Creamy and delicious mashed potatoes are a quick and easy side dish to any meal. These fluffy potatoes pair wonderfully with any fish, chicken, beef, pork or lamb main, and are always at the Easter and Thanksgiving table.
Homemade mashed potatoes are fluffy, buttery and irresistible! With this simple, favorite recipe my mashed potatoes always come out delightful – they are cooked to perfection! This quick and easy side is definitely a comfort food, and it pairs oh so well with many meals such as chicken, steak, or any type of fish.
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How to make the Best Creamy Mashed Potatoes
There are a few tips and tricks that make my mashed potatoes the creamiest and most delicious. First, I peel and cut my potatoes and place them in a saucepan or pot, then cover with water so they are just covered. Add some sea salt to the pot and bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer and set a timer to check them after 12 – 13 minutes, or so. They are ready when super tender and very easy to pierce with a fork.
Next, add softened butter in chunks, warm milk, sea salt, and pepper (I simply warm the milk up in a microwave). Mash everything with a potato masher until very creamy. Done! An easy and yummy side everyone will love.
What to serve with these fluffy mashed potatoes?
This side dish would go perfect with my Honey Lemon and Ginger Salmon in Foil! Add some Roasted Asparagus and it’s a delicious well-rounded meal.
These mashed potatoes will also go well with any fish, roasted chicken, steak, sausages, BBQ pulled pork, ribs, meatballs (especially Swedish meatballs), burgers, lamb chops, and pork chops. Make a double batch and use the leftovers to make the BEST Irish Shepherd’s Pie!
Of course, this is an essential holiday side dish! We love to make it for Easter and Thanksgiving, especially. It’s a quick and easy dish you can make right before serving your holiday meal and the whole family loves it, of course!
Other Recipes You Will Love
- Parmesan Garlic Roasted Red Potatoes – Crispy and cheesy on the outside, and soft in the middle, these potatoes are a favorite.
- The Best Instant Pot Buckwheat – a Russian comfort food favorite that pairs well with chicken, beef, pork, veggies and so much more!
- Mushroom Parmesan Farro – A creamy, aromatic, and irresistible Italian side dish. A family favorite!
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and delicious mashed potatoes are a quick and easy side dish to any meal. These fluffy potatoes pair wonderfully with any fish, chicken, beef, pork or lamb main, and are always at the Easter and Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lb gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2 to 2 inch-sized pieces
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup whole milk, warm*
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh, chopped parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Place peeled, cut potatoes in a medium pot or saucepan and cover with cold water. Add a teaspoon of salt to the pot. Cook over high heat until water begins to boil, then cover and lower the heat to medium/low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are very tender and very easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain potatoes. Add warm milk, softened butter, salt, and pepper to taste. Mash with a potato masher. Taste to see if you need to adjust seasoning, then enjoy immediately garnished with some chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
- *Warm the milk carefully in the microwave prior to mixing with the potatoes, making sure not to over-heat.
- You can use any potato, but Yukon Gold and russet potatoes are typically a bit more creamy and fluffy.
- To keep warm, cover the pot with a kitchen towel or place in the oven on the Keep Warm setting.
- The cooking time will vary based on the potatoes that you use. Some take a bit longer and some will cook much quicker, so check a few minutes before the 15 minute mark.
- Leftover potatoes keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a little extra milk, if needed.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Side
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: American
I haven’t tried this recipe, but I know it has to be delicious. You make a very nice presentation. I will try it the next time I make mashed potatoes. I will use any leftovers to make potato pancakes, a tradition passed down from my mother.
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Potato pancakes sounds so delicious!