These Traditional Mashed Potatoes are easy to make, creamy, fluffy, and exactly what your basic mashed potato recipe should be!

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If you are looking for a recipe for classic mashed potatoes like Grandma makes, you are in the right place. This easy recipe just uses four simple ingredients to make creamy, fluffy, perfect mashed potatoes every time.

Sure, you can dress them up if you'd like (see suggestions for mix-ins below), but I say, why mess with perfection?

These traditional mashed potatoes are the ideal accompaniment for all of your favorite cold-weather comfort foods; think along the lines of this Lipton Meatloaf Recipe, Meatloaf Muffins, Salisbury Steak, or Chicken Fried Chicken.

And let's not forget Thanksgiving! This is 100% the perfect Thanksgiving mashed potatoes recipe served with Slow-Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy. I know you'll love them as much as I do!

HOW TO MAKE TRADITIONAL MASHED POTATOES

Classic homemade mashed potatoes are super easy to make! First, potatoes are peeled and then boiled until tender. Then, the potatoes are drained and blended with warm milk and butter. Finally, the potatoes are seasoned with salt. Easy peasy! See below for a detailed ingredients list and instructions.

WHAT KIND OF POTATOES SHOULD I USE FOR MASHED POTATOES?

The best kind of potatoes to use for traditional mashed potatoes is russet potatoes. Russet potatoes are high in starch and give the potatoes a creamy, fluffy texture.

CAN MASHED POTATOES BE MADE IN ADVANCE?

These mashed potatoes are best made the day they are being served, but can be made several hours in advance. To make the potatoes several hours in advance, prepare the potatoes as written and transfer them to a slow cooker. Cover and set to low and stirring occasionally.

MASHED POTATO MIX-INS

Let me preface these recommendations by saying that these mashed potatoes are absolutely perfect as is, but if you're feeling adventurous and want to jazz things up a little, here are a few good mix-in choices:

• cream cheese
• roasted garlic
• fresh herbs
• sour cream
• shredded cheddar cheese
• bacon
• sliced green onions

MORE POTATO SIDE DISH RECIPES

Looking for more yummy recipes for spuds? Check out these popular potato side dish recipes from the archives:

• One Skillet Potatoes au Gratin
• Air Fryer Salty Skin Baked Potatoes
• Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
• Parmesan Red Potato Wedges

If you try this recipe, I'd love to know what you think in the comments below. Enjoy!

6 servings

Traditional Mashed Potatoes

These Traditional Mashed Potatoes are easy to make, creamy, fluffy, and exactly what your basic mashed potato recipe should be!

  prep time: 15 MINcook time: 20 MINtotal time: 35 MIN 

INGREDIENTS

6 medium potatoes
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-2 inch cubes. Place the potatoes into a pot and cover with water until the water is 1-inch above the potatoes.  Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-high and simmer uncovered until the potatoes are tender (around 15 minutes). Drain the potatoes.

2. Meanwhile, heat the milk and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until the butter is melted.

3. After draining, put the potatoes into a large mixing bowl and add the warmed milk, butter, and salt.  Beat with a mixer until smooth and creamy.

NOTES

It's important to mash these potatoes just after draining. If they get too cool, they will turn out gluey.

For extra rich mashed potatoes, use heavy cream or evaporated milk in place of the milk.

Depending on the size of your potatoes, you may need to add a splash more milk.

Author: Becky

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