Wondering how to make the BEST fluffy homemade mashed potatoes… every time? This is the classic Mashed Potatoes Recipe that will make you famous! Just 5 ingredients and you’ve got the crazy easy iconic holiday side you’ll want on repeat!
Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Did you know it’s actually ridiculously easy to make homemade mashed potatoes?
These creamy, velvety mashed potatoes will vanish at your next holiday meal!
Top them off with rich and decadent 10-Minute Homemade Chicken Gravy or 10-Minute Homemade Beef Gravy, and they’ll be the star of the show!
Following is a tasty Mashed Potatoes Recipe and guest post by Real Creative Organized… enjoy!
So with Thanksgiving quickly approaching, I wanted to share with you my secret to getting light and fluffy mashed potatoes.
I have a simple Fluffy Mashed Potatoes Recipe for you today.
Every year for Thanksgiving I make 10lbs of these mashed potatoes… I never come home with any! Look how light and fluffy they are.
These mashed potatoes are easy to make and taste great!
Here’s what you’ll do to make the BEST Fluffy Mashed Potatoes this year…
Related: 101 Easy Thanksgiving Recipes
What Type of Potatoes are Best for Mashed Potatoes?
When it comes to traditional fluffy mashed potatoes, the secret is to ALWAYS use Russet Potatoes.
They create the most airy, fluffy, soft mashed potatoes that are what dinner dreams are made of!
Are you wondering How to Store Potatoes Long Term?
Whether you’ve grown them in your garden, or you just want to stock up on those grocery store sales, these simple little potato storage tricks work like a charm!
Mashed Potato Ingredients
It takes just a few simple ingredients to make the BEST Homemade Mashed Potatoes!
Check your fridge, cupboards, or pantry, or add the following to your next grocery list to make sure you’ve got everything you need on hand…
- Russet Potatoes – Russets create the best creamy mashed potatoes!
- Milk – Whole Milk will ramp up the richness, but 2% can be substituted.
- Butter – softened (not melted). Remember… the higher quality the butter, the more amazing the flavor!
- Salt – to bring out the flavors.
- Pepper – to add even more fantastic flavor!
Just 5 ingredients. That’s all you’ll need.
Talk about EASY!
How to Boil Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes
Before you can make your mashed potatoes, you’ll need to boil your potatoes.
Wondering how long to boil potatoes before mashing? Here’s what you need to do…
1. Peel your potatoes.
2. Then cut into 1″ – 1.5″ chunks.
3. Transfer the potatoes to large pot.
4. Fill pot with water, covering the potatoes + about 1″ more.
5. Finally, boil gently for 25 – 30 minutes, or until soft when poked with a fork.
How to Make Mashed Potatoes
Making perfect fluffy mashed potatoes is so much easier when you use your stand mixer!
Make sure to use your timer, as precise timing makes ALL the difference!
Now just follow these easy step-by-step instructions below…
1. Boil your potatoes.
2. Drain Potatoes & place in mixer.
3. Attach flat paddle attachment to stand mixer.
4. Mix on LOW for 1 minute, or until potatoes are fairly smooth.
5. Add the remaining ingredients.
6. Mix for 30 more seconds on Medium. (or Speed 4)
7. Increase the mixer speed to Medium High (or Speed 6) for 1 minute.
8. Remove mixer’s paddle attachment and change to the whisk attachment.
9. Scrape the sides of the bowl down.
10. Taste test your potatoes, and add more salt or pepper if needed.
11. Mix on High (or Speed 10) for 3 minutes.
12. Serve & ENJOY!
How easy was that?!?
Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.
How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes in Oven
Did you know you can easily reheat mashed potatoes in a casserole dish in your oven?
That means you can even prep these ahead of time before a holiday, and reheat just before your meal!
We have to drive an hour to get to our Thanksgiving dinner, so I make my mashed potatoes the day before and reheat them.
To help them not get dried out in the reheating process, here’s what you’ll do…
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease 9×13 casserole dish with butter.
