The Ultimate Creamy Mashed Potatoes
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
The holidays wouldn’t be the holidays without seeing a giant bowl of mashed potatoes, waiting to be devoured.
When I came to Canada, I was in awe of perfect mashed potatoes that were served at family gatherings. The fluff, the butter, the creaminess. Me being me, as much as I appreciate others cooking for me, I can’t wait for the holidays to roll around to be served mashed potatoes. I gotta make these bad boys for myself, and for no particular occasion! When I want to eat something, I go ahead and make it!
To me, a perfect homemade mashed potato is what completes a comforting meal. I’ve loved potatoes all my life - in fact, as a kid, that’s one of the only things I’d eat - so I take my mashed potatoes seriously. It’s taken me quite a bit of experimenting to figure out how to make the best mashed potatoes to share with you, but when I made this particular batch, I knew this recipe came to me straight from heaven! Now it’s time for you to make them and enjoy!
What Goes in Homemade Mashed Potatoes?
Potatoes: Well, you can’t have mashed potatoes without potatoes! I use Yukon gold potatoes. Use the best potatoes you can find. No bruises, bumps, gross skin… You want your potato to be firm without bumps and to have a lovely yellow colour!
Unsalted butter: I always like to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt I add to my mashed potatoes.
Half and half cream: The key to making the potatoes creamy!
Salt and pepper: To taste.
That’s it! Such a short list of ingredients, but together they make a mighty fine delight!
How to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Boiling the Potatoes
Before boiling your potatoes using either method, be sure to thoroughly rinse your potatoes to remove any dirt.
On the Stove Top
In a pot or saucepan, add enough water to fit the potatoes. Bring the water up to a boil and season with salt
Add the potatoes and lower heat to medium. Boil potatoes uncovered for 15- 30 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes.
To check if the potatoes are cooked, insert a fork or knife through the thickest part of the potato. If it inserts easily, the potatoes are cooked.
Instant Pot
Insert the trivet in the Instant Pot and place the potatoes on the trivet. Pour 1/4 to 1/3 cup of water over the potatoes.
Close the Instant Pot and ensure the Instant Pot is in Sealing mode. Select the Steam setting and cook for 12 minutes, allowing for the pressure to release naturally.
Once the pressure has released, remove the lid. Insert a fork to check if the potatoes are completely cooked.
To Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Once the potatoes have finished cooking, peel them and add them to a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer. I’ll be using a stand mixer.
Lightly mash the potatoes and add the butter and start the mixer at the lowest speed. Start pouring the cream to the bowl and keep mixing on the lowest speed (if using a hand mixer or a large whisk, start whisking as you pour the butter) until potatoes are creamy and smooth.
Once the potatoes have reached a creamy consistency, season with salt and pepper and continue whisk at medium speed. This will help incorporate some air and make them fluffier.
How Can You Enhance Mashed Potatoes?
There are a lot of ways to make mashed potatoes even better. My favourite toppings include:
Cajun Mashed Potatoes a simple variation with my Amazing Homemade Cajun Seasoning.
Loaded Mashed Potatoes Bacon bits with all the works, old cheddar cheese or Parmesan, bacon bits and lots of chives.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes with a slow roasted head of garlic, roughly chopped and mixed with the butter and cream.