Simple and Delicious 4-Ingredient Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish, perfect for holidays or any meal that needs a comforting accompaniment. Whether you’re preparing them for a festive feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this foolproof mashed potatoes recipe will ensure they turn out creamy and flavorful every time.

Jump to:

• Getting Started
• Ingredient Recommendations
• Finishing Touches
• Pairings
• Leftovers
• Recipe

Getting Started

Before diving into the recipe, gather the necessary tools to make prep work a breeze:

• Vegetable scrub brush – Essential for cleaning your potatoes, especially if leaving the skins on.
• Lint-free towel – Perfect for drying potatoes after rinsing.
• Peeler – If you prefer skinless mashed potatoes, a good peeler or, one of the essential kitchen knives, a paring knife, will speed up the process.

You don’t have to peel the potatoes. Either way clean up any rough spots, such as eyes, damaged areas, and bruises, for a smoother final texture.

Side note: I use two of the three essential kitchen knives to make this recipe.

Next, you’ll use a cutting board and another essential kitchen knife, a Chef knife, to chop the potatoes into roughly the same size cubes to boil. 

To speed up the boil time, place a lid on your pot. However, once boiling, remove the lid.

Once the potatoes are tender, you can use the lid to carefully drain the water. I also grab a couple of oven mitts to hold the hot lid and pot. First, pour some of the water into a container (like a glass measuring cup) before discarding the rest down the drain.

To mash the potatoes, I used to use an electric hand mixer, but I’ve found that a simple hand masher provides better texture control. Over mixing with a mixer can make mashed potatoes gluey, so hand mashing is my go-to method.

Always keep some of the starchy cooking water—it helps achieve the perfect consistency. If you prefer creamier mashed potatoes, add a splash at a time until you reach your desired texture.

Mashed Potatoes Recipe Ingredient Recommendations

Potatoes

I swear by gold potatoes for mashed potatoes. Their naturally buttery texture and flavor make all the difference. I’m often asked what kind of potatoes I use. To me, gold potatoes are the only potato to use for mashed potatoes.

Butter & Sour Cream

Unsalted butter works best, allowing you to control the salt level. Store-brand butter is just fine. If you only have salted butter, reduce or omit added salt in the recipe.

Sour cream is a game-changer for richness and creaminess. Store-brand sour cream works perfectly and the amount used can be adjusted to taste and texture preferences.

Finishing Touches

Don’t over mix or leave the potatoes on heat too long. Overworking the potatoes or keeping them on the heat, including keeping them warm in a slow cooker, after mashing can result in a gummy, gluey consistency.

Mashed Potatoes Recipe Pairings

Mashed potatoes pair well with everyday dinners and holiday meals like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Even Christmas-in-July!

They also pair well with these recipes:

• Chicken Marsala
• Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
• Broccoli Casserole
• Vegetarian Broccoli Casserole
• Buttery Herbed Carrots
• Homemade Stuffing
• Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut
• Holiday

Mashed Potatoes Recipe Leftovers

This mashed potatoes recipe makes a lot. So if you’re making it for two people you will have leftovers. I do have another small batch recipe when I don’t want as many leftovers. I like this recipe for gatherings, holidays, when I have a bag of potatoes to use up or run out of mashed potatoes to go with Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut leftovers. I never mind having leftover homemade mashed potatoes on hand and they freeze great too!

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for a few days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze portions in a Souper Cube to make reheating individual servings easy.

Reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. You may need to use a defrost setting if reheating from frozen.

Whether for a big holiday spread or a cozy meal at home, these mashed potatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give them a try and see why gold potatoes make all the difference!