Classic Fluffy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Creamy and the perfect texture! Classic fluffy mashed potatoes are a simple, easy, and crowd pleasing side dish to serve at your next dinner!
How to Make the Best Classic Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
Classic fluffy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy and light, using a combination of russet and Yukon gold potatoes for the ideal texture. The addition of cream cheese and whole milk creates that signature fluffy consistency that makes these potatoes irresistible.
What makes these mashed potatoes special is the attention to technique. Using a standing mixer beats the potatoes to the perfect smoothness without overworking them, which can result in a gluey texture. The warm milk and melted butter are incorporated gently to maintain that airy quality, while the softened cream cheese adds richness and tang that elevates the dish beyond ordinary mashed potatoes.
Whether you’re serving them alongside a holiday turkey, topping them with gravy for dinner, or enjoying them as a standalone comfort food, these classic fluffy mashed potatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re simple enough for everyday meals yet elegant enough to grace your Thanksgiving or special occasion table.
Classic Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy and the perfect texture! Classic fluffy mashed potatoes are a simple, easy, and crowd pleasing side dish to serve at your next dinner!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel all of the potatoes and dice into roughly 1-inch cubes for boiling.
Cooking
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the potatoes and