Mashed Potatoes don't have to be boring! Check out this list of the 25 best, most creative, and most inspiring mashed potatoes recipes. From cajun and truffle to loaded and cheesy baked mashed potato. You're going to take your spuds to the next level!
Switch up your mashed potatoes with a variety of add-ins, toppings, or ingredients. A few simple swaps can turn mashed potatoes from boring to sensational!
Mash makes an easy side dish and it goes well with so many dishes. They're easy, keep well in the fridge, and are always a crowd-pleaser.
But, you can take inspiration from other dishes and easily add a bit of pizazz to your side dish.
From Colcannon and Truffle Mashed Potatoes to Duchess Potatoes, you'll find a recipe you'll love!
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Best potatoes for mashed potatoes
Wondering which variety you need in order to make the best mashed potato recipes? The best ones are those that are high in starch and low in moisture. They tend to produce a fluffier and creamier texture.
Here are some of the most commonly used varieties for making mashed potatoes:
- Russet Potatoes: Also known as Idaho potatoes, these are the most popular type of potatoes used for making mashed potatoes. They have a high starch content, which makes them perfect for creating a fluffy and creamy texture.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: These are another popular choice for making mashed potatoes. They have a slightly lower starch content than Russet potatoes, but their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture make them an excellent option.
- Red Potatoes: While they have a lower starch content than Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes, they still make great mashed potatoes. They have a slightly sweeter flavor and a creamier texture. This makes them a great choice for those who prefer a smoother texture.
Ultimately, the choice of potato for mashed potatoes comes down to personal preference. It's best to experiment with different varieties and see which one you like best.
What is the trick to making the best mashed potatoes?
With a few simple tricks, you can make the best mashed potato recipes! These simple tips can really elevate the flavor and texture of this simple side dish. Here are some tips:
- Choose the right potatoes: As I mentioned earlier, using the right type of potato is essential for creating the perfect texture. Russet, Yukon Gold, and Red potatoes are all great choices.
- Boil the potatoes correctly: Start by washing your potatoes and then peel them. If you prefer, some prefer to peel them after. Cut them into evenly sized pieces that aren't too small, so they cook evenly. Boil your potatoes in salted water until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Take care not to overcook them or they'll get waterlogged.
- Don't cut the potatoes too small: If they're tiny pieces, they can become waterlogged.
- Drain the potatoes well: Once your potatoes are cooked, drain them well and return them to the pot. Let them sit in the hot dry pot with a lid on for a few seconds to evaporate remaining moisture.
- Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or hand mixer until they are smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the butter: Add the butter. Ideally, it will be at room temperature, so it melts in quickly.
- Warm the milk: I like to heat the milk in a pot on the stove. Warming the milk ensures that when it's added it doesn't cool your potatoes. Don't let it boil, but warm the milk gently and then take it off the heat.
- Flavor the milk: If warming the milk, add a sprig of rosemary, a bay leaf, or a whole garlic cloves. Remove the herbs and garlic before adding to the potatoes.
- Add the milk a little at a time, as you may not need to use all of it.
- Additions: You can also add other ingredients for flavor, such as roasted garlic, chives, bacon bits, or Parmesan.
- Keep the potatoes warm: Mash can cool down quickly, so keep it warm in a covered dish.
Mashed Potato Recipes
Mashed Potatoes
Truffle Oil makes these fluffy and creamy mashed potatoes sophisticated with a rich, deep flavor.
Roasted garlic adds a huge flavor to these creamy mashed potatoes! It's an easy way to pack a punch in your spuds.
Cacio e Pepe Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate Italian mashed potato recipe! This twist on the traditional pasta dish uses simple, bold flavors with spuds! Creamy mashed potatoes are flavored with parmesan cheese and black pepper.
This authentic Irish Colcannon recipe has mashed potatoes mixed with scallion-infused milk, plus kale or cabbage. Perfect for St. Patrick's Day.
Everyone will love this Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole! It's full of bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives.
Add bold spice to your side dish with these Chipotle Mashed Potatoes! This recipe is made with skin-on red potatoes, low-fat buttermilk, garlic, and chipotle in adobo sauce to take your spuds to the next level!
Duchess potatoes are made with eggs, butter, and cheese and piped into swirls and then baked until golden.
Boursin is a popular herb-infused soft cheese. It's perfect swirled into mashed potato for an easy way to give it bold flavor.
Pomme Puree is a French take on mashed potatoes. They are extra creamy, buttery, and rich and pair perfectly with steak or other meats.
Boerenkool stamppot is a traditional Dutch recipe that's a tasty combination of mashed potatoes and kale. It's rich and flavorful. Serve it with veggies, sausages and gravy!
Champ is a tasty traditional Irish side dish of mashed potato with scallions, similar to Colcannon. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any day!
Swirl white cheddar into your mashed potatoes, and then top them with mushroom Guinness gravy for a huge taste.
Adding creamy ricotta cheese to your mashed potatoes gives it a wonderful rich flavor and a great texture.
Add bold flavor to your mashed potatoes with miso paste! Miso Mashed Potatoes are made with roasted garlic and buttery miso paste, so these potatoes pack a delicious umami flavor.
You can add great flavor to your mashed potatoes by putting them in the smoker! These smoked mashed potatoes are ultra creamy and perfect for backyard barbecues.
Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes are a wonderful side dish. They're made with tangy goat cheese, sour cream, garlic, and parmesan cheese for a great rich taste.
Almond milk adds flavor and dairy-free creaminess to these tasty mashed potatoes. They're easy, versatile, and the ultimate comfort food.
A few add-ins take your mashed potatoes to the next level! These chunky mashed red potatoes have crispy bacon, green onions, and ripe, red tomatoes.
These Amish Mashed Potatoes are full of cream cheese for lots of flavor. They're then topped with brown butter instead of gravy to make them super rich.
Adding shredded smoked gouda to your mashed potatoes gives them a rich and bold flavor that everyone will love!
Everyone will love these cheesy mashed potatoes! They are topped with a melted golden cheesy topping, then baked to perfection.
These mashed potatoes are full of mushrooms and green onions, then they're baked in a muffin pan so you have individual portions!
These mashed potatoes have the classic flavors of sour cream and chive, just like the popular sour cream and onion potato chip. They're easy to make and perfect with your favorite main course.
Ned says
I love mashed potatoes and these were amazing! Thank you so much for having all these yummy ones together. I know now which one I'll make for Easter. 🙂
Toni says
All these look really amazing!! I will definitely make all of these!
Tara says
Oh yum! I love all the different ways to dress up the mashed potatoes. The Muffin Tin Mashed Potatoes and Smoked Mashed Potatoes look fantastic.