These homemade mashed potatoes are my go-to for Thanksgiving dinner sides (including vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes!), Christmas recipes for a holiday meal, or for an easy dinner side dish all year. The trick is in the type of potato you use for a creamy potato mash every time (without gummy or lumpy potatoes!).
Making The Best Homemade Mashed Potatoes
This old fashioned mashed potatoes recipe is an easy side dish to pair with almost any main dish recipe you can think of!
I make these easy mashed potatoes with Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham, apple pork chops, and I even use this as a make and take potluck recipe.
I put the cooked potatoes in a warming travel dish (and use this portable pack) and they’re still warm when you arrive and are ready to serve at the party!
Ingredients for Easy Mashed Potato Recipe
- Yukon Gold Potatoes
- Milk or Cream
- Salted Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- OPTIONAL: Minced garlic, green onions, chives
Helpful Recipe Tips For Mashing Potatoes
Should you use a mixer for mashed potatoes?
Ok, before I get to the recipe I want to cover a frequently asked question about mashing potatoes: should you mash potatoes by hand with a hand masher like this or is it OK to use a hand mixer or stand mixer for mashed potatoes?
I used to make old-school potatoes by mashing them by hand. However, to save time, I started using a hand mixer on low and they turn out great. Just don’t mix them too long or on high!
RECIPE NOTE: Some people swear that you have to use a food mill for potato puree to make good mashed potatoes, but I don’t think that’s a necessary step (and I’m all about easy recipes).
Why are my mashed potatoes gummy?
If you over mix your potatoes (like with a hand mixer or stand mixer), they can become gummy (or paste-like). However, from my own experience, I firmly believe that it also has to do with they type of potato you use for making mashed potatoes.
I always have good experiences with Yukon Gold potatoes. I also find that if you try to mash red potatoes, they often come out with a gummy texture.
Different potatoes have different starch levels and that will affect your potato recipe.
If you have leftover mashed potatoes, definitely make these leftover mashed potato cakes!
Free Printable Recipe For How To Make Homemade Mashed Potatoes
This is such a simple mashed potatoes recipe that it will become your go-to side dish for any occasion!
I make this homemade mashed potatoes recipe with milk, but you can also use heavy cream for a richer flavor.
MORE GREAT SIDE DISH RECIPES WE LOVE:
BEST RECIPE TIP: I only ever use Yukon Gold potatoes because they are the best potatoes for mashing!
Here’s how to make mashed potatoes step by-step…
Homemade Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and quartered
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk*
- 2 Tablespoons butter plus extra for topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Drain potatoes.
- In a microwave safe measuring glass or bowl, warm milk and butter in microwave.
- Add cooked and drained potatoes back to pot. Use a hand mixer on low to break up pieces of the potato (just a few seconds).
- Add 1/2 the warmed milk and butter mixture and mix on low until combined with potatoes. DON'T OVER MIX (mix about 10 seconds). Add the remaining milk and butter mixture and use the hand mixer to combine.
- Add salt and pepper, to taste. Increase speed of mixer and whip potatoes until smooth and creamy, about 10-20 seconds. Again, don't over-mix or the potatoes can become gummy.
- Serve warm with extra pats of butter on top.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Note
Nutrition calculations are approximate. If you're following a special diet, please calculate your own nutrition values.
I hope you enjoy my favorite family homemade mashed potatoes recipe!
