Best Ever Mashed Potatoes Recipe + Video

My best mashed potatoes recipe delivers a rich and creamy side that’s full of buttery flavor! Enjoy on holidays or any regular night of the week.

This easy mashed potatoes recipe is in regular rotation around here. It’s also the one I reach for when the holidays come around each year.

The secret? I make my mashed potatoes with a combination of sour cream, cream cheese, and just a hint of garlic powder.

If you’re looking for more holiday side dish recipes, you’ve come to right place! I’ve compiled a long list over the years, along with make-ahead tips and a full menu if you’re new to planning.

Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe – Tips and Tricks

• Don’t overmix! Mash just until the spuds are broken apart and the other ingredients are incorporated. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a gummy glue-like consistency.
• Adjust the consistency. I prefer mine a little chunky, but you can continue mashing until they’re completely smooth. If you want them extra fluffy, use an electric mixer on half power for about two minutes. Then, stir and scrape down the sides before mixing for an additional minute.
• Use room temperature dairy. Not only will the butter and cream cheese melt faster, but everything will blend in more consistently. Simply measure everything out and let it sit on the counter while you boil the spuds.
• Make-ahead tip: Prepare the recipe as directed, then cool and refrigerate. On the day you wish to serve, transfer to a slow cooker and warm on Low for 2 to 4 hours. Add ½ cup of milk and stir occasionally so they heat evenly.

Choosing the right potato

Russets are the classic choice, while Yukon Gold have a natural butter flavor. The skins on the latter variety are also incredibly thin, so you don’t need to peel them if you don’t want to.

Feel free to use either variety or a mixture of both for this easy mashed potatoes recipe. I do recommend rinsing Russets before boiling since they are a little extra starchy.

Doing so results in a fluffier texture in the finished dish.

FAQ – Common Recipe Questions

What makes this the best mashed potatoes recipe?

In my opinion, it’s the addition of cream cheese and sour cream. Both add a tanginess that perfectly complements the butter and natural potato flavor.

Then, a touch of garlic powder rounds it all out without being too forward or overpowering.

How do you reheat leftover mashed potatoes?

For a full batch, hands down the crockpot is the easiest method. Individual servings can be warmed on the stove or in the microwave.

Either way, add a splash of liquid for moisture (milk or broth) and stir occasionally until warmed through to the center.

Enjoy!

With love from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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MORE THANKSGIVING SIDE DISH RECIPES

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Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Homemade Cranberry Sauce (3 Ingredients)

Best Creamed Corn Recipe (Crock Pot)

Best Ever Mashed Potatoes Recipe + Video

Donna Elick

My best mashed potatoes recipe delivers a rich and creamy side that’s full of buttery flavor! Enjoy on holidays or any regular night of the week.

5 stars from 1 review

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Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Method Stovetop

Servings 12

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite size pieces
• ▢ 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 stick
• ▢ 4 ounces cream cheese
• ▢ 1/2 cup sour cream
• ▢ 1/2 cup heavy cream
• ▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ Optional garnish: chives, chopped

Instructions

 

• Place the potatoes into a large pot, and cover with salted water. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook until fork tender (meaning they break apart when you put a fork into a potato), approximately 15 minutes.
• Drain water. Return the potatoes to the pot. Turn heat to high, and allow the potatoes to dry for about 30 seconds. Turn off the heat.
• Add remaining ingredients. Begin mashing the potatoes with a potato masher. Mash until they are your desired consistency.
• Serve and enjoy! Top with chives if desired.

Video

Donna’s Notes

I prefer my potatoes a little chunky, but mash until you like them. If you prefer them extra fluffy you can use an electric mixer on about half power for about 2 minutes. Then stir and scrape down side and them mix for another minute.

 

To make ahead. Prepare ahead and refrigerate. Place in slow cooker, on low, the day you wish to serve 2-4 hours before hand. Add 1/2 cup milk and stir. Cover and stir occasionally. Add more milk as needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 300cal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 242mg | Sugar: 2g | Fiber: 4g | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Originally published November 2014, updated and republished October 2021

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