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!
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!
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.
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.
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?
- 50 Thanksgiving Side Dishes
- Crock Pot Ham
- Green Bean Casserole
- Turkey Gravy
- Spinach Salad with Apples, Pears, Cranberries, and Candied Almonds
- Pumpkin Pie
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.
Don’t forget to pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
Best Mashed 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
Instructions
- Place potatoes in large saucepan; add enough water to cover. Add 3/4 teaspoon of the salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; and boil gently for 15 to 20 minutes or until potatoes break apart when pierced with fork.* Time may vary depending on the size you cut the potatoes.
- Drain potatoes.
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer add potatoes, butter, heavy cream and cheese. Beat until nice and creamy with no lumps present. Stir in salt, garlic and pepper, if desired.
- Place potatoes in serving dish and top with chopped chives and ground black pepper. Serve immediately or cover with tin foil until ready to serve.If you are making this a day in advance or hours before. Allow potatoes to come to room temp, cover with foil and place in the refrigerator until ready to use. Be sure to heat back up before serving.
These are the perfect, classic mashed potato recipe!
This is the best way to enjoy potatoes! Looking forward to serving these with some steak tomorrow and again for Thanksgiving! Delicious!
Thanks! I hope you enjoy them!
This Mash would complete any dish!
They really do!
I think the creamy cheese makes it even better! Such great mashed potatoes for the holidays
It totally does! I’m so glad you like them.
Mashed potatoes are my favorite holiday side dish! So creamy and fluffy!
They really are the best! Thanks!
Really love how creamy these came out! The added cheese to them was a great idea!
Cheese definitely makes just about anything better! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Whoa, that Boursin cheese totally takes this over the top, yum!
I know, it’s definitely an amazing addition!
Who doesn’t like mashed potatoes? It’s perfect with any main dish!
They really are! Thank!
These Best Mashed Potatoes are mouth watering!
Thank you Erin!
These are a must have side dish at holiday meal! We never have leftovers because they’re THAT good!
Thank you!
This is our favorite mashed potatoes recipe! We love adding cheese and sometimes bacon! So delicious and yummy!
Those sound like perfect additions! Bacon is never a bad idea, thank you!
So fluffy and creamy, these mashed potatoes are gonna go great with Thanksgiving dinner!
Thank you! They definitely are perfect for Thanksgiving!
Love how creamy these mashed potatoes are! The best side dish!
Thank you!
I have to. get this on my Holiday menu! They look delicious!
Thank you!
These really are the best!
Thank you!
Gave these a try with dinner last night and they didn’t disappoint! So creamy and delicious; my whole family loved them!
So glad to hear that!
Terrific creamy texture and the garlic and chives are the best addition!
These really do look and sound like the best mashed potatoes. I cannot wait to give them a go!
I think Boursin cheese makes everything better! What a delicious idea!
We are in love with these Mashed Potatoes right now!
These mashed potatoes are creamy and fluffy! Sounds perfect for today’s dinner!
I’ve made these mashed potatoes and everybody loved them!
Really want to try this. Looks awesome.
Saving this for Thanksgiving! Looks so amazing and my favorite side dish!
Honestly, I’m a mediocre cook and having been making mashed potatoes for 25 years with mixed results. Foolishly, I hardly ever watch the attached how-to videos because I always assume I know what I’m doing. I mean, mashed potatoes- how hard can it be? Wow. I had no clue what I was doing wrong. Followed the recipe and video tips and the potatoes were outstanding!
So classic. Very satisfying and super comforting!
This looks and sounds amazing! Perfect for the holidays!
I would love you try this! The perfect side dish!
Always a hit in our house! Definitely a must make!
These are absolutely perfect for Thanksgiving!