3. Add a small amount of milk into mashed potatoes & stir well.
4. Transfer mashed potatoes to casserole dish.
5. Top with additional pats of butter.
6. Cover with foil.
7. Bake for 20 – 30 minutes, or until hot.
Serve, Enjoy & DEVOUR!
What To Serve With Mashed Potatoes
No mashed potato dish is complete without the perfect gravy served on the side!
So be sure to top it off with an amazing homemade gravy you can make in just a few minutes…
- Chicken Gravy Recipe from Scratch
- Easy Brown Gravy Recipe (No Drippings Needed!)
Mashed Potatoes Recipe Reviews
Here’s What Your Frugal Friends Are Saying About this Light and Fluffy Mashed Potatoes Recipe…
One reader writes: “Thank you for the simple instructions and great recipe. I will use it again and again.”
Diana writes: “These are perfect mashed potatoes!!!”
Mindy writes: “My all time favorite!”
Cindy writes: “These are a must at Thanksgiving to pour Turkey gravy over.”
Heather writes: “So perfectly fluffy!!”
Stacey writes: “Yummy”
Jenna writes: “Such a simple recipe – so good!!”
Ryan writes: “So fluffy and delicious”
Betty writes: “Scrumptious!”
Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Russet Potatoes, (about 7 medium)
- ½ cup Whole Milk, (2% can be substituted)
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ⅛ teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- Peel potatoes and cut into 1" - 1.5" chunks.
- Place potatoes in pot, and add water to cover plus about 1 inch above the potatoes.
- Gently boil for about 25-30 minutes or until you can easily push a fork through the potatoes.
- You will need a mixer with a flat and whisk beater for this recipe.
- After your potatoes have cooked, drain potatoes and place in your stand mixer bowl with the flat paddle attachment. Turn mixer on LOW and mix for 1 minute, or until the potatoes are relatively smooth.
- Add the remaining ingredients.
- Turn to speed 4 or medium/medium low for 30 seconds to allow the milk to absorb.
- Turn the mixer up to speed 6 or medium/medium high for 1 minute. (Seriously, time these things, it makes a difference in how they turn out.)
- Switch to your whisk beater attachment and scrape the sides of the bowl down. (This is also a great time to taste the potatoes and adjust for any additional salt or pepper needed.)
- Turn you mixer to speed 10 or high and whisk the potatoes for 3 minutes.
- It is important to time as you go, the times really make a difference in the potatoes coming out light and fluffy. You are done! Easy and sooo delicious!
Notes
- For answers to Frequently Asked Questions or tips for common substitutions and variations, please refer to the detailed information above this recipe card.
- Follow The Frugal Girls on Pinterest for more Easy Recipes!
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!Note: Recipe adapted from a recipe that came with my KitchenAid mixer.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
I hope you have a fantastic and relaxing day.
K Coake is a stay at home mom to two cuties, and loves running, reading, scrapbooking, Starbucks, hiking, cooking, picnics, pretending to be crafty, and having fun with her family. You can follow along with her at Real Creative Real Organized on Facebook, and Pinterest.
More Easy Potato and Side Dish Recipes
Now that you’ve scored this yummy Fluffy Mashed Potatoes Recipe, are you still hungry? I’ve got you covered!
I’ve got even more delicious Potato Recipes and delicious side dish recipes that I know you’re gonna love.
Have fun exploring these tasty ideas below…
Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Easy. Fast. Ridiculously Delicious. That’s right ~ this epic potato side dish will be the hero of every holiday and dinner party! This Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe is packed with flavor and guaranteed to disappear at any meal!
Crockpot Baked Potatoes Recipe
Easy Crock Pot Recipes are a lifesaver, and this Crock Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe is no exception! These potatoes are the perfect addition to your weekly dinner menu… and since we are talking potatoes here… easy is a requirement!
Crockpot Sweet Potatoes
This recipe couldn’t be simpler, and the Sweet Potatoes make such a delicious dinner side! Go grab your Crockpot! Crockpot Sweet Potatoes are a cinch!
Crockpot Cheesy Bacon Hashbrowns
Craving a little comfort food? Or are you just on the hunt for the perfect side to your Breakfast or Brunch, Dinner, or Holiday Meal? It’s so simple, and SO good!
