The Best Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Velvety smooth and rich, these mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal, guaranteed to be the best you've ever tasted. This American-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs russet potatoes, salt, whole milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes russet potatoes
- 1 tsp (divided: 1/2 tsp for boiling, 1/2 tsp for seasoning) salt
- 1/2 cup, warmed whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp (optional) grated Parmesan cheese
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 lbs peeled and cubed russet potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Step 2: Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander, then return them to the pot. Add 1/4 cup unsalted butter and 1/2 cup warmed milk, and mash until smooth using a potato masher.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy and smooth.
