Easy Crowd-Pleasing Mashed Potatoes

A Family Tradition

I first made the Crowd-Pleasing Mashed Potatoes for Thanksgiving when I was hosting dinner for the first time. My grandmother always made the best mashed potatoes, and I wanted mine to be just as good. After trying different ways, I finally found the perfect mix of ingredients. These Crowd-Pleasing Mashed Potatoes became a favorite at our family gatherings, bringing back good memories and making new ones with every bite.

Perfect for Any Occasion

As I made Crowd-Pleasing Mashed Potatoes for different events, I saw how they fit every occasion. Whether it was a big holiday dinner, a casual party, or a simple weeknight meal, these mashed potatoes always got great reviews. I also loved how easy they were to prepare ahead of time. Keeping them warm in a slow cooker meant they were always ready when my guests were, making hosting easy and stress-free.

Health Benefits

Crowd-Pleasing Mashed Potatoes are not just tasty but also good for you. Yukon Gold potatoes are high in potassium, which helps keep your heart healthy. The milk and butter give a good amount of calcium and vitamin D, important for strong bones. Adding roasted garlic and fresh herbs like chives and parsley brings extra vitamins and nutrients. Using fresh, whole ingredients makes these Crowd-Pleasing Mashed Potatoes both comforting and healthy, a perfect side dish for any meal.

Chef’s Notes- Crowd-Pleasing Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy Texture Tip: For an extra creamy texture, add 4 tablespoons of cream cheese during the mashing process.
• Flavor Enhancements: Mix in roasted garlic, chopped chives, fresh parsley, or shredded cheese to boost flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Perfect as a side dish for roasted meats, turkey, or ham, especially during holidays.
• Peeling Shortcut: Save time by leaving the skins on the Yukon Gold potatoes for a chunkier, rustic texture.
• Equipment Tip: Use a potato ricer or food mill for ultra-smooth mashed potatoes.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the mashed potatoes a day in advance and reheat in a slow cooker to save
• time on the day of your event.
• Consistent Boiling: Ensure potatoes are cut into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
• Avoid Gluey Potatoes: Don’t over-mix the potatoes to prevent them from becoming gluey.
• Keep Warm in Slow Cooker: Keep mashed potatoes warm and ready to serve by transferring them to a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting.
• Adjusting Consistency: Add more milk or cream if the potatoes are too thick, a little at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
• Season Gradually: Taste and season gradually to avoid over-salting.

Crowd-Pleasing Mashed Potatoes

Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

10

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

18

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

Total time

38

minutes

Get ready to wow your guests with these fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes that are perfect for any gathering! This recipe is designed to serve a crowd and can be made ahead of time, making your holiday or party preparations a breeze. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a side dish that everyone will love. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion!

Ingredients

• Yukon Gold potatoes

• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces

• 1 tbsp kosher salt

• Additional milk and butter for reheating if needed

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Replace whole milk with almond milk for a dairy-free option.

• Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter for a vegan version.

• Use red potatoes if Yukon Gold are unavailable.

Directions

• Preparing Potatoes – Peel and chop the Yukon Gold potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Generously salt the water.
• Cooking Potatoes – Bring the pot to a boil over high heat and cook for about 15-18 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the water and transfer the potatoes to a large mixing bowl.
• Mashing Potatoes – Add the milk, butter pieces, and kosher salt to the bowl with the potatoes. Mash until you achieve your desired consistency. For extra smooth potatoes, use a stand mixer with the beater attachment on low speed for 2 minutes and then medium speed for 4 minutes.
• Seasoning and Adjusting Consistency – Taste and season with additional salt if needed. If you prefer creamier potatoes, add more milk or cream.
• Keeping Warm – Spray the insert of a slow cooker with cooking spray or use a liner. Transfer the mashed potatoes to the slow cooker and set it to keep warm until ready to serve.
• Reheating from Refrigerated – If making ahead and refrigerating, transfer the mashed potatoes to a slow cooker and cook on high heat for 30 minutes. Stir and reduce heat to low. Keep on low for 2-4 hours before serving, stirring every 30-60 minutes. If too thick, add up to ¼ cup milk/cream and 4 tablespoons butter 30 minutes before serving.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• large pot
• stand mixer
• slow cooker

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 250kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Potassium: 700mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 500IU
• Vitamin C: 20mg
• Calcium: 50mg
• Iron: 1mg

FAQ-Crowd-Pleasing Mashed Potatoes

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use red potatoes or Russet potatoes if Yukon Golds are unavailable. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor might differ slightly.

How can I make these mashed potatoes dairy-free?

Replace whole milk with almond milk and unsalted butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.

Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them a day ahead and reheat in a slow cooker. Add additional milk and butter as needed when reheating to maintain creaminess.

What can I do if my mashed potatoes turn out too thin?

If your mashed potatoes are too thin, you can thicken them by adding more mashed potatoes or reducing the liquid next time. For immediate fix, stir in a small amount of instant mashed potato flakes.

How can I prevent my mashed potatoes from becoming gluey?

To prevent gluey mashed potatoes, avoid over-mixing. Use a masher, ricer, or stand mixer on low speed just until smooth.

Yes, leaving the skins on Yukon Gold potatoes adds a rustic texture and can save preparation time. Just ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftover mashed potatoes in the microwave, stirring every minute to ensure even heating, or on the stovetop over low heat, adding milk and butter as needed to restore creaminess.