How to Make Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are one of my favorite side dishes. So often I am tempted, and I have turned to boxed instant mashed potatoes to hurry up and get dinner on the table. There is a better way, you can prepare your mashed potatoes from scratch, and it doesn’t take that long to make homemade mashed potatoes.
how to make homemade mashed potatoes

When I was growing up, I used to spend large parts of my summers at my grandparent’s house for the summer. I loved how they cooked from scratch every night, we would only go out to incredible local church picnics and sometimes we would head out for some fried fish. I can remember my grandmother boiling potatoes, and then whipping them up and placing them on the dining table. Oh, how I loved her cooking, these mashed potatoes remind me of her potatoes. She cooked simply, and this recipe only has a few ingredients. Nowadays I would tell you to use Yukon gold potatoes because they really taste good with their buttery flavor. My grandmother only used Russet potatoes. I personally use whatever I can buy that is organic, you don’t get a lot of choices, therefore, I am flexible in what type of potato I will use.

I know some people think you should leave the skins on when you boil the potatoes, but I find peeling hot potatoes to be difficult. So when I peel my potatoes I take off about 90% of the skins and leave a little bit of them on. I like the extra flavor, and I love the rustic look of the potatoes.

If you want to change up your mashed potatoes here are a few ideas. Add a couple of tablespoons of minced chives or sliced scallions make a wonderful addition. You could also make loaded mashed potatoes by substituting the buttermilk for sour cream and adding 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of bacon bits for a loaded mashed potato. Serve them up special or in the traditional way they are going to taste so good when you make them homemade.

So throw out the box of instant mashed potatoes and try these easy to prepare homemade mashed potatoes. I know that once you see how easy it is to make this dish from scratch you will not use the boxed variety.

old fashioned mashed potatoes

Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Make perfectly seasoned mashed potatoes from scratch. 
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate Add to Collection
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Potato Recipes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 301kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds potatoes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • salt and pepper for seasoning

Instructions

  • Peel and cut potatoes into 1 1/2 inch cubes and place into a large pot, the smaller you cut your potatoes the quicker they will cook. Add water to potatoes until they are just covered. Add 1 teaspoon salt to water. Cook the potatoes on medium-high heat for about 15 to 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. 
  • Drain potatoes in a colander and then place into a bowl. While the potatoes are cooking warm together the dairy. You can heat it together in the microwave or in a small saucepan on the stove. Mash potatoes either by hand with a potato masher, or blend until mostly smooth with a mixer
  • Pour melted butter and milk mixture into mashed potatoes and stir until well combined. Adjust for seasonings and serve immediately. If you want to change up your mashed potatoes here are a few ideas. Add a couple of tablespoons of minced chives or sliced scallions make a wonderful addition. 
  • You could also make loaded mashed potatoes by substituting the buttermilk for sour cream and adding 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of bacon bits for a loaded mashed potato. Serve them up special or in the traditional way they are going to taste so good when you make them homemade.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 301kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 709mg | Potassium: 724mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin A: 785IU | Vitamin C: 19.4mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 5.5mg

About Stephanie Manley

I recreate your favorite restaurant recipes, so you can prepare these dishes at home. I help you cook dinner, and serve up dishes you know your family will love. You can find most of the ingredients for all of the recipes in your local grocery store.

Stephanie is the author of CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home, and CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home 2.

REVEALED: Copycat Secrets for 2023

free email bonus

Yes, you CAN make it at home! I'll show you how.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Barb

    In the recipe “How to make Mashed Potatoes”, I can’t find where the “buttemilk mixture” is printed.

    Pour melted butter and buttermilk mixture into mashed potatoes and stir until well combined. Adjust for seasonings and serve immediately.

  2. stephanie

    5 stars
    My dad always cooked his with a small onion (or 1/2 med-large one) and some cloves of garlic. The onion he strained out after boiling but the garlic stayed in. He also used half & half for the milk/cream part. These are still made today by us kids. They are delish!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




homemade Olive Garden Asiago Torgelloni Alfredo with chicken on a plate

Copycat Recipe Secrets for 2024

REVEALED:

Yes, you CAN make it at home! 
I'll show you how.

FREE EMAIL BONUS