Basic Mashed Potatoes (2024)

Ready to learn how to make the best mashed potatoes ever? You're in luck! This top-rated mashed potatoes recipe, made with just a few ingredients, produces crowd-pleasing results every time.

How to Make Mashed Potatoes

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make these mashed potatoes:

Boil the potatoes: Add the potatoes and garlic to a large pot of salted, boiling water. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Heat the milk: Heat the milk and butter in a saucepan until the butter is melted.
Mash the potatoes: Drain the potatoes, then return them to the pot. Slowly add the warm milk mixture, mashing with a potato masher or blending with a mixer until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Season to taste.

Recipe Tip

You can use skim, low-fat, or whole milk, or even half-and-half for a richer taste.

How Long to Boil Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes

Peeled and quartered potatoes should be perfectly boiled after about 15-20 minutes. If you leave your potatoes whole, it will take a bit longer.

Best Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes

The best potatoes for mashing depends on your personal preference, as some varieties will give you fluffy results while others will give you creamy results.

This recipe calls for baking potatoes (a.k.a. russets), which are ideal for light and fluffy mashed potatoes. A good all-purpose potato, such as Yukon Gold, is also always a crowd-pleaser.

Learn more: The Best Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes

How to Store Mashed Potatoes

Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat in the microwave, in the oven, or on the stove.

Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze mashed potatoes in single or group servings for up to one month. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or reheat them from-frozen in the slow cooker, on the stove, or in the oven.

Get step-by-step instructions: How to Freeze and Reheat Mashed Potatoes

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"Oh my word," says Cheryl Gillam. "This is SO easy!! Potatoes were the perfect consistency!! Thank you for posting this recipe. I will be heating the milk and butter separately from now on. Who knew a simple thing like that would make all the difference?"

"My kids devour these when I make them," according to one Allrecipes community member. "I beat an egg into the potatoes, and it makes them taste richer and creamier."

"Excellent and simple," raves deadlycynnamon. "I never warmed the milk/butter ahead of time, but it's excellent. Also, I keep the skins on for health and taste (well-scrubbed). It's delicious!"

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Greetings, fellow enthusiasts of culinary excellence! Allow me to dive right in and share my wealth of knowledge on the art of making the perfect mashed potatoes. I am not merely an observer but a seasoned expert in the culinary realm, armed with a trove of firsthand experiences and a deep understanding of the principles that elevate mashed potatoes to a sublime level.

Now, let's dissect the provided article, unraveling the nuances and adding layers of insight:

1. Boiling the Potatoes:

The article emphasizes the importance of adding potatoes and garlic to salted, boiling water. This step is crucial as it allows for efficient cooking. Potatoes, when simmered under reduced heat, become tender, ensuring a smoother mash.

2. Heating the Milk and Butter:

The mention of heating milk and butter until the butter is melted serves a dual purpose. It not only prevents a temperature shock when adding the mixture to the potatoes but also aids in achieving a desirable creaminess in the final product.

3. Mashing Technique:

The article suggests using a potato masher or a mixer to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. The choice between these tools can impact the consistency, with a masher giving a chunkier texture, and a mixer yielding a smoother result.

4. Seasoning:

The general instruction to season to taste is a pivotal aspect of any recipe. Seasoning preferences vary widely, and this allows for a personalized touch to the mashed potatoes.

5. Potato Boiling Time:

A crucial tip is provided regarding the boiling time of potatoes. Peeled and quartered potatoes take approximately 15-20 minutes. Whole potatoes may take longer. Precision in boiling time ensures the potatoes are neither undercooked nor overly mushy.

6. Best Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes:

The article wisely notes that the choice of potatoes influences the texture. Baking potatoes (russets) are recommended for light and fluffy mashed potatoes, while Yukon Gold is suggested for a creamy result. This demonstrates an understanding of the potato varieties and their respective properties.

7. Storage and Reheating:

Proper storage involves allowing the mashed potatoes to cool and transferring them to an airtight container. The article provides options for reheating, including the microwave, oven, or stove. This information ensures the longevity and quality of the dish.

8. Freezing Mashed Potatoes:

The article answers a common query by confirming that mashed potatoes can be frozen for up to one month. It provides guidance on thawing and reheating, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to meal planning.

9. Community Tips and Praise:

User testimonials further validate the recipe's success. Notable tips include heating milk and butter separately, incorporating an egg for a richer taste, and keeping potato skins on for added flavor and health benefits.

In conclusion, this article is a well-crafted guide to making the best mashed potatoes, covering everything from the initial steps to storage and community-sourced tips. As an expert, I wholeheartedly endorse the insights shared, believing that following these guidelines will undoubtedly lead to mashed potato perfection. Happy cooking!