Silky Smooth Dreamy Mashed Potatoes

Want the best mashed potatoes recipe ever? This is it! Silky smooth & dreamy, perfect for Sunday lunch or Thanksgiving. A few tricks make all the difference. Get the recipe!

May 24, 2025
By Mia Westlake.

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Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Ready for the Best Homemade Mashed Potatoes Ever?

Fancy some spuds that'll knock your socks off? this mashed potatoes recipe isn't just food; it's a hug in a bowl.

Honestly, are you after the creamiest, dreamiest best mashed potatoes for that ultimate comfort food fix? i know i always am.

A Humble History

Originating as peasant food, mash potatoes has become a staple globally. it's simple comfort, evolved into a dish perfect for any occasion.

This recipe is easy, taking about 40 minutes. it makes about 4-6 servings. perfect for a family dinner, you know?

Mash Potatoes Benefits and Occasions

Besides tasting amazing, homemade mashed potatoes offer essential nutrients. they are the perfect mashed potatoes to complete your thanksgiving food sides spread.

Forget the stress, this homemade mashed potatoes recipe is simple. it will be the best thanksgiving recipes in your cooking arsenal! i mean, who doesn’t love the best mashed potatoes on their plate? transitioning to the star of the show: the ingredients.

Right then, let's get down to brass tacks and talk about what you'll actually need for the best mashed potatoes this side of the pond.

This isn't rocket science, but the right stuff makes all the difference for that perfect mashed potatoes recipe .

Ingredients & Equipment

Okay, so, remember that time I tried to make homemade mashed potatoes with, like, baking potatoes? Disaster! They were so dry and fluffy, more like potato snow than silky goodness. Lesson learned!

Main Ingredients

2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered. Honestly, these are the best mashed potatoes potatoes!
1 tsp (5g) kosher salt. Don't skimp on the salt! It brings out all the flavours.
4 oz (115g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes. Use good quality butter. You can taste the difference, you know?
1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed. Trust me, warming it is important!
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream, warmed (optional but SO good!). You might just become a Wallpaper Food influencer after this

Quality Indicators: For the spuds, you want firm potatoes without sprouts or soft spots. Bruising? Give those spuds a miss, alright?

Seasoning Notes

Salt & White Pepper: This combo is pure comfort. For a change, add a pinch of nutmeg. Seriously, it is divine.
Aromatics: A clove of garlic or a bay leaf simmered in the milk adds a subtle, fancy pants flavour.
Substitutions: No white pepper? Black pepper works. No nutmeg? Don't worry about it.

Look, nobody will call the police if you sub out an ingredient.

Equipment Needed

Large pot. Get a good, solid pot!
Potato ricer or food mill. I'm serious; this is worth the investment. This is the secret for perfect mashed potatoes , I swear!
Common household alternative: A regular potato masher will do in a pinch. But, it will not be the same, honestly.
Potato masher. It's fine, but the texture won't be as smooth.
Measuring cups and spoons. You probably have these already.

Making homemade mashed potatoes recipe is about to be your new favourite thanksgiving side! we are making some proper thanksgiving 2023 worthy food.

Let’s face it, nobody wants dry mash potatoes or tasteless thanksgiving food sides .

Right then, let's get cracking on the best homemade mashed potatoes , shall we? honestly, nothing screams comfort food like a fluffy, creamy bowl of mash potatoes .

It's a staple for every brit's sunday roast. it is also a must-have for thanksgiving food sides across the pond.

Whether it's thanksgiving 2022 , thanksgiving 2023 , or any other year, good mash is a must. forget complicated dishes; this is where it's at.

Silky Smooth Dreamy Mashed Potatoes presentation

Cooking Method: Achieving Perfect Mashed Potatoes

So, how do we make the best mashed potatoes recipe ever? Follow me, it's simpler than you think!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro

Essential mise en place is key here. peel about 2lbs of yukon gold potatoes and quarter them. this is how you save time and get organised.

Roughly chop 4oz of butter into cubes so it's ready to go. then, warm 1 cup of milk and half a cup of cream.

This helps them incorporate into the potatoes more easily. safety reminder: watch your fingers with that peeler!. no one wants a band aid in their mash.

Step-by-Step Process: Get Mashing!

Follow these steps for the best homemade mashed potatoes recipe .

Boil spuds: Cover potatoes with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil then simmer 15- 20 minutes until fork-tender.
Drain: Drain thoroughly and return to the pot over low heat to dry, about 1- 2 minutes .
Rice, don't mash: Use a ricer for super smoothness. If mashing, be gentle to avoid gluey mash.
Butter up: Stir in butter until melted and combined.
Dairy time: Slowly add the warmed milk and cream. Mix until smooth.
Season: Add salt and white pepper to taste. Season is key.
Serve: Garnish with chives and enjoy mash potatoes goodness.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Mash

Want the best mashed potatoes on the block? here's how. use yukon gold potatoes. they're naturally creamy. also, don't overmix! it will make them gluey.

A little butter and cream make a huge difference!

So, there you have it, mate!. a mashed potatoes recipe that will impress even your nan. it is a timeless, reliable homemade mashed potatoes recipe .

