Perfect Mashed Potatoes

This recipe makes the best, creamiest mashed potatoes imaginable.

Everybody seems to have their favorite way of making mashed potatoes. Some cook them with the peel on, some without. Some add a little of the cooking water to the mashed potatoes for extra starch.

I have found that the single thing that makes the biggest difference for making perfect creamy, heavenly potatoes is the type of potatoes you use.

Perfect Mashed Potatoes with Butter

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

Yukon Golds Make the Best Mashed Potatoes

Most people use starchy Russets for mashed potatoes. With their high starch and low water content, they're good for baking, for making French fries, and for mashing. Here's my secret though—even better than Russets for mashing are Yukon Golds.

They're a little more expensive than Russets, but worth it! They're naturally creamy when mashed, never mealy, and have a slightly buttery flavor all on their own. Yukon golds make the most perfectly creamy, buttery mashed potatoes.

Tips for the Best Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are essentially an easy dish, but we've found a few tips and tricks that ensure the best potatoes ever:

  • Start cooking the potatoes in cold water: This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly. Otherwise, if you start with hot or boiling water, the outsides of the potatoes cook and soften while the middles are still hard and crunchy.
Perfect Mashed Potatoes on a Spoon and More in the Bowl

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

  • Warm the butter and cream: This might seem like a fussy step, but it's worth it. Warm butter and cream will blend more easily into the warm potatoes, making them creamier and softer.
  • Use a potato masher: If your potatoes are cooked properly and the butter and cream are warm, you should have no problem mashing your potatoes into a creamy consistency with just a potato masher. Avoid using a blender or food processor; this can make your potatoes gluey.

Can You Reheat Mashed Potatoes?

Yes! You can even make ahead and freeze mashed potatoes. Just make sure that you don't skimp on the butter or cream. It's the fat that helps the potatoes reheat well.

Our favorite way to reheat mashed potatoes is to just put them in the microwave (covered) for a couple minutes, and then give them a good stir before serving.

You can also put them in a slow cooker (a couple hours on low), or reheat in the oven or on the stovetop. Just stir occasionally, and add more butter and seasoning if needed to serve.

Close-up of Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

More Mashed Potato Recipes

Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Servings 4 servings

Always put potatoes in cold water to start, then bring to a boil. That way the potatoes cook more evenly.

You can easily double this recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into roughly 1 1/2-inch cubes

  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided

  • 4 tablespoons (60 ml) heavy cream

  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter

  • 1-4 tablespoons milk, as needed

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method

  1. Cook the potatoes:

    Place the peeled and cut potatoes into a medium saucepan. Add cold water to the pan until the potatoes are covered by at least 1 inch. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the water.

    Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer, and cover. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until you can easily poke through the potatoes with a fork.

    Pot of Peeled Potatoes and Water for Perfect Mashed Potatoes Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

    Pot of Boiling Water and Potatoes on a Stove for Mashed Potato Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

    Fork Used to Check If Potatoes Are Fork Tender for Mashed Potatoes Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

  2. Heat the butter and cream:

    While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter and warm the cream together in a pan on the stove or in the microwave.

    Butter Melting in a Pan of Cream over the Stove for Potatoes Mashed Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

  3. Drain and mash the potatoes:

    When the potatoes are done, drain the water and place the steaming hot potatoes into a large bowl. Pour the heated cream and melted butter over the potatoes, along with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.

    Mash the potatoes with a potato masher. Then use a strong wooden spoon (a metal spoon might bend) to beat further.

    Add milk and beat until the mashed potatoes are smooth. Don't over-beat the potatoes or the mashed potatoes will end up gluey.

    Taste, then season as needed with salt and pepper.

    Did you love the recipe? Give us some stars and leave a comment below!

    Cream and Butter Mix Added to Bowl of Cooked Potatoes for Perfect Mashed Potatoes Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

    Potato Masher Used to Mash Potatoes

    Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

    Perfect Mashed Potatoes in a Bowl

    Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

    How to Make Perfect Mashed Potatoes

    Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
265 Calories
12g Fat
37g Carbs
5g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 265
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12g 15%
Saturated Fat 7g 37%
Cholesterol 34mg 11%
Sodium 409mg 18%
Total Carbohydrate 37g 13%
Dietary Fiber 4g 13%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 5g
Vitamin C 16mg 82%
Calcium 42mg 3%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 932mg 20%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.