Easy Homemade Mashed Potatoes

How to Make Mashed Potatoes

Anyone can make great-tasting homemade mashed potatoes once they know the simple tips and tricks!

Peel and Cut the Potatoes

Cutting them into the same-size chunks will help ensure they are lump-free when they are finished.

Cook and Drain the Potatoes

Cook them long enough that they begin to fall apart.

Remove Excess Moisture

This step is one of the best-kept secrets to the fluffiest potatoes possible.

Mash—Then Add the Good Stuff

Mash the potatoes before adding the butter and seasonings. Mash a second time while adding milk, to make them smooth and creamy.

Fair warning—this may become your most-requested dish! Be sure to look at the recipe for exactly how to make mashed potatoes, with our step-by-step directions. Also read all the spud-tastic tips we’ve included here, so that you can make the best mashed potatoes, ever.

What Should I Serve with Mashed Potatoes?

Our highly rated, best mashed potato recipe is worthy of an appearance on every holiday table! Pair it with this delicious Honey Ham or Best Roast Turkey. But this classic comforting side dish is as equally perfect alongside favorites like Easy Turkey Meatballs or Meat Loaf.
When this delicious side dish is on the table, your family will want to dive right in! Check out these delectable dinners you could serve with it, to shake up your routine, or shake up your routine by pairing it with your favorite main dishes on your dinner rotation!

And do not forget gravy for mashed potatoes! What could be more satisfying than pooling a silky, savory gravy in and over luscious, creamy mashed potatoes? Mushroom Gravy, Brown Gravy, White or Savory Turkey Gravy would all be equally delicious over your amazing mashed potatoes.

What Can I Do with Leftover Mashed Potatoes?

Leftover mashed potatoes can be a jump start on your next meal…or even the beginnings of a very delish snack! Add them to a few ingredients in your fridge, to thicken soups or use them in place of refrigerated mashed potatoes in your recipes.

About 2 1/2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes = 24 oz container of refrigerated mashed potatoes.

Quick Snacks: Spoon leftover mashed potatoes into a microwavable bowl; stir in leftover bite-size cooked veggies and shredded cheddar cheese. Cover and microwave on Medium-High (70%) until heated through.

Soup Thickener: Stir leftover mashed potatoes into brothy soups while heating them, to thicken the soup without flour or cornstarch.

Mashed Potato Appetizers: Use your leftover mashed potatoes instead of the refrigerated potatoes called for, to make Loaded Mashed Potato Bombs or Spinach-Potato-Crescent Cups.

Shepherd’s Pie: Use your leftover mashed potatoes instead of the refrigerated potatoes called for, to make a delicious Shepherd’s Pie.

What are the best potatoes for mashed potatoes?

If you want fluffy mashed potatoes that are the smoothest they can be with a creamy luscious quality, the best potatoes for mashed potatoes to choose are russet or Idaho potatoes. These potatoes have a starchy interior, which makes them a top choice for either mashed or baked potatoes, because the starch contributes to a fluffy texture. They easily fall apart when cooked, so it is easy to mash them and get the smoothest possible consistency.

All-purpose potatoes, including purple (the color fades when cooked) or yellow potatoes, such as Yukon Gold potatoes or sweet potatoes can also work well in mashed potatoes, but the texture of your mash will not be quite as fluffy and smooth as with the starchy baking potatoes. We would not recommend using red, fingerling or new potatoes when making mashed potatoes. Their waxy interiors are sturdier when cooked, hold their shape after cooking. This makes them a better option for boiled, pan-fried, and roasted potato dishes.

How to store homemade mashed potatoes

Homemade mashed potatoes make great leftovers! We will show you how to reheat mashed potatoes and answer that great question, “can you freeze mashed potatoes?”

Refrigerated mashed potatoes: Store cooled mashed potatoes in microwavable food storage containers with tight lids in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat refrigerated mashed potatoes: remove lid, cover with plastic wrap. For 1 to 2 cups of mashed potatoes, microwave on High 2 to 4 minutes, stopping to stir occasionally, or until heated through. Let stand for 1 minute before serving. (Larger quantities of mashed potatoes will take longer, so start with the minimum time, adding additional time as needed.)

Frozen mashed potatoes: Keep frozen mashed potatoes on hand for a quick side-dish on a busy night. Store leftover mashed potatoes in freezer-safe microwavable food storage containers for up to 1 month. To reheat frozen mashed potatoes: remove lid, cover with plastic wrap. For 1 to 2 cups of mashed potatoes, microwave on High 4 to 7 minutes, stopping to stir occasionally, or until heated through. Let stand for 1 minute before serving. (Larger quantities of mashed potatoes will take longer, so start with the minimum time, adding additional time as needed.)