Recipes Side Dish Potato Mashed Potato Recipes Basic Mashed Potatoes 4.6 (653) 433 Reviews 99 Photos This mashed potato recipe is perfect if you're looking for good, old-fashioned mashed potatoes. Made with just potatoes, milk, butter, and optional garlic, this go-to recipe makes a classic holiday dish. Learn how to make mashed potatoes that come out smooth, creamy, and delicious every time! Serve with gravy or extra butter on top. Submitted by Esmee Williams Updated on November 7, 2024 Save Rate Print Share Add Photo 99 99 99 99 Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Total Time: 35 mins Servings: 4 Jump to Nutrition Facts Jump to recipe Looking for the best mashed potatoes recipe ever? You're in luck! This top-rated mashed potatoes recipe, made with just a few ingredients, produces crowd-pleasing results every time. How to Make Mashed Potatoes You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make these mashed potatoes: Boil the potatoes: Add the potatoes and garlic to a large pot of salted, boiling water. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.Heat the milk: Heat the milk and butter in a saucepan until the butter is melted.Mash the potatoes: Drain the potatoes, then return them to the pot. Slowly add the warm milk mixture, mashing with a potato masher or blending with a mixer until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Season to taste. How Long to Boil Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes lutzflcat Peeled and quartered potatoes should be perfectly boiled after about 15-20 minutes. If you leave your potatoes whole, it will take a bit longer. Best Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes The best potatoes for mashing depends on your personal preference, as some varieties will give you fluffy results while others will give you creamy results. This recipe calls for baking potatoes (a.k.a. russets), which are ideal for light and fluffy mashed potatoes. A good all-purpose potato, such as Yukon Gold, is also always a crowd-pleaser. Learn more: The Best Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes How to Store Mashed Potatoes Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat in the microwave, in the oven, or on the stove. Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes? Yes, you can freeze mashed potatoes in single or group servings for up to one month. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or reheat them from-frozen in the slow cooker, on the stove, or in the oven. Get step-by-step instructions: How to Freeze and Reheat Mashed Potatoes Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise "Oh my word," says Cheryl Gillam. "This is so easy!! Thank you for posting this recipe. I will be heating the milk and butter separately from now on. Who knew a simple thing like that would make all the difference?" "My kids devour these when I make them," according to one Allrecipes community member. "I beat an egg into the potatoes, and it makes them taste richer and creamier." "The best I've ever made!" raves Kate Rigatuso. "I did the recipe as-is, but mixed them and the melted butter and milk in a stand mixer, and the consistency is perfect - light and fluffy!" Editorial contributions by Corey Williams Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 1x 2x 4x Oops! Something went wrong. Our team is working on it. Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings 2 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and quartered 3 cloves garlic, peeled, or to taste (Optional) 1 cup milk 2 tablespoons butter salt and ground black pepper to taste Directions Gather all ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and garlic, lower heat to medium, and simmer until potatoes are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios When the potatoes are almost finished, heat milk and butter in a small saucepan over low heat until butter is melted. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Slowly add warm milk mixture, blending it in with a potato masher or electric mixer until potatoes are smooth and creamy. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Season with salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy! Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Recipe Tip You can use skim, low-fat, or whole milk, or even half-and-half for a richer taste. I Made It Print 1,971 home cooks made it! Nutrition Facts (per serving) 257 Calories 7g Fat 44g Carbs 6g Protein Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe 4 Calories 257 % Daily Value * Total Fat 7g 9% Saturated Fat 5g 23% Cholesterol 20mg 7% Sodium 76mg 3% Total Carbohydrate 44g 16% Dietary Fiber 4g 13% Total Sugars 5g Protein 6g 11% Vitamin C 15mg 17% Calcium 89mg 7% Iron 1mg 4% Potassium 763mg 16% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data. (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.