Mashed potatoes are a comfort food staple, and I bet you agree. They are perfect for holidays, weeknights, or anytime you want a warm, creamy side dish. I’ve got two great potato recipes for you today, one classic and one with a sweet and garlicky flavor.
These simple mashed potato dishes are easy to make and will quickly become favorites at your table. Whether you like traditional white potatoes or a sweeter option, you’ll find something delicious here.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This classic mashed potatoes recipe delivers a smooth, fluffy side that everyone loves. It’s straightforward to make and perfect with almost any main course.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Best Mashed Potatoes
- Choose the Right Potato: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are best for mashing because they get very fluffy and absorb butter and cream well.
- Warm Your Dairy: Heating your milk or cream before adding it to the potatoes helps them blend more smoothly and keeps the potatoes warm.
- Season Generously: Don’t forget to salt your cooking water, and taste the finished potatoes before serving to adjust salt and pepper.
What You Need
- 2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for cooking water
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh chives or parsley for garnish
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4-6 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water by about an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes
While the potatoes are cooking, gently warm the milk and butter in a small saucepan until the butter melts. Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Return the hot, drained potatoes to the empty pot. Add the warm milk and butter mixture, along with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. Do not overmix, as this can make them gluey. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh herbs if you like, and serve warm.
📝 Final Note
For extra creamy potatoes, a touch of cream cheese or sour cream can be folded in at the end.
Mashed Sweet Potato with Garlic Recipe
If you’re looking for something a little different, these mashed sweet potatoes with roasted garlic are a real treat. They offer a lovely balance of sweet and aromatic flavors, perfect for any meal.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Sweet Potato Mash
- Roast the Garlic: Roasting whole garlic cloves makes them soft, sweet, and mild. This is better than raw garlic for mashing.
- Enhance Sweetness: A tiny bit of maple syrup or brown sugar can bring out the natural sweetness of the potatoes even more.
- Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage pair wonderfully with sweet potatoes and garlic.
What You Need
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 head garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup milk or plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup
⏱️ Time: 45 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4-6 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut off the top quarter of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in aluminum foil. Roast for 30-35 minutes until the cloves are soft and lightly golden. Once cooled slightly, squeeze the soft garlic out of its skin.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sweet potatoes are very tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain them well.
Step 3: Mash and Season
Return the hot, drained sweet potatoes to the pot. Add the roasted garlic, warm milk, butter, salt, pepper, and optional maple syrup. Mash everything together until smooth. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
📝 Final Note
These sweet potato mashed potatoes are also great with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming flavor.
