Velvety Mashed Potatoes with Chive

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy mashed potatoes made with minimal butter and fresh chive, achieving perfect texture without excess dairy. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs peeled and quartered russet potatoes, unsalted butter, whole milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs peeled and quartered russet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1/2 tsp salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Simmer for 15-18 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain thoroughly in a colander, shaking gently to remove excess water.
  3. Step 3: Return drained potatoes to the pot and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter. Mash with a potato masher until mostly smooth, adding 1/4 cup whole milk gradually until creamy but not runny.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra chives. Serve immediately while hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Velvety Mashed Potatoes with Chive take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Velvety Mashed Potatoes with Chive?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Velvety Mashed Potatoes with Chive?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Velvety Mashed Potatoes with Chive for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Velvety Mashed Potatoes with Chive?

American vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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