Best Hashbrown Casserole Recipe (Cracker Barrel Copycat)
The one must-have potato dish in our home is this scrumptious Hashbrown Casserole Recipe! This hashbrown recipe is simple to make, tasty and rich, and 100% amazing!
Crockpot Sausage and Potatoes Recipe (Slow Cooker Casserole)
Guess what? I’ve got the perfect fix for your comfort food cravings, this easy slow cooker casserole! It’s simple to make, hearty, and packed with family pleasing flavors.
Crockpot Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
Making your Crockpot Green Bean Casserole with Bacon is pure genius. What an easy way to upgrade your green bean casserole!
Cheesy Cauliflower Bake Recipe
With just 6 easy ingredients, this Cheesy Cauliflower Bake delivers some serious creamy deliciousness!
Baked Cheesy Broccoli Recipe
You’ll love this easy Cheesy Baked Broccoli Recipe, just don’t expect any leftovers. This is one veggie side dish that everyone is going to love!!
Broccoli Salad Recipe with Bacon
This sweet and savory Broccoli Salad Recipe with Bacon will have your tastebuds doing a happy dance!
Best Honey Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Make salad the highlight of your dinner tonight with this Best Honey Balsamic Dressing Recipe!
Easy Fruit Salad Recipe with Marshmallows
Whether you’re looking for a fun and fresh dinner side, or are just wondering what to serve up at your next party, this Fruit Salad is IT!
Easy Crockpot Cranberry Sauce
Nothing beats homemade cranberry sauce and now making your own just became super easy!
21 Easy Casserole Recipes (Delicious Dinners!)
This BIG List of Easy Casserole Recipes will load you up with yummy comfort food recipes!
101 Easy Thanksgiving Recipes
Make your Thanksgiving extra fabulous with this BIG list of easy to make Thanksgiving Recipes for large crowds or smaller cozy gatherings!
77 Crockpot Christmas Recipes
Make your Christmas amazing without all the work with these easy Crockpot Christmas Recipes!
101 Easy Easter Recipes
Get inspired to make your Easter extra tasty this year with this HUGE List of Easy Easter Recipes!
Clever Kitchen Tips
How to Store Potatoes Long Term
Are you wondering How to Store Potatoes Long Term? These simple little potato storage tricks work like a charm!
101 Easy Meal Prep Ideas
Mealtime is about to get ridiculously simple with this HUGE list of Easy Meal Prep Ideas! You won’t believe how much time and money you’ll save each week!
How To Get The Best Walmart Grocery Deals
Make your next trip to Walmart extra thrifty when you use my favorite money saving tips for scoring the best Walmart Grocery Deals!
How To Get The Best Sam’s Club Deals
Start scoring yourself some fabulous Sam’s Club Deals and Steals when you are prepped with these little-known shopping hacks!
So have you tried this Fluffy Mashed Potatoes Recipe yet?
Leave a comment and share…
Substitute some of the butter with REAL mayonnaise and listen to the comments. The mayonnaise gives just a bit of tang to the mashed potatoes and people love it.
Ooh ~ that’s a fabulous tip, Dan… thanks for sharing! It sounds delicious!
These sound so delicious! I’ve tried fries, but have yet to try the mashed potato! Do you think it’d work the same with sweet potatoes? I am a bigger fan of those! ha
Thanks for sharing the recipe!!! I’ll have to try out that crockpot idea as well!
I think it would work with sweet potatoes. You may have to tweak the amount of butter and milk as that may be different, but my guess is that if you follow the timing and use of the flat and whisk beaters, they would come out nice and fluffy for you.
You can keep those potatoes warm in a crockpot too.
Ooh ~ I love that crockpot idea for keeping the potatoes warm!
~ Heidi
I bet this method would help with the potatoes drying out, also. Sounds like a good idea.
I use the liners for crockpots before I add my potatoes. At the end of the day, just pull out liner and your pot is almost clean. At least you don’t have to scrub it as much. kk