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Easy Mashed Potatoes

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Learn how to make easy mashed potatoes with this recipe! Homemade mashed potatoes are perfect when you need a simple side dish to go with your meal.

closeup of mashed potatoes in a white pot with a blue dish towel next to the pot

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These easy mashed potatoes are so good! And, with just 5 ingredients, they’re also simple. They go with just about any main dish meat recipe, like this roasted chicken, Instant Pot Pot Roast, Teriyaki burgers, meatloaf, steak, and so many other things!

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make homemade mashed potatoes, this recipe is the perfect one to start with. With no special ingredients (possibly you already have the ingredients for these in your kitchen), and no special equipment, it’s a great beginner recipe.

pile of mashed potatoes on a white plate

Even though this recipe just uses basic seasonings (salt and pepper), you can customize it by adding any seasonings that sound good to you. Garlic powder or fresh minced garlic are always good in basic mashed potatoes. Or, add some fresh or dried chives to add some color and flavor.

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Supplies Needed for This Recipe

ingredients on a white counter

Ingredients

Find the full list of ingredients, amounts, and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  • Potatoes: You can use either russet or Yukon Gold potatoes in this recipe.
  • Butter: I usually use salted butter when I make mashed potatoes, because it’s easier. But if you prefer, you can use unsalted butter and just add more salt to taste before serving.
  • Milk: Any kind of milk can be used, but I usually use whole milk.
  • Salt: This is my favorite salt to use in all of my recipes.
  • Pepper: You can choose any type of ground black pepper, but freshly ground pepper adds something special.

How to Make Easy Mashed Potatoes

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Scrub and peel potatoes (feel free to leave parts of the skin on if you prefer a more rustic mashed potato with some skins). Cut potatoes into small (1 1/2″ to 2″) chunks.

chopped potatoes in pot with seasonings in small bowls surrounding the pot

2. Place potatoes in a large pot. Add enough water to just cover potatoes. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt to the water.

3. Heat to boiling and then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are very soft. Drain and return potatoes to the pot.

chopped potato pieces in a stock pot of water

4. In a medium saucepan, heat butter and milk over medium-low heat until butter is melted.

5. Mash potatoes in the pan with a potato masher.

adding seasonings into cooked potatoes and mashing

6. Add butter/milk mixture a little bit at ta time, mashing after each addition of liquid. Mash potatoes until desired consistency is reached.

mashing potatoes in a stock pot with a potato masher

7. Add salt and pepper and mash again to incorporate.

mashed potatoes on a white plate with a white pot filled with potatoes in the background

How to Serve Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes go well with so many dinner recipes. Here are a few ideas:

small white plate of mashed potatoes with gravy on a counter

Easy Mashed Potatoes Recipe Tips

  • If you want creamier potatoes, add a bit of cream, sour cream, or cream cheese.
  • Start the potatoes in cold water to promote even cooking.
  • Be sure to add salt to the cooking water to enhance the flavors.
  • Add bacon, cheese, and sour cream for loaded mashed potatoes.

How to Store

Store easy mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

To reheat in the oven, add a little milk and butter to the potatoes and stir. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees F until hot, stirring a few times during the cooking time. You can also use the microwave by heating in 30 second intervals, adding more butter and milk as needed to get the right consistency.

More Easy Dinner Recipes

If you make this recipe and enjoy it, please leave a comment with a 5-star recipe rating and let me know! Thank you!

easy mashed potatoes in a white pot

Easy Mashed Potatoes

Learn how to make homemade mashed potatoes with this easy recipe! Easy mashed potatoes are perfect when you need a simple side dish to go with your meal.
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: potatoes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Joy Kincaid

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (about 6 large), cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 1 tablespoon salt to add to cooking water
  • 3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks) I use salted butter
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Instructions

  • Scrub and peel potatoes; then cut into small (about 2-inch) chunks.
  • Place potatoes in a large pot. Add enough water to just cover potatoes. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt to the water.
  • Heat to boiling and then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are very soft. Drain and return potatoes to the pot.
  • In a medium saucepan, heat butter and milk over medium-low heat until butter is melted.
  • Mash potatoes in the pan with a potato masher. Add butter/milk mixture a little bit at a time, mashing after each addition of liquid. Mash potatoes until desired consistency is reached.
  • Add salt and pepper and mash again to incorporate.

Notes

Store mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
To reheat in the oven, add a little milk and butter to the potatoes and stir. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees F until hot, stirring a few times during the cooking time. You can also use the microwave by heating in 30 second intervals, adding more butter and milk as needed to get the right consistency.
Recipe Tips:
    • Start the potatoes in cold water to promote even cooking.
    • Add bacon, cheese, and sour cream for loaded mashed potatoes.
    • Add garlic powder or fresh minced garlic for garlic mashed potatoes.
    • Feel free to leave some of the skin on the potatoes.
    • I usually use salted butter in this recipe. If you prefer not to use salted butter, you may need to increase the amount of added salt.
    • If you need dairy free, use dairy free milk and butter of your choice.

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