Best Mashed Potatoes

My FAVORITE mashed potatoes recipe! These Buttery smooth mashed potatoes are our Go-To potato side dish recipe for every dinner and holiday get together.

Homemade Mashed Potatoes

There are few things in life that are better than a side of creamy mashed potatoes (name a better side dish – I dare you!) Mashed potatoes are an iconic food in my life. I have so many great memories of sitting around the table with my family eating and enjoying mashed potatoes together. Today’s recipe is our classic homemade mashed potatoes, but we also love our Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole, our Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes and our Mashed Parmesan Potatoes.

All you need to make the best mashed potatoes are a good masher, lots of butter/salt/pepper, and hot cooked potatoes. Then you already halfway there. Mashed potatoes are pretty forgiving. Lumps or no lumps? I like no lumps – the creamier and fluffier the better. Kids and adults alike will go crazy over these easy and yummy homemade mashed potatoes.

How to Make Mashed Potatoes

Potatoes, in general, are our favorite!! And making these mashed potatoes is easier then you think. You’re going to need 5 pounds of potatoes for this recipe that feeds about 10 people! Make sure to wash, peel, and cut your potatoes into chunks before starting. Place the cut potatoes into a large pot. Add enough water to the pot to cover the potatoes. Bring the water to a boil, then let the water simmer until the potatoes are fork tender (about 20-25 minutes). Stick them with a fork to see if they are ready.

Drain the water form the pot. Add the cream cheese, butter, cream, and salt. If the cream cheese scares you, I promise you cannot even taste the cream cheese in this recipe. It just adds to the flavor and creaminess. Use a hand mixer to blend all of the ingredients together. Keep mixing until its as smooth as you want it. Add any more salt and pepper and you’ll easy fall in love with this creamy mashed potatoes recipe.

Add a few more butter slices on top before serving because a little more butter is always a good idea. Enjoy every last bite of these classic fluffy mashed potatoes.

Best Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes

This is a question we get asked all the time! There are definitely a few varieties of potatoes that work best for mashed potatoes. You want to use the ones with higher starches, like Russet or Yukon Golds. They make for the fluffiest and smoothest mashed potatoes and absorb flavoring more easily than other varieties. Red or white potato varieties are more waxy and usually take a little more work and mashing to be more creamy. Here are some other questions often asked about mashed potatoes…

How many potatoes should you make per person for mashed potatoes?

• You should plan on about 1/2 pound for each guest, so a 5 pound bag should feed 10 people.
  • QUICK SERVING GUIDE
    • 10 people – 5 ounds
    • 20 people – 10 pounds
    • 25 people – 12.5 pounds
    • 40 people – 20 pounds
    • 100 people – 50 pounds

How long to boil potatoes for mashed?

• Once your potatoes have come to a boil, reduce to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes.

Can you freeze potatoes?

• As long as your potatoes have plenty of butter and cream, they’re great for freezing. We recommend placing them in a freezer safe Ziploc bag and laying them flat (it makes it easier to store and to reheat). Stored properly in the fridge, mashed potatoes can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

How to reheat mashed potatoes?

• MICROWAVE – The easiest and fastest way to reheat mashed potatoes is to place them in a covered dish and heat them in the microwave at half-power for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• STOVETOP – Let potatoes thaw overnight in the fridge and place in a large pot on low to medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• SLOW COOKER – Thaw potatoes overnight in the fridge and heat on low for 2-4 hours.
• For all of these, add butter or dairy (sour cream or cream cheese) and additional seasonings, if needed when done.

Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Print Save Recipe Rate

5 from 5 votes

My FAVORITE mashed potatoes recipe! These Buttery smooth mashed potatoes are our Go-To potato side dish recipe for every dinner and holiday get together.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Servings 10

Calories 292 kcal

Author Kristyn Merkley

Ingredients

• 5 lbs potatoes washed, peeled, and cut into chunks
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Place cut potatoes into a large pot. Add water to pot, covering potatoes. Let water come to a boil, then lower heat and simmer until potatoes are tender (about 20-25 minutes).

2. Drain water, add cream cheese, butter, cream, and salt. Using a hand mixer, mix all ingredients together until you reach your desired consistency. Season with any more salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts

Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 292 Calories from Fat 153

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 17g 26%

Saturated Fat 10g 50%

Cholesterol 53mg 18%

Sodium 493mg 21%

Potassium 961mg 27%

Total Carbohydrates 29g 10%

Dietary Fiber 5g 20%

Protein 6g 12%

Vitamin A 12.2%

Vitamin C 31.3%

Calcium 9%

Iron 41.1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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