Best Mashed Potatoes

Name: Best Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 5 lbs red potatoes; 1/2 cube butter (I used salted); 5 ounces Boursin Garlic & Herb Gourmet Cheese; 2/3 cup heavy cream or half and half (whole milk will work as well); 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt; 1 teaspoon freshly chopped garlic; 1/4 cup finely chopped chives; ground pepper

November 21, 2022 by Sandra 49 Comments

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Whether you’re looking for a holiday dish or an everyday side, these Best Mashed Potatoes are sure to please. They’re light and fluffy but still rich and creamy – everything you could want in mashed potatoes!

This mashed potato recipe makes the creamiest mashed potatoes you will ever have.

What makes this mashed potato recipe the best? Today, I will share my tips and secrets to making mashed potatoes. And guess what, friends, it’s easy!

mashed potatoes topped with green onion in white serving dish with wooden spoon.

These mashed potatoes are so delicious, they might just be the best part of our Thanksgiving feast! And that’s saying something because we also have amazing dishes like mac & cheese, fudge pie, ham & rolls.

My kids are what you would call strong foodies. They’re not really picky, more like they have high standards for taste. This usually makes my husband and I happy, but as a mom cooking for these five little ones can be nerve-racking–especially when it comes to something as important as mashed potatoes. You see, I thought they were the best I’d ever had…ever!

mashed potatoes topped with chopped chives in white serving dish

I was elated when Aiden, my oldest, grinned and exclaimed, “Mom, these are the best-mashed potatoes I’ve ever had!” My happiness only increased when Madden quickly followed suit… then by the youngest two. I can’t imagine making any other potato recipe from this day forward.

Mashed potatoes are a holiday staple, but they can often go wrong. They can either be too dry or way too salty – both of which kill taste buds and result in sad faces all around. Consider all the major holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter – all involve mashed potatoes.

wooden spoon with a scope of mashed potatoes

My friend Holly made some scrambled eggs for me when we went on a retreat in Breckenridge, and they were really good. The key ingredient was the cheese- she grabbed some chive Boursin cheese from the fridge and added it in. They were so creamy and rich, way better than any other eggs I’ve had before!

That morning, I decided that from then on, I would use that cheese for my potatoes. And boy, am I glad I did! The results were amazing; just like the eggs, this mashed potato recipe resulted in silky smooth taters.

mashed potatoes served in white baking dish

Not only are these mashed potatoes insanely delicious, but they’re also a real stunner on your table.

RECIPE TIPS

How long do you cook potatoes for mashed potatoes?

For mashed potatoes, cook the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes or until you can easily poke through them with a fork.

What are the best potatoes for mashed potatoes?

For the fluffiest and smoothest mashed potatoes, you want to use higher starch potatoes like Russets or Yukon golds. They also absorb flavorings more easily. If you’re using waxy potatoes (such as red or white varieties), they require more mashing to become creamy, which could lead to the dreaded “potato paste.”

Now, my personal favorite is red potatoes. Just be careful not to overcook! And I wouldn’t mash them by hand; I would use a stand mixer or handheld mixer for the texture desired.

What can I put on my mashed potatoes?

There are many possibilities when it comes to flavors for your mashed potatoes. Some traditional favorites include hot milk, salt and pepper, bacon, garlic, cheese, butter, and other herbs. But in the end, it is up to you what you put in your potatoes!

What can I serve with creamy potatoes?

INGREDIENTS

5 lbs red potatoes
1/2 cube butter I used salted
5 ounces Boursin Garlic & Herb Gourmet Cheese
2/3 cup heavy cream or half and half whole milk will work as well
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon freshly chopped garlic
1/4 cup finely chopped chives
ground pepper

Mashed potatoes are meant to be enjoyed, not calorie-counted my friend. The more butter & salt, the merrier!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does! Best Mashed Potatoes are a holiday staple in our house.

DIRECTIONS FOR THIS RECIPE

Cut potatoes into small, equal pieces for best results.

In a large saucepan, place potatoes and add water to cover. Add 3/4 teaspoon of salt then bring to a boil. After boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes break apart when pierced with a fork.

Remove water from potatoes by draining them.

Mix the potatoes, butter, heavy cream, and cheese in a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer until it becomes creamy with no lumps. To add more flavor, stir in salt, garlic, and pepper.

In a serving dish, place potatoes then top with chopped chives and ground black pepper. To keep warm, cover with tin foil until ready to serve.

If you are making this dish ahead of time, allow the potatoes to come to room temperature before covering them with foil and placing them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, be sure to reheat the potatoes before serving.

These BEST MASHED POTATOES are light and fluffy, while still rich and creamy; making these the perfect mashed potatoes for any meal or holiday.

Don’t forget to pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for later.

two pictures of mashed potatoes in a collage topped with chives

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4.93 from 14 votes