Name: Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lbs gold potatoes (may substitute russet); water or chicken broth for boiling (enough to cover potatoes by at least ½ inch); ½ cup salted butter (113 g); 1 cup whole milk or half and half (236 ml); ½ teaspoon table salt or fine sea salt, plus more for boiling and to taste; ⅛ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more to taste; ¼ to ⅓ cup full-fat sour cream (60 g); ½ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese (50 g)

There’s something so comforting about a bowl of warm, velvety mashed potatoes, isn’t there? If you’re hunting for the ultimate Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe, you’ve come to the right place—this is my go-to when I want that silky smooth, buttery goodness that makes any meal feel like a special occasion.

A white oval dish with blue handles is filled with smooth, creamy mashed potatoes, topped with a square pat of yellow butter melting down into soft swirls, sprinkled lightly with green herbs and black pepper. To the top left, a white bowl holds bright green cooked green beans, vibrant and shiny. At the bottom right, another white bowl is filled with fresh, shiny red cranberries. Near the top right, two pieces of soft, torn bread sit on the white marbled surface alongside a whole garlic bulb. A silver spoon rests on a striped blue and white cloth near the bottom left, with a few scattered cranberries and silverware around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this mashed potatoes recipe countless times and it never fails to impress everyone at the table — smooth, rich, and packed with flavor, it hits every comfort food craving right on the nose.

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples for an easy feel-good side dish.
Perfectly Creamy Texture: The butter and warm milk blend creates that silky smooth bite we all love.
Customizable Add-ins: Optional sour cream and parmesan elevate the flavor beautifully.
Quick to Make: Prep and cook in just 25 minutes — great for busy weeknights or holiday dinners.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference in creamy mashed potatoes. I usually go for gold potatoes because of their naturally buttery texture, but russets work just as well. Also, boiling the potatoes in chicken broth instead of water adds an extra layer of savory goodness.

Flat lay of three whole unpeeled gold potatoes, eight small pieces of softened salted butter arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of full-fat sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly shredded parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly cracked black pepper, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Gold potatoes: Naturally creamy and buttery, these give you smooth mashed potatoes with no fuss.
Water or chicken broth: Broth boosts flavor, but water is a perfectly fine, neutral base for boiling.
Salted butter: Adds richness and enhances the flavor with its creamy fat.
Whole milk or half and half: Warmed before adding, it blends smoothly for that luscious texture; half and half yields an even richer result.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the boiling liquid and the mash itself.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and depth.
Optional full-fat sour cream: Makes the mash tangy and ultra-creamy—totally worth it.
Optional freshly shredded parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, savory brightness that elevates simple potatoes.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your tastes and occasion. Whether you want to keep it classic or jazz it up with a twist, the possibilities are deliciously endless!

Herb-Infused Variation: I love adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the boiling liquid or folding in chopped chives at the end. It gives the mashed potatoes a lovely fragrant note that brightens each bite.
Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free twist, swap the butter with a plant-based butter and use your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk. I’ve found this keeps the mash creamy and flavorful without compromising texture.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mixing in sharp cheddar cheese instead of parmesan creates a richer, melty version that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Garlic Lover’s Dream: Roasting a few garlic cloves and mashing them into the potatoes adds a subtle sweet garlic undertone that truly elevates the dish.
Swap the Boiling Liquid: Boiling the potatoes in chicken broth instead of water adds that extra savory depth. I usually do this when I want to impress guests with minimal extra effort.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes fills most of the image with soft, fluffy texture shown in thick uneven mounds. On top, a small square of melting yellow butter pools with shiny melted drips, and a light sprinkle of black pepper and small green herb pieces is scattered across the surface. The bowl is white and rests on a white marbled surface, with a piece of light brown bread and a green salad in the blurred background. The overall colors are warm and comforting, with a focus on the pale yellow and white tones of the potatoes and butter photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Let the Butter Soften

Start by cutting ½ cup of salted butter into 8 pieces and leaving it out at room temperature to soften. Soft butter blends beautifully into the potatoes, creating that silky texture we all crave. If your kitchen is chilly, it’s okay to gently warm the butter later for just a few seconds in the microwave—but be careful not to melt it completely.

Step 2: Prep Those Potatoes

Peel the potatoes if you like, then chop them into roughly 1 ½ inch chunks. Rinsing them thoroughly under cold water for about a minute helps wash away excess starch, preventing gummy mashed potatoes. Patience here means a fluffier, lighter result later on.

