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Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Homemade Mashed Potatoes are a must have in any kitchen arsenal. This mashed potatoes recipe requires just 3 ingredients and gives you the creamiest, dreamiest mashed potatoes.

For those of you that don’t know,  I am a HUGE mashed potato fan. I could seriously eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner. When I was a kid, instead of reaching for cookies or potato chips when I wanted a snack, my best friend and I would make mashed potatoes and gravy. Back then we were making boxed mashed potatoes and a packet of gravy.

A spoonful of mashed potatoes.

Now that I have grown up a bit I forgo the box and prefer to make my own. This creamy mashed potatoes recipe is the result.

What ingredients do you need?

Overhead photos of ingredients needed for mashed potatoes.

POTATOES:  When there are so many types of potatoes what should you use? When you’re making traditional mashed potatoes, russet potatoes are the best to use, in my opinion. The high starch content makes them excellent for mashing.

BUTTER: Real butter folks. Salted if you have it.

HALF AND HALF: In addition to the butter, half and half will add to the richness of the potatoes. You can also use heavy cream or whole milk.

SALT AND PEPPER: I know some people don’t like the black specks from the pepper in their mashed potatoes. If that is the case for you, simply use white pepper instead.

Step by Step Photos and Instructions:

STEP #1: In a large saucepan, add enough water to cover the potatoes. Boil potatoes until a fork can be inserted and removed easily. Strain.

STEP #2: Return the potatoes to the pan or a mixing bowl. Add the butter, half and half and salt and pepper.

Pouring cream into potatoes.
Add half and half to the potatoes.

STEP #3: Whip with a hand held mixer until smooth about 2 minutes. Please note be careful not to over mix or it can make the potatoes gummy.

Handheld mixer mixing potatoes.
Whip potatoes.

More tips to help make perfect homemade mashed potatoes:

I’ve got a few more tips to help make sure your potatoes are perfect every time.

Tip #1:  Cut the potatoes in uniform pieces so that they all cook together. Adding them to cold water as you chop all the potatoes helps keep them from browning.

How to make the perfect mashed potatoes.

Tip #2: The consistency. To get the creamiest potatoes you’ll want to use a handheld mixer. Using one will give you a smooth, creamy texture. You only need to whip the potatoes for a minute or two any longer than that and they might get gummy. If your idea of perfect potatoes are a little chunkier, simply use a potato masher or ricer. All are great options.

Overhead photo of mashed potatoes in a white dish with wooden spoon.

If you are looking for gravy to top this creamy deliciousness, my recipe for homemade gravy is perfection.  Or even better, make yourself some buttermilk fried chicken with pan gravy  or meatloaf with mushroom gravy to serve with these.

How to make mashed potatoes. Easy Creamy Mashed Potatoes are a must have in any kitchen arsenal. This mashed potatoes recipe requires just 3 ingredients and gives you the creamiest, dreamiest mashed potatoes. #mashedpotatoes #sidedish #thanksgiving #whippedpotatoes

Looking for more Thanksgiving Side Dishes? Check out some of my must haves:

The BEST Easy Stuffing Recipe

Southern Style Green Beans 

Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese

Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits 

If you’re looking for a variation on this classic, try mashed roasted garlic mashed red potatoes.

Note: Post originally posted in 2009. Updated with tips, step by step photos and nutrition facts in 2020.

Homemade Mashed Potatoes

A perfect mashed potato recipe is a must have in any kitchen arsenal. This recipe requires just 3 ingredients and gives you perfect mashed potatoes.
4.8 from 12 votes
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Side Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 299 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds russet potatoes about 5 potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup half and half
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large saucepan, add enough water to cover the potatoes. Boil potatoes until a fork can be inserted and removed easily. Strain.
  • Return the potatoes to the pan or a mixing bowl. Add the butter, half and half and salt and pepper. Whip with a hand held mixer until smooth about 2 minutes.

Notes

Nutrition facts for estimation purposes only.

Nutrition

Calories: 299kcalCarbohydrates: 43.2gProtein: 5.5gFat: 12.4gSaturated Fat: 7.7gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 90mgFiber: 6.4gSugar: 3.1g
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: butter, cream, Food, half and half, mashed potatoes, Recipe, whipped potatoes

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    FLAGLE
    January 29, 2023 at 11:58 pm

    5 stars
    It has a wonderful recipe, and it looks just delectable.

  • Reply
    ".'
    November 8, 2022 at 2:05 pm

    These mashed potatoes look delicious! That’s a hearty dish I love…

  • Reply
    ".'
    November 8, 2022 at 2:03 pm

    4 stars
    How many people does this recipe usually feed I have to feed about 14 people should I double the recipe?

  • Reply
    edusurf
    December 28, 2021 at 12:22 pm

    Looks delicious thanks for great recipe.

  • Reply
    run 3
    November 18, 2020 at 11:41 pm

    5 stars
    Tasty dish to try!

  • Reply
    Scarlett Smith
    September 16, 2020 at 12:41 am

    5 stars
    Looks delicious thanks for great recipe.

  • Reply
    Danielle
    November 26, 2019 at 11:34 am

    5 stars
    How many people does this recipe usually feed I have to feed about 14 people should I double the recipe?

    • Reply
      Deseree
      November 26, 2019 at 11:43 am

      Hi Danielle! I would double the recipe!

  • Reply
    Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
    September 13, 2018 at 8:28 am

    5 stars
    This sounds amazing! I want to dive into my screen!

  • Reply
    Katerina @ diethood .com
    September 12, 2018 at 8:07 am

    5 stars
    My family would love these mashed potatoes!! Can’t wait to try this recipe!

  • Reply
    Jamielyn
    September 12, 2018 at 7:58 am

    5 stars
    Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food! These look delicious!

  • Reply
    Jenn
    September 12, 2018 at 7:09 am

    5 stars
    Mashed potatoes are probably my favorite food ever! These look so TASTY!

  • Reply
    Toni | Boulder Locavore
    September 12, 2018 at 4:32 am

    5 stars
    I am sure my kids will love this!

  • Reply
    Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
    September 11, 2018 at 3:37 pm

    Nothing beats perfectly made mashed potatoes! Now I need some asap!

  • Reply
    DH Lindsey
    September 11, 2018 at 9:41 am

    4 stars
    If you’re not careful using a mixer, the potatoes can become a library paste so I recommend or prefer a potato ricer.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      September 11, 2018 at 11:40 am

      It’s true, you do have to be careful! And if you are the potatoes are SO creamy! I don’t have a potato ricer, I’ll have to try that sometime though :)

  • Reply
    Ejiro
    November 25, 2011 at 8:51 am

    Great meal 4 all

  • Reply
    Mark Amero
    June 14, 2009 at 2:14 pm

    Alone they are wonderful! 1/2 TSB of horseradish and they become an addiction.

  • Reply
    Deseree
    March 9, 2009 at 5:45 pm

    Thanks Rosa!
    The Craving Chronicles- You know I think my mom does that, and it does add a great tang to it :) If your having mashed potatoes for lunch you know it’s a good day!

  • Reply
    The Craving Chronicles
    March 6, 2009 at 8:00 am

    I loved mashed potatoes too! I’ve made them like this for years, but I only discovered recently that the addition of sour cream adds a tang that I really love. I’m glad I’ve got some mashed potatoes for lunch today :)

  • Reply
    Rosa
    March 5, 2009 at 11:56 pm

    These mashed potatoes look delicious! That’s a hearty dish I love…

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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