe.

The secret lies in simple ingredients and careful technique.

Serve these irresistible mashed potatoes and watch everyone at the table fall in love with every delectable bite.

What to Serve With Homemade Mash

• Complement Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Classic Protein Pairings: Roasted herb-crusted chicken or slow-cooked beef roast perfectly match the rich, velvety texture of these potatoes. The savory meat balances the creamy side dish wonderfully.
• Wine and Beverage Companion: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp Chardonnay that cuts through the potatoes' richness while enhancing their buttery flavor profile.
• Elevate with Fresh Veggie Contrast: Roasted green beans or honey-glazed carrots add vibrant color and crisp texture alongside the smooth mashed potatoes, creating a balanced and visually appealing plate.
• Herbaceous Finishing Touch: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary over the potatoes to introduce an aromatic dimension that complements the buttery base and adds sophisticated culinary depth.

Fun Mash Variations to Explore

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace sour cream and milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter for a creamy, plant-based version that's perfect for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Herb-Infused Option: Swap parsley with fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives. Add roasted garlic cloves during the mashing process for an extra depth of flavor that elevates the classic mashed potato recipe.
• Loaded Potato Style: Mix in crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions after mashing. This variation turns simple mashed potatoes into a hearty, indulgent side dish that feels like a complete meal.
• Cauliflower Blend: Replace half the potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative. Steam and mash the cauliflower together with potatoes to create a lighter, more nutritious version that doesn't compromise on creamy texture.

FAQs

• Why use Yukon Gold potatoes for mashing?

Yukon Gold potatoes have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture that makes them perfect for mashed potatoes. Their medium starch content helps create smooth, rich results without becoming gluey or watery.

• How can I prevent my mashed potatoes from becoming gummy?

Avoid over-mixing the potatoes, which breaks down starches and creates a paste-like texture. Use a potato masher or gently mix with an electric mixer, stopping as soon as the potatoes reach your desired consistency.

• Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the potatoes in advance. Keep them warm in a slow cooker or reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

• What makes Dijon mustard a good addition to mashed potatoes?

Dijon mustard adds a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the richness of the butter and sour cream, giving the potatoes a more complex and interesting taste profile.

What Makes Homemade Mashed Potatoes So Good

• Perfect for novice cooks with straightforward steps that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Easily adaptable recipe allows you to adjust texture and flavor by using different mixing tools or adding personal seasoning touches.
• Versatile mashed potatoes complement almost any main course, making them ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, and potluck events.
• Simple ingredients and minimal preparation time transform basic potatoes into a creamy, satisfying side dish in just a few easy steps.

What You’ll Need for Homemade Mash

• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy and buttery potatoes that provide the perfect base for a smooth and rich mashed potato dish.

• Butter, Sour Cream, Hot Milk: These dairy products add richness, tanginess, and creaminess to the mashed potatoes.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Dijon Mustard: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright color and subtle herbal note to the finished mashed potatoes.

Step-by-Step Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes

Grab your Yukon Gold potatoes and peel them carefully.

Chop the potatoes into even chunks to ensure uniform cooking.

This helps create a consistent texture in your final dish.

Step 2: Boil to Perfection

Place potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water.

Sprinkle in salt to enhance the flavor from the start.

Bring the water to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Cook for about 10-12 minutes until potatoes are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork but not falling apart.

Step 3: Drain and Dry

Pour the potatoes into a colander to drain completely.

Return them to the hot pot and let them sit for a few minutes.

This clever trick allows excess moisture to evaporate, preventing watery mashed potatoes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Goodness

• Butter
• Sour cream
• Hot milk
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mash everything together using a potato masher.

For an ultra-smooth texture, use an electric hand mixer, but be gentle to avoid making the potatoes gummy.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Transfer the creamy potatoes to a serving bowl.

Top with a pat of butter and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.

The melting butter adds an extra layer of richness, while the parsley brings a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Tips to Nail Homemade Mashed Potatoes

• Select Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy, buttery texture and rich flavor that guarantees smooth, delectable mashed potatoes every time.
• Remove potatoes from boiling water precisely when fork-tender to avoid excess moisture that can make your mash soggy and unappetizing.
• Use a potato masher for rustic texture or an electric mixer for ultra-smooth results, but stop mixing the moment potatoes reach your desired consistency to prevent gummy, dense mashed potatoes.
• Add hot milk and let butter melt over warm potatoes to maintain optimal temperature and ensure a creamy, luxurious side dish that stays warm longer.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a vibrant color boost and a subtle, fresh flavor that transforms simple mashed potatoes into a restaurant-worthy side.

Storing and Reheating Mashed Potatoes

• Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent skin formation.
• Transfer cooled mashed potatoes to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place cold mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly. Mix well to restore creamy texture.
• Spread mashed potatoes in a baking dish, adding extra butter or cream. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Homemade Mashed Potatoes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy homemade mashed potatoes elevate comfort dining with rich, buttery goodness. Smooth potato perfection delivers a classic side dish that welcomes diners to savor each comforting spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) Yukon Gold potatoes
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk

Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons (22.5 grams) Kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Garnish:

• Finely chopped parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the potatoes by peeling and cutting Yukon Gold potatoes into uniform cubes. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
2. Fill a large pot with cold water, submerging potatoes by one inch. Add kosher salt to enhance flavor during boiling process.
3. Heat the pot over medium flame until water reaches a rolling boil. Reduce temperature and simmer for approximately 10 minutes, testing potato tenderness with a fork.
4. Carefully drain potatoes using a colander, then return them to the hot pot. Allow residual heat to evaporate remaining moisture for 2-3 minutes.
5. Introduce butter to the warm potatoes, letting it melt completely and coat the potato pieces evenly.
6. Incorporate sour cream, hot milk, Dijon mustard, additional salt, and black pepper into the potato mixture.
7. Mash ingredients using a potato masher, creating a creamy consistency. For ultra-smooth texture, use an electric hand mixer, but avoid over-mixing to prevent gluey results.
8. Transfer the velvety potato mixture to a serving dish, topping with remaining butter slices.
9. Garnish with finely chopped parsley, adding a vibrant color and fresh herbal note to the finished dish.

Notes

• Choose Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy, buttery texture that creates the most luxurious mashed potatoes with less effort compared to other varieties.
• Keep potatoes uniform in size while dicing to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Warm milk and butter before adding to potatoes helps maintain the temperature and creates smoother, more velvety mashed potatoes without cooling down the dish.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the butter with Greek yogurt or replace whole milk with low-fat milk to reduce calories without sacrificing creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg