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Peel and cube the potatoes.
Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large saucepan. Add enough water to cover. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook, uncovered, until you can easily pierce the potatoes with a fork, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain the potatoes.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the milk, salt and pepper. Heat through.
Pour the warmed milk mixture over the potatoes. Mash until light and fluffy.
Tips & Variations
Add tang: Fold in a little sour cream or strained (Greek-style) yogurt to balance out all the buttery, creamy indulgence.
Mix in your favorite flavors: Fold in cream cheese, roasted garlic, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese or a few tablespoons of thinly sliced green onions, snipped chives or chopped parsley.
Get creative with it: You can get really creative with the mix-ins! Add chorizo and salsa to add smoke and spice, or top with cheese curds and gravy to turn mashed potatoes into poutine. Other fun options include sun-dried tomatoes and pesto, harissa and lemon juice, or diced green chiles, toasted cumin and mustard seeds.
Give them a crispy top: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a broiler-safe dish. Top the potatoes with 2 tablespoons bread crumbs or crushed potato chips. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese. Broil until golden brown, one to two minutes.
Can you make mashed potatoes ahead of time?
It’s easy to make mashed potatoes ahead of time. You have a few options. If you only want to prep the potatoes ahead of time, peel and chop the potatoes. Store them in water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, drain the potatoes, and proceed as directed.
You can also fully prepare the mashed potatoes recipe ahead of time. Keep them warm until ready to serve, or let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them using one of the methods below.
Wondering how to keep mashed potatoes warm? Our favorite method uses a slow cooker. Choose the warm setting, and hold the mashed potatoes, covered, for up to two hours. Check the temperature from time to time to make sure they stay above 135°F. Fluff the potatoes up before serving, and whip in warmed cream or butter as needed.
How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes
The easiest way to reheat mashed potatoes is in the microwave. Reheat them on high, stirring every 30 seconds, until heated through. If needed, stir in extra milk or butter, 1 tablespoon at a time. You can also reheat mashed potatoes in a 350° oven. Let the mashed potatoes sit on the counter while the oven preheats. Then pop them in the oven, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes, until heated through.
How long are mashed potatoes good for?
Mashed potatoes are good for up to four days in the refrigerator. Let the potatoes cool. Then, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can you freeze mashed potatoes?
You can freeze Thanksgiving leftovers like mashed potatoes. To freeze them in individual portions, dollop the mashed potatoes onto a baking sheet. Freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen dollops to a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag. Alternatively, you can freeze the potatoes in bulk in a freezer-safe container. Store in the freezer for up to two months.
To reheat frozen mashed potatoes, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then reheat as directed.
Mashed Potatoes Tips
Taste of Home
How long do you boil potatoes for mashed potatoes
We boil our peeled, cubed potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes, until they are easily pierced with a fork. How long to boil potatoes for mashed potatoes really depends on the potato’s size. For example, you could boil your potatoes whole. However, they would take longer to cook through compared to smaller cubes.
How do you add flavor to mashed potatoes?
Adding extra butter or salt is the easiest way to add flavor to mashed potatoes. You can also add toppings or mix-ins to make mashed potatoes shine. Some of our favorites include cream cheese, sour cream, crumbled bacon, green onions and cheddar cheese. Check out the Variations section above for more ideas.
How do you thicken mashed potatoes that are too creamy?
If your mashed potatoes are too loose or creamy, add a thickener like cornstarch or potato starch. Add the thickener, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the potatoes reach the desired thickness. You can also add more potatoes to thicken up mashed potatoes. I always keep a box of instant mashed potatoes on hand for this very reason!
What do you do with leftover mashed potatoes?
There are many ways to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Turn the potatoes into a baked potato casserole with crumbled bacon and melted cheese, or use them to make skillet shepherd’s pie. Feel free to get creative and think outside the box. Leftover mashed potatoes make fantastic loaded stuffed potato pancakes and stuffin’ muffins.