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Gluten Free
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Nut Free
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Vegetarian
Simple Homemade Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Buttery Mashed Potatoes is a simple and classic dish that pairs well with any meat dish or salad. It’s a great midweek dinner side.
When it’s time to meal plan, what dishes do you start with? Do you like starting with appetizers, dessert, or main dishes?
I like to start with all the simple dishes, the classic ones that I know I have the ingredients at home for already. Just like this simple homemade mashed potatoes recipe! Also on my list is this Quick Seared Mushroom Side Dish recipe.
Table of Contents
Minimal effort, maximum flavor for mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a comfort food for the whole family, always on the table for any dish. We love a classic – but we’re also always looking to mix things up. Mash roasted garlic into the potatoes for a subtle, aromatic kick that adds depth. Fresh chives or green onions, finely chopped and sprinkled on top, add both a burst of color and a hint of mild spice.
Potatoes are a staple in almost every home. They’re super versatile, and you can make so many different recipes from them, including beloved French fries. But the simplest of all are mashed potatoes. They are the perfect dish to pair with any main dish. This creamy mashed potatoes recipe is a great crowd pleaser that fits in anywhere.
This classic dish proves that sometimes the simplest ingredients can create the most memorable meals. With just quality potatoes, a generous pat of butter, and a splash of milk, you transform these humble veggies into a treat!
Key Ingredients
Naturally, this recipe starts with potatoes. They help to keep your cholesterol and blood sugar levels in check.
Unsalted butter and milk combine to make the potatoes smooth, buttery, and creamy.
Finally, sea salt is in this recipe for flavor.
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
How to make Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the potatoes
Peel and cut potatoes into smaller pieces into a large pot, then add just enough water to cover the potatoes.
Step 2: Boil
Boil on medium heat and add salt.
Step 3: Drain
Allow the potatoes to cook until fork tender. Once they’ve fully cooked through, drain the water out and start mashing.
Step 4: Mash
Mash until each potato piece is mashed, then add unsalted butter and mash some more.
Step 5: Warm up the milk
Heat milk in the microwave for 1 minute. If using a stovetop, heat the milk in a small saucepan.
Step 6: Blend everything well
Add the hot milk a little at a time. Mash the potatoes in between pours. Mix and mash the potatoes until they blend well.
Expert Tips:
- Choose starchy potatoes like Russet potatoes for the fluffiest mashed potatoes.
- Make sure you fully cook the potatoes before draining them. This way, they will mash well.
- Mash the potatoes using a potato masher. Make sure they blend well but avoid overmixing to prevent a gummy texture.
- Serve mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner alongside dinner rolls, quick gravy, and cranberry sauce!
- Use a splash of heavy cream in the milk to make this potato recipe extra creamy.
- Pour cold water over the chopped potatoes when cooking. Allow the potatoes to cook with the water – don’t place them into boiling water like pasta.
- To reheat, add a splash of milk and mix it in to keep this mash creamy.
- Allow the butter to melt into the potatoes as you mix instead of using melted butter.
Recipe FAQs
Feel free to use salted butter, but be cautious with the additional salt you add to avoid over-salting.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat with a bit of milk.
Garlic, herbs, black pepper, or grated cheese can enhance the flavor profile of a simple mashed potato recipe.
Potatoes absorb warm milk more easily, resulting in a creamier texture.
Red potatoes create a chunkier, more rustic mash. Yukon gold potatoes are the best potato variety to use. They are buttery and create a very smooth mash. Yukon potatoes absorb butter and milk very well.
These mashed potatoes pair well with these main dishes:
- Soy Sauce Baked Chicken Thighs in the Oven are a great source of protein!
- Looking for something new? These Juicy Lula Kebabs Baked in the Oven (Lamb Kebabs) are a great way to enjoy lamb!
More Side Dishes to Add to the Table
If you tried this Simple Homemade Buttery Mashed Potatoes or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you enjoyed it in the📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
Simple Homemade Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Equipment
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Pot
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Potato masher
Ingredients
- 8 potatoes, chopped
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- ¾ cup warm milk
- salt, to taste
Instructions
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Peel and cut potatoes to smaller pieces into a pot, then add just enough water to cover the potatoes.8 potatoes,
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Boil on medium heat and add salt.salt,
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After potatoes are fully cooked through, drain the water out and start mashing.
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Mash until each potato piece is mashed, then add unsalted butter and mash some more.2 Tbsp unsalted butter
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Heat milk in the microwave for 1 minute.¾ cup warm milk
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Add milk a little at a time to potatoes, mash in between pours; mix and mash until the potatoes are blended together well.
Notes
- Make sure to first mash the potatoes well before adding in the butter and milk.
- The milk should be slightly hot.
- The more milk, the creamer the potatoes will be.
- Garnish with fresh chopped dill and a slice of butter.