Best Mashed Potatoes

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

Mashed potatoes ALWAYS make an appearance at Sunday dinners and holiday meals. They’re usually accompanied by more favorite side dishes, like glazed carrots, green bean bundles, and of course homemade rolls!

The ultimate side dish

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, and Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes.

All you need to make these potatoes is a good masher, lots of butter/salt/pepper, and hot cooked potatoes. Then you already halfway there.

How to Make Mashed Potatoes

Potatoes, in general, are our favorite!! And making this recipe is easier then you think. You’re going to need 5 pounds of potatoes for this recipe which feeds about 10 people!

PREP POTATOES. Make sure to wash, peel, and cut your potatoes into chunks before starting.

Best kind of Potatoes to use?

You want to use potatoes 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 become creamy.

BOIL. 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.

ADD INGREDIENTS. 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.

BLEND. Use a hand mixer to blend all of the ingredients together. Keep mixing until it’s as smooth as you want it. (I prefer smooth with no lumps!) Add any more salt and pepper and you’ll easy fall in love with this creamy mashed potatoes recipe.

SERVE. Add a few more butter slices on top before serving because a little more butter is always a good idea. Enjoy every last bite!

serving and storing tips

How many potatoes should I prepare per person? 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 pounds
  • 20 people – 10 pounds
  • 25 people – 12.5 pounds
  • 40 people – 20 pounds
  • 100 people – 50 pounds

To keep your potatoes warm while you serve them, here’s an easy trick: Butter your slow cooker and add a few tablespoons whipping cream to it. Keep slow cooker on LOW and transfer your potatoes to it – keep in there for up to 4 hours, stirring before serving.

LEftovers

Stored properly in the fridge, these be stored in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

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).

How to reheat:

• MICROWAVE – The easiest and fastest way to reheat 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

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5 from 11 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*

Fat 17g26%

Saturated Fat 10g63%

Cholesterol 53mg18%

Sodium 493mg21%

Potassium 961mg27%

Carbohydrates 29g10%

Fiber 5g21%

Protein 6g12%

Vitamin A 610IU12%

Vitamin C 25.8mg31%

Calcium 90mg9%

Iron 7.4mg41%

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

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