Ultimate Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

This truly is The Only Mashed Potatoes Recipe You’ll Ever Need—creamy, fluffy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for holiday dinners or cozy weeknights, these potatoes pair wonderfully with mains like this Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe (Foolproof!) Recipe or a comforting Slow Cooker Beef Roast Recipe. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps guarantee perfect results every time.

Ingredients

These Ultimate Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes deliver the creamiest, most flavorful side dish with rich garlic notes and a velvety texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.

• 8-10 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1.5 inch cubes
• 4-5 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 4 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
• 1 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, snipped
• White pepper to taste

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This Ultimate Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes recipe is about 20% faster than similar traditional recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Potatoes

Peel 3 pounds of russet potatoes and cut them into uniform 1-inch chunks. This ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.

Immediately place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water to prevent oxidation and remove excess starch, which helps create fluffier Ultimate Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes.

Step 2 — Cook the Potatoes

Drain the potatoes and transfer to a large pot. Cover with cold water by 1 inch and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer.

Cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. They should easily slide off when pierced with a fork, but not disintegrate.

Step 3 — Heat the Dairy

While potatoes cook, heat 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of whole milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming (about 180°F). Do not boil.

Add 8 tablespoons of cubed unsalted butter and stir until melted. Warming the dairy prevents the potatoes from cooling and helps them absorb the fat more evenly.

Step 4 — Drain and Dry Potatoes

Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Return them to the hot pot over low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to evaporate excess moisture.

This crucial step ensures your Ultimate Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes won’t be watery, resulting in a perfect creamy texture.

Step 5 — Rice or Mash Potatoes

Pass the hot potatoes through a potato ricer or food mill into a large bowl for the smoothest texture. Alternatively, use a potato masher for a more rustic consistency.

Avoid using a food processor or blender, which can release too much starch and create a gummy texture in your mashed potatoes.

Step 6 — Incorporate Dairy and Season

Gradually pour the warm cream mixture into the potatoes while folding gently with a rubber spatula. Start with ¾ of the liquid and add more as needed.

Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of white pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning—the potatoes should be well-seasoned before serving.

Step 7 — Final Adjustments and Serving

If the mashed potatoes seem too thick, add the remaining warm dairy mixture until desired consistency is reached. For extra richness, fold in ¼ cup of sour cream or cream cheese.

Transfer to a serving dish, make a well in the center, and add a pat of butter. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for color.

Step 8 — Keep Warm for Serving

Cover the mashed potatoes with foil and keep in a 200°F oven for up to 1 hour before serving. Stir gently before serving to redistribute any butter that may have separated.

For make-ahead options, transfer to a baking dish, dot with butter, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat covered at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until hot throughout.

Nutritional Information

Calories	245
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	10g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	420mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Cauliflower mash — Lower-carb option with a light, slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with gravy.
• Greek yogurt instead of sour cream — Adds protein and tanginess while keeping the creamy texture of your Ultimate Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes.
• Olive oil or vegan butter — Dairy-free alternative that provides a rich, savory depth.
• Sweet potatoes — Naturally sweet, nutrient-dense base that’s gluten-free and lower on the glycemic index.
• Chicken or vegetable broth instead of heavy cream — Reduces fat content while adding savory flavor, perfect for low-sodium versions.
• Roasted garlic and herbs — Intensifies flavor without extra salt, keeping these Ultimate Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes vibrant and aromatic.
• Nutritional yeast — Dairy-free cheesy flavor boost that’s packed with B vitamins.
• Almond or oat milk — Creamy, lactose-free liquid alternative that blends smoothly into the potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these Ultimate Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes with roasted turkey and rich gravy for the quintessential holiday plate.
• Serve alongside green bean casserole and sweet potato casserole for a classic Thanksgiving feast.
• Create a comforting weeknight meal by pairing with meatloaf or pot roast and steamed vegetables.
• Use as a base for shepherd’s pie by topping with ground beef and vegetable mixture before baking.
• For elegant plating, pipe the mashed potatoes using a star tip and garnish with fresh chives or parsley.
• Create individual servings in ramekins topped with cheese and breadcrumbs for a baked potato casserole.
• Serve with grilled steak and sautéed mushrooms for a hearty dinner any time of year.

These Ultimate Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes are versatile enough for holiday feasts and everyday comfort food, making them a year-round favorite that complements both simple and elaborate meals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using the wrong potato type, like waxy red potatoes. Fix: Opt for high-starch varieties like Russets or Yukon Golds for the fluffiest Ultimate Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes.
• Mistake: Adding cold dairy directly from the fridge. Fix: Warm your cream, milk, and butter before incorporating to prevent a gummy texture.
• Mistake: Overworking the potatoes in a food processor. Fix: Use a potato ricer or hand masher to avoid releasing excess starch and creating a gluey consistency.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the cooking water. Fix: Heavily salt the potato water like pasta water; it’s your first and most crucial seasoning opportunity.
• Mistake: Starting with cold, whole potatoes. Fix: Cut potatoes into uniform, 1-2 inch chunks before boiling for even and faster cooking.
• Mistake: Letting cooked potatoes sit and cool before mashing. Fix: Mash your potatoes while they are still hot for the best absorption of butter and cream.
• Mistake: Skimping on fat and adding it too late. Fix: Incorporate room temperature butter first, before any liquid, for a richer, silkier final dish.
• Mistake: Making them too far in advance and letting them dry out. Fix: Keep them warm in a slow cooker or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
• Mistake: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Fix: Always do a final taste test and add more salt, pepper, or even a splash of acid like lemon juice to brighten the flavor.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Ultimate Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes within 2 hours, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Place cooled potatoes in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen potatoes in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often, or in the oven covered at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your reheated Ultimate Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Conclusion

These Ultimate Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes are the perfect creamy, comforting side dish for your holiday table. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! For another classic side, check out our Parker House Rolls Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make Ultimate Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these Ultimate Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore their creamy texture.

What is the secret to creamy, lump-free mashed potatoes?

The key is using warm dairy and mashing the potatoes while they are still hot. Avoid overmixing, which can make them gluey. For the Ultimate Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes, using a potato ricer or food mill ensures a perfectly smooth consistency.

What type of potato is best for this recipe?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for these Ultimate Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes. Russets yield a fluffy texture, while Yukon Golds are naturally buttery and creamy. Both varieties absorb the dairy and seasoning well for a rich result.