Quick & Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Whipping up these delectable creamy mashed potatoes will transport you straight to comfort food heaven.

Fluffy clouds of potato goodness await your taste buds with every creamy bite.

Soft, buttery, and impossibly smooth, this recipe guarantees a side dish that steals the spotlight at any meal.

Rich dairy and perfectly seasoned ingredients come together in a culinary magic trick.

Simple techniques turn ordinary spuds into an extraordinary experience that feels like a warm hug.

Potato lovers appreciate how minimal effort produces maximum deliciousness.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this irresistible classic.

Why Creamy Mashed Potatoes Is So Good

• Master a Classic Side Dish: Learn to create incredibly smooth, rich mashed potatoes that showcase your culinary skills with simple techniques.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Transform basic pantry staples like potatoes, butter, and cream into a luxurious, crowd-pleasing comfort food that delights everyone.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Craft a universal side dish that appeals to all ages, from picky kids to sophisticated adults, making meal times more enjoyable and stress-free.
• Quick Comfort Cooking: Prepare a delectable side in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or spontaneous meal prep without complicated steps.

Ingredients for Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy white potatoes work best for creating a smooth and fluffy texture in mashed potatoes.

• Butter, Cream: Butter and cream add richness and a luxurious smoothness to the mashed potatoes.

• Salt, Pepper: Salt and pepper enhance the natural flavor of the potatoes and balance the overall taste.

How to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Potato Base

Grab your potatoes and scrub them clean under cool running water. Slice each potato into uniform chunks, making sure they’re roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

This helps create a consistent texture in your final dish.

Step 2: Boil With Care

Drop the potato chunks into a large pot filled with cold water.

Sprinkle in a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer.

Step 3: Cook Until Tender

Let the potatoes bubble away for about 15-20 minutes. Check their doneness by piercing with a fork – they should slide off easily without falling apart.

Once cooked, drain the potatoes in a colander and let them steam dry for a few minutes to remove excess moisture.

Step 4: Create Smooth Texture

Transfer the potatoes to a large mixing bowl.

Use a potato masher or ricer to break down the potatoes. Work carefully to create a smooth, lump-free consistency.

The goal is a silky, creamy base.

Step 5: Enrich With Dairy

Warm your butter and cream beforehand.

Slowly incorporate these into the mashed potatoes, stirring gently. Add in stages to control the final texture and richness.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a final gentle mix.

Serve immediately while the potatoes are warm and at their most luxurious.

Helpful Tips for Mashed Potatoes

• Cut potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and smooth texture.
• Start with cold water to help potatoes cook evenly and prevent uneven softness.
• After draining, let potatoes sit in the pot for a few minutes to remove excess moisture, creating fluffier mashed potatoes.
• Heat butter and cream before mixing to prevent cooling down the potatoes and maintain a silky, creamy consistency.
• Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect flavor balance without over-salting.

Flavor Variations for Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Roasted Garlic Potatoes: Roast a whole garlic head and mash cloves into potatoes for a rich, aromatic flavor.
• Greek Yogurt Lighter Version: Replace cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-packed, lower-fat alternative.
• Herb-Infused Mash: Fold in fresh chopped chives, parsley, or rosemary for an herbal Mediterranean-style side dish.
• Vegan Coconut Mash: Use coconut milk and olive oil instead of dairy, creating a creamy plant-based version suitable for vegan diets.

Best Pairings for Mashed Potatoes

Rich, herbed roasted chicken complements the creamy potatoes perfectly, creating a classic comfort food combination that delights taste buds.

Chardonnay’s buttery notes match the smooth potato texture, while its crisp acidity cuts through the richness for a balanced dining experience.

Sprinkle fresh chives or parsley on top to add bright, fresh elements that lift the potatoes’ creamy profile and introduce a subtle green complexity.

Slow-roasted beef or tender pot roast creates a hearty meal where the mashed potatoes serve as a luxurious, velvety side that absorbs and enhances meat flavors.

How to Store Creamy Mashed Potatoes Properly

• Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Place potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk or cream, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even warming.
• Spread potatoes in a baking dish, add a bit of butter or cream, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to maintain creamy texture.
• Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently and adding milk or cream to prevent drying. Mix gently to keep potatoes smooth and prevent burning.

FAQs

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they have high starch content and create a fluffy, creamy texture when mashed.

• How can I prevent lumpy mashed potatoes?

Use a potato masher or ricer, and make sure to steam dry the potatoes after draining to remove excess moisture, which helps create a smoother consistency.

• Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them in advance and reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a little extra cream or butter to maintain the creamy texture.

• Why is it important to use cold water when boiling potatoes?

Starting with cold water helps the potatoes cook evenly from the inside out, preventing uneven cooking and ensuring a consistent texture throughout.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Silky mashed potatoes deliciously blend smooth Irish potato comfort with rich butter and cream. Fluffy clouds of pure potato perfection invite you to savor each creamy, indulgent spoonful without restraint.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) russet or Yukon gold potatoes

Dairy:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Seasonings:

• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Carefully peel russet potatoes, ensuring uniform size by cutting into consistent, bite-sized cubes.
2. Transfer potato chunks into a large pot, covering with cold water and sprinkling a pinch of salt for enhanced flavor.
3. Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high and simmer for approximately 15-18 minutes until potatoes yield easily when pierced with a fork.
4. Drain potatoes thoroughly in a colander, allowing residual moisture to evaporate and potatoes to steam dry for 2-3 minutes.
5. Transfer potatoes to a spacious mixing bowl and mash using a potato masher or rigor, creating a smooth, lump-free texture.
6. Gently fold in pre-warmed butter and cream, incorporating gradually to achieve a luxuriously creamy consistency.
7. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
8. Serve immediately while potatoes are hot, presenting a velvety side dish that promises rich, comforting flavors.

Notes

• Achieve uniformly sized potato chunks by using a sharp knife, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture.
• Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the fluffiest, most creamy result.
• Warm butter and cream beforehand to prevent cooling down the potatoes and maintain their ideal temperature.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the cream with milk or use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 292 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg