Easy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

creamy mashed potatoes in a bowl with butter and a spoon

4.72 from 63 votes

This easy mashed potatoes recipe needs a place at your table this holiday season! Deliciously creamy and indulgent, you won't want to make this side dish any other way!

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: people

Author: Becky Hardin

Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
3 cups water
3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cubed
2 tablespoons kosher salt divided
1½ teaspoon ground black pepper divided
½ cup unsalted butter cut into 6-8 pieces (1 stick)

Optional Garnishes

Extra butter
Chopped fresh parsley
Freshly grated cheese

Instructions

Combine the cream, water, potatoes, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper in a large saucepan set over medium heat.
2 cups heavy cream, 3 cups water, 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 1½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
Bring just to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain the potatoes in a colander set over a medium-sized heatproof bowl (reserve the potato milk/water).
Return the potatoes to the pan and set the heat to medium-low. Stir gently until the excess moisture evaporates from the potatoes, about 1 minute.
Add the butter, 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy (or fluff adding some of the reserved potato milk-water, when/if necessary. (Note: If not serving the potatoes immediately, save about 1 cup of the milk-water to add before serving. Be sure to add the milk-water in ¼-cup increments to ensure the potatoes stay fluffy. No one likes watery mashed potatoes.)
½ cup unsalted butter
Transfer potatoes to a serving bowl, dot with 3-4 tabs of butter (or drizzle with melted butteand garnish with parsley or cheese, if desired.
Chopped fresh parsley, Freshly grated cheese, Extra butter

Video

Notes

The potatoes should be boiled until fork tender. Don't under or overcook them.
You can cook these potatoes ahead of time and keep them covered with foil.
Garnish the easy mashed potatoes with your favorite toppings; fresh herbs, parmesan, or simply black pepper.
Nutritional information does not include optional garnishes.

Nutrition