Creamy Mashed Potatoes – The Cookie Rookie®

These creamy mashed potatoes are so delicious, so easy to make, and so perfect for any meal. Russet potatoes with heavy cream, milk, and butter turns into the smoothest, richest, creamiest side dish. Better yet, they’re ready in just about 30 minutes!

creamy mashed potatoes in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon.

Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes

This recipe makes the creamiest mashed potatoes you’ll ever try! It’s a crowd-favorite side dish that should make an appearance on every holiday table, from Thanksgiving to Christmas and beyond.

In about 30 minutes, you’ll have the perfect potatoes ready to serve with your favorite dishes, and these are easy to change up too. Add cheese or your favorite mix-ins (like chives, bacon bits, and more). But they’re so good exactly as they are, you’ll have trouble resisting seconds.

Why You’ll Love this Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe:

Creamy: The texture is absolutely amazing. Smooth yet fluffy, these potatoes are melt-in-your-mouth perfection!
Quick: You only need a few basic ingredients and a little over 30 minutes to make this recipe. Whip them up for dinner any time with ease!
Holiday Favorite: Mashed potatoes are everyone’s favorite side dish, so everyone will love seeing this Thanksgiving side dish on the table with the turkey or ham.

So if you’re wondering how to make creamy mashed potatoes, keep reading. It’s all about getting perfectly-cooked potatoes, and adding those creamy, rich ingredients (like heavy cream). So simple!

creamy mashed potatoes in a cast iron skillet.

close up of creamy mashed potatoes in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon.

How to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!

Peel, chop, and boil the potatoes until they’re fork-tender.
Drain and cool the potatoes for a few minutes.
Heat the heavy cream, milk, and butter in a saucepan.
Mash the potatoes.
Stir in the cream mixture until fully combined, season, and serve!

step by step photos for how to make creamy mashed potatoes.

What potatoes are best for creamy mashed potatoes?

For creamy mashed potatoes, I like to use russet potatoes. They have a great texture when cooked and mashed, and get nice and creamy. Yukon Gold potatoes are another good option. I do not recommend using red or new potatoes, as they are waxy and do not mash as well.

Are mashed potatoes gluten free?

Yes! These mashed potatoes are naturally gluten-free!

How long do I boil potatoes for mashed potatoes?

If you cut your potatoes into 1-inch chunks, they should take about 10-15 minutes to cook. For larger chunks, increase the cooking time. You want to cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender!

Can dogs eat mashed potatoes?

I don’t recommend feeding your dog mashed potatoes, as potatoes have little nutritional value for them, and the added salt, seasonings, and fatty dairy are not good for them either!

Can you freeze mashed potatoes?

Absolutely! Scoop 1-cup mounds of mashed potatoes onto a lined baking sheet and freeze uncovered until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can you make mashed potatoes ahead of time?

You can make creamy mashed potatoes up to 1 day in advance of when you plan to serve them. Prepare the recipe as directed, let cool completely, then cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How long are mashed potatoes good for?

Mashed potatoes stay fresh for up to 4 days when properly stored in the refrigerator!

Serving Suggestions

You have the best creamy mashed potatoes, now what do you serve them with? In short: everything! It’s the best side dish for holidays, so be sure to serve them alongside your Thanksgiving turkey recipes or Christmas ham.

Don’t worry, this recipe won’t go to waste as a holiday-only dish. It’s easy enough to make any night of the week, whether you’re serving baked chicken, pork chops, meatloaf, or whatever you’re cooking for dinner.

This makes a great go-to recipe that you can easily build up to your liking. Start with creamy potatoes, add cheese, different herbs and seasonings, or add gravy.

Make Ahead Instructions

Storage Instructions

Store leftover creamy mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a Dutch oven over medium-low heat or in the microwave on high for 1 minute.

Freezing Instructions

Scoop 1-cup mounds of mashed potatoes onto a lined baking sheet and freeze uncovered until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations

For dairy free mashed potatoes, use dairy-free butter, milk, and cream! You can also use some of the starchy cooking liquid from the potatoes in place of the milk or cream.
For cheesy mashed potatoes, add ½ cup of your favorite cheese!
For loaded mashed potatoes, add cheese, chopped cooked bacon, and chives.
For ranch mashed potatoes, add a packet of ranch seasoning.
For herby potatoes, feel free to add some of your favorite chopped herbs.

Tips for the Best Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Cut the potatoes as evenly as possible so that all of the chunks cook at the same rate.
Be sure to let the potatoes fully drain before mashing them.
For extra smooth potatoes, pass them through a ricer before mashing.
Heat the dairy before adding it to your potatoes to help it combine more easily.
Avoid overmixing your potatoes; otherwise, they will come out gummy.
Don’t add all of the dairy at once. It’s easier to mix it in slowly, and this will prevent overmixing.