Easy Mashed Potatoes
Easy Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, simple to make, beginner-friendly, and hearty enough to serve with any meal. With basic ingredients like potatoes, butter, milk, and cheese, you’ll have a flavorful, creamy side dish that complements everything from meatloaf to roasted chicken.
This recipe creates perfectly creamy mashed potatoes without extra steps or specialty ingredients. It’s an easy homemade side dish you can make for a weeknight dinner or scale up for the holidays with delicious results every time.
When I think of comfort food, mashed potatoes are the first thing that comes to mind. Warm, buttery, cheesy mashed potatoes. Growing up, I don’t think my Dad ever made mashed potatoes without cheese – it was just not how it was done in our house.
I also love them without cheese, like these Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes. During the holidays, I make Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes to free up stovetop space. Occasionally, Cheesy Scallop Potatoes will be served, and while not mashed, they are delicious.
Easy Mashed Potatoes
Looking for a quick comfort side that’s rich, creamy, and a little indulgent? These easy mashed potatoes deliver exactly that with no heavy cream, no fuss, just pantry staples that turn into a silky, cheesy dream. Ideal for easy dinners, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or anytime you crave a warm hug in food form.
The best potatoes to use are Russets and Yukon Golds. Russets will give you the creamiest mash, but many prefer the flavor and golden color of Yukon Golds. I like to use Russets and sometimes I will leave a bit of the skins on for some texture.
Timesaving Tips and Variations
- Use a starchy potato like russets for fluffiness, but if you use Yukon Gold potatoes, you can skip peeling as they have tender skins and a buttery texture.
- Start the potatoes in cold water and bring to a boil. This will help them cook more evenly. If you put the them in hot water, the outsides start to cook immediately while the insides remain hard.
- The key to creamy mashed potatoes is to have the milk warmed; otherwise, you risk your potatoes becoming gummy.
- For richer results, try adding a splash of sour cream or cream cheese in place of the shredded cheese.
- Swap shredded cheddar for Parmesan, Colby Jack, or a cheese blend.
- Make it garlicky with a teaspoon of garlic powder or roasted garlic.
- Try adding bacon bits, green onions, or a dash of smoked paprika.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare them up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in a slow cooker with a splash of milk.
Add a small amount of milk or butter, cover, and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth texture.
I like to use Cheddar, but Colby Jack melts easily and adds a mild creaminess. Mozzarella is great for a smooth texture, but it is more neutral in taste. Try other cheeses based on your preferences.
Starting potatoes in cold water ensures even cooking from the inside out. Adding them to boiling water can cause the outsides to cook too quickly while the centers stay firm.
What to Serve with Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes pair well with a variety of proteins and vegetables, making them one of the most versatile side dishes that you can make. Whether you’re planning a comfort food dinner or a holiday spread, these easy ideas round out the plate perfectly.
- Mini Turkey Meatloaves Recipe
- Rolled Chicken Cutlet Recipe
- Easy Beef Roast Recipes
- Crock Pot Pork Chops
- Easy Herb and Butter Oven Roasted Turkey
No matter what’s on your dinner table, this dish brings creamy balance and comforting simplicity to the plate.
Essential Tools for Making Mashed Potatoes
The right kitchen tools streamline your cooking process, turning basic prep into effortless steps. Many of these essentials are budget-friendly and readily available on Amazon, making them easy to add to your kitchen lineup.
GOTHAM STEEL 5 Qt Ceramic Stock Pot Multipurpose Pasta Pot with Strainer Lid & Twist and Lock Handles, Nonstick Ceramic for Soup, Spaghetti, Rice, Pots for Kitchen, Dishwasher Safe – Copper
OXO NEW OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Potato MasherOXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Potato RicerPyrex 2 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, and 2-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen ToolsKitchenAid 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer with Turbo Beater II Accessories and Pro Whisk – Candy Apple RedMooues 9 Piece Natural Teak Wooden Kitchen Utensil Set with Spoon Rest – Comfort Grip Cooking Spoons and Utensils HolderKitchenAid Universal Nesting Plastic Mixing Bowls, Set Of 3, 2.5 quart, 3.5 quart, 4.5 quart, Non Slip Base with Easy Pour Spout to Reduce Mess, Dishwasher Safe, Aqua Sky, White, Gray
Ingredients for Easy Mashed Potatoes
This recipe relies on basic, affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. Each one plays a role in creating creamy cheesy potatoes.
- Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes – Ideal for a smooth mash thanks to their starchy texture.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds creaminess and a rich, buttery flavor.
- Milk – Helps loosen the mash and creates a light, fluffy consistency.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the potatoes for bold flavor and added creaminess.
- Salt and Pepper – Simple seasonings that bring the dish together.
These ingredients come together to form a no-fuss side dish that works for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or any time you want something comforting and satisfying
How to Make Easy Mashed Potatoes
Add potatoes to a pot of cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-high and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 – 20 minutes. I check with a fork; if it can be inserted easily, the potatoes are done.
When the potatoes are almost done, simmer the milk in a small saucepan until it’s warm. The key to creamy mashed potatoes is to have the milk warmed; otherwise, you risk your potatoes becoming gummy.
Drain and return potatoes to the pot. Place on the burner (make sure the burner is off) to allow the heat to dry the potatoes for a moment or two. Add the butter and cheese, cover, and let them melt.
Using a potato masher or electric hand mixer, slowly blend the milk mixture into the potatoes until smooth and creamy. You may not use all the milk. Add till the potatoes are the consistency you want. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
If you searched for “easy mashed potatoes,” this recipe’s got you covered. No fancy steps, just solid flavor and creamy texture every time. Share it, save it, make it your go-to whenever you need a cozy side dish.
Save any leftovers to make Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs. They take on a crisp texture, giving leftovers a new and satisfying twist. Great appetizer or even side dish.
Easy Mashed Potatoes
Equipment
- large saucepan
- Electric hand mixer (Or you can use a potato masher or ricer)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold, peeled and chopped into one inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- warm milk (up to one cup, you may not use it all)
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (or 4 slices of cheddar cheese)
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place peeled, chopped potatoes in a pot of COLD water; bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 10 minutes.
- Drain well, then return potatoes to the pot. If using a potato masher, add butter and cheese, mash until smooth and creamy, add milk a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached. . If using an electric handheld mixer, pour potatoes, butter, and cheese into large mixing bowl and blend until smooth, adding milk a little at a time until the potatoes are creamy and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Nutritional Disclaimer
“Blogghetti” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Enjoy!
