Smooth, fluffy and creamy mashed potatoes that take just 30 minutes to make! My all time favorite side dish recipe and a must-make for Thanksgiving.
Best Homemade Mashed Potatoes
I must say…creamy mashed potatoes have to be one of my favorite side dish, alongside twice baked potatoes. I know I’m weird…but I always order them (or some type of potatoes) as a side at restaurants. Yes, I even did this at a pizza joint last week and I’m so glad I did because they were amazing.
I still remember helping my grandma make them for Sunday dinner as a little girl. I soon became her best “masher.” She would always ask me how many potatoes we should cook and I’d tell her the whole bag of course. ;)
This recipe tastes amazing topped with lots of homemade gravy or melted cheese, bacon and green onions. Seriously, the perfect comfort food and Thanksgiving side dish.
What Potatoes are Best to Use?
I typically buy russet potatoes or Yukon golds. They are starchy and help to make the consistency creamy and fluffy. Other varieties of potatoes are a bit more difficult to mash, which could interfere with the smooth texture.
I like to buy about 5 pounds in order to make this recipe. It makes enough to serve about 8 people. If you’re cooking for a larger crowd, you can double it!
The Secret to Creamy Mashed Potatoes
My grandma taught me the art of good mashed potatoes. That of course involves lots of butter and cream. Yes cream! I also add in a little cream cheese which makes them extra creamy. Mmm…
- Starchier varieties of potatoes make the consistency extra creamy. Russets or yukon golds work best.
- Butter, heavy cream and cream cheese are a must when making this dish. This isn’t a recipe to try and lighten up…the full fat ingredients are part of what gives it that creamy texture.
- Use an electric hand mixer instead of a potato masher. It makes a huge difference in texture! Just make sure not to over mix or they’ll taste gluey. You can add 1-2 additional Tablespoons heavy cream as you go if needed.
How to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Boil water. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Cook potatoes. Peel and dice potatoes. Place potatoes in pot for about 20-30 minutes. Once fork tender, drain and add back to pot.
- Add butter and cream. Add butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, salt and pepper to pot and mash. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and enjoy! Serve plain, with gravy or melted cheese and bacon on top.
Save Room on the Stove!
Instead of a stovetop version, try these easy instant pot mashed potatoes or crockpot mashed potatoes. They’re just as creamy and delicious, but will help free up some stovetop space for other side dishes, especially during the holidays.
What Can I Add to Mashed Potatoes?
These creamy mashed potatoes taste great on their own, but you can’t go wrong adding any toppings either! Below are a few of my favorites.
- Turkey gravy
- Garlic herb butter
- Cheese
- Bacon
- Chives
- Parsley
Cheesy Variation
Take this dish up a notch and make baked cheesy mashed potatoes! Prepare and mash the potatoes as directed, then spread into a baking dish and top with cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is nice and bubbly.
Favorites to Serve With
This delicious side dish tastes amazing served alongside meats, vegetables, salads…you name it. Below are a few of my favorites!
- Meats: Serve with meats such as roasted turkey, ham, roasted chicken, steak and pork.
- Side dishes: They pair perfectly with cranberry sauce, mac and cheese and corn casserole.
- Vegetables: Try serving with roasted mixed veggies or parmesan broccoli and carrots.
- Salads: For a lower carb option, I like to pair them with this apple cranberry spinach salad.
- Meatballs: If you’ve never served meatballs over mashed potatoes, you have to try it! So hearty and delicious.
5 star review
“Creamy, buttery and so good! This is my go to mashed potatoes recipe! Everyone loves it!”
– Pam
More Potato Side Dishes:
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes
- Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
- Easy Cheesy Potatoes
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Kosher salt , for boiling water
- 5 pounds potatoes , peeled, washed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 stick salted butter (1/2 cup)
- 4 ounces cream cheese , or sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Fill a large pot of water and bring water to a boil with 1 Tablespoon salt. While the water is coming to a boil, peel and wash the potatoes. Dice into 2 inch pieces.
- Place potatoes in the pan and cook for 15 minutes, or until a fork inserts easily. Drain and place back in pan. Let steam evaporate.
- Add butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, salt and pepper. Mash with a potato masher. If you want them extra creamy, use an electric mixer. Add a Tablespoon or two more heavy creamy if you’d like them even creamier. You can also add more salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve while warm. Enjoy plain, with gravy or melted cheese on top.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Christmas, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, One Pot, Potatoes, Side Dishes, Stovetop, Thanksgiving, Vegetarian
Absolutely love this mashed potato recipe. Thanks!
Hopefully this will come in handy this week. So glad you liked them.