Whether it's for thanksgiving recipes side dishes or just a rainy tuesday, get stuck in! and remember. the best mashed potatoes recipe is the one you enjoy the most.

Happy mashing, and i hope your family enjoys the homemade mashed potatoes as much as mine does. i hope this will be the perfect mashed potatoes for this thanksgiving 2023 .

If you love wallpaper food , then you must cook these!

Alright, check out these recipe notes for the best homemade mashed potatoes ! this is where we get down to the nitty-gritty, like what to do with leftovers and how to pimp your spuds.

Honestly, thanksgiving 2023 or any sunday roast for that matter, is nothing without perfect thanksgiving food sides . trust me on this one.

Serving up Perfection: Plating and Presentation

Okay, so you've made the best mashed potatoes recipe ever ! but how do you make them look as good as they taste? first off, a warm bowl is key.

Nobody wants lukewarm mash potatoes ! a little swirl with a spoon adds a fancy touch. fresh herbs? yes, please! a sprinkle of chives or parsley makes everything look gourmet.

And listen, a little drizzle of melted butter never hurt anyone, right? think wallpaper food worthy of instagram, even!

Got company? grab a proper serving dish! fluff those homemade mashed potatoes up a bit. top with a pat of butter that's slowly melting - that is how we show off the perfect mashed potatoes .

Storage Secrets: Keepin' it Fresh

Right then, what if you’ve got leftovers of the best mashed potatoes ? no worries! for refrigeration, pop those bad boys into an airtight container.

They'll be good for 3-4 days. reheating? microwave is quickest, but stir them halfway through to avoid hot spots. oven's better for a bigger batch; add a splash of milk to keep 'em moist.

Fancy freezing homemade mashed potatoes ? you can, but they might be a bit different when thawed. the texture can change a little (bit grainier, you know?).

Best mashed potatoes are always fresh, honestly. but if you must, portion them into freezer bags and squeeze out the air.

They'll last about 2 months.

Mix it Up: Variations on a Theme

Fancy a twist on your mashed potatoes recipe ? go crazy! for a dairy-free version, swap the milk and butter for olive oil and almond milk.

Boom! vegan-friendly homemade mashed potatoes recipe ! roasted garlic mashed potatoes? roast a head of garlic until soft, then mash it in with the potatoes.

The best ! seasonal swaps? in autumn, try adding roasted butternut squash or sweet potato for a splash of colour and flavour.

Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness Inside

Let's keep it real, thanksgiving recipes side dishes are delicious! each serving has roughly 200 calories. you also get some vitamin c and potassium.

Potato skins add extra fibre, but honestly, the best mashed potatoes sometimes need to be peeled.

So, there you have it! Everything you need to make truly awesome mashed potatoes recipe ! With a little practice, you will be using this homemade mashed potatoes recipe every year.

Go on, give it a go!

The Best Thanksgiving Recipes always includes this.

Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe: Silky Smooth Dreamy Goodness

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my mashed potatoes turn out gummy? What did I do wrong in this mashed potatoes recipe?

Gummy mashed potatoes are usually a sign of overmixing. Potatoes contain starch, and when you overwork them (especially with a mixer), that starch gets released, resulting in a gluey texture. Be gentle when mixing in the butter and milk, and avoid using a high speed on your mixer. Remember, you want a "light as a feather" texture, not wallpaper paste!

Can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time?

You can prep the potatoes ahead! Boil and rice (or mash) them, then store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash more milk or cream if needed to restore the creamy texture. Just like a good cuppa, reheating needs patience, so low and slow is key.

What are the best potatoes for making mashed potatoes?

Yukon Gold potatoes are generally considered the gold standard (pun intended!) for mashed potatoes. They have a naturally buttery flavour and creamy texture. Russet potatoes are another option, but they're starchier, so be sure to rinse them well after cutting to remove excess starch and prevent gumminess. Think of it like choosing the right tool for the job - Yukon Golds are your trusty Swiss Army knife for mashed potato perfection.

What can I add to my mashed potatoes to make them more interesting?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! Roasted garlic is a classic and delicious addition. You could also try stirring in some shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan all work well), fresh herbs (chives, parsley, or thyme), or even a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for extra tang. Get creative – mashed potatoes are a blank canvas for flavour! Consider some crispy bacon bits for a smoky note, or a swirl of pesto for a vibrant green twist. It's your chance to become the Picasso of potatoes!

How do I store leftover mashed potatoes?

Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave them in short bursts, stirring in between, or reheat them in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture. They might not be quite as good as freshly made, but they'll still be a comforting treat. Think of them like leftovers after a Sunday roast - still delicious, but best enjoyed sooner rather than later.

Are mashed potatoes healthy? What's the nutritional info on this mashed potatoes recipe?

Mashed potatoes can be part of a balanced diet! They provide carbohydrates for energy and contain some vitamins and minerals. The nutritional value depends heavily on what you add (butter, cream, etc.). This particular recipe, using butter and cream, is higher in fat and calories. For a healthier option, use low-fat milk and less butter, or try adding roasted vegetables like cauliflower for bulk and nutrients. Remember, moderation is key, and balance is essential - even with comfort food classics.