Step 3: Boil Potatoes Until Tender

Place your potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water or chicken broth by at least half an inch. Don’t fill the pot more than two-thirds full to avoid spills. Add plenty of salt to the liquid—this is where the potatoes soak up flavor. Bring everything to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally, then boil the potatoes for about 10 minutes until they’re tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Warm the Milk

While the potatoes cook, gently warm 1 cup of whole milk or half and half—whichever you prefer. Use a microwave-safe dish or a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Warm milk blends into the potatoes so smoothly without cooling down your mash.

Step 5: Drain, Steam, and Mash

Drain the potatoes thoroughly, then return them to the pot off the heat. Let them sit for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the steam to evaporate excess moisture. This little step keeps your mash from turning watery or grainy. Next, mash the potatoes with a masher or, for the creamiest texture, a potato ricer.

Step 6: Add Butter and Milk

Scatter the softened butter pieces over the hot mashed potatoes. Stir gently until the butter’s fully melted and incorporated. Then, slowly drizzle in the warm milk while stirring. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to taste. This method ensures every bite is velvety and flavorful.

Step 7: Stir in Optional Add-ins

If you’re using optional add-ins like ¼ to ⅓ cup full-fat sour cream and ½ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese, now is the time to fold them in. They add an irresistible richness and depth to your mashed potatoes, making this recipe truly shine as comfort food perfection.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy Warm

Serve your creamy mashed potatoes warm alongside your favorite main dish. Whether it’s roast chicken, grilled steak, or a hearty vegetarian entree, these mashed potatoes will be the star side that everyone asks for seconds of!

Top Tip

Getting creamy mashed potatoes just right can be a bit of an art, but with these tips from my own kitchen experiments, you'll nail the texture and flavor every time!

Don't Skip the Steam-Off: After draining the potatoes, letting them sit in the pot for about 2 minutes with occasional stirring really helps evaporate excess moisture, keeping your mash from turning watery or grainy.
Warm the Milk: Adding warm milk or half and half instead of cold ensures your potatoes absorb the liquid beautifully without cooling down or becoming gluey.
Use a Potato Ricer When Possible: Though a masher works, a ricer delivers the smoothest, velvety texture that’s worth the extra step.
Softened Butter is Key: Butter should be at room temperature to melt smoothly into your potatoes; microwaving just a few seconds if needed saves the day!

How to Serve Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

A close-up image shows a large blue cooking pot filled with creamy mashed potatoes that are pale yellow and thick in texture. A wooden spoon is partly inside the pot on the right side, stirring the mashed potatoes. White liquid, likely milk or cream, is being poured into the pot from a silver container above, adding a smooth white layer mixing with the mashed potatoes below. The pot sits on a striped cloth over a white marbled surface, with a fork placed nearby and a block of cheese and green herbs blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley instantly brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh pop of flavor. For extra indulgence, a few crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon pieces on top bring wonderful texture contrast. Don’t forget an extra pat of butter slowly melting into the warm mash—it’s pure comfort!

Side Dishes

This creamy mashed potatoes recipe pairs beautifully with classic roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or beef. It’s also fantastic alongside sautéed green beans, glazed carrots, or a simple crisp salad for balance. For cozy comfort food vibes, serve with gravy, meatloaf, or even your favorite BBQ ribs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover creamy mashed potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This helps maintain freshness and keeps the texture just right for reheating.

Freezing

For longer storage, let your mashed potatoes cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 5 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat with a splash of milk or cream to bring back that luscious texture.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream, stirring occasionally. This restores the creamy consistency perfectly. For extra richness, stir in a little butter just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use russet potatoes instead of gold potatoes?

Absolutely! Russet potatoes are a great substitute and will yield fluffy mashed potatoes, although gold potatoes provide a creamier texture and a naturally buttery flavor.

Is it better to boil potatoes in water or chicken broth?

Either works well. Boiling in chicken broth adds a subtle savory richness that can elevate the flavor, especially for special occasions. Water keeps it simple and classic.

How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?

Using half and half instead of whole milk, incorporating optional sour cream and parmesan cheese, and making sure your butter is fully softened before mixing all help achieve that extra creamy and luscious texture.

Can I prepare creamy mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can make them ahead, store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 5 months. Just reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore their creaminess.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is truly a comforting classic that brings warmth and joy to any meal. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, these mash-ups are sure to become a family favorite. The blend of buttery richness, smooth texture, and optional add-ins make every bite delightful—so don’t be shy about making it your own. Happy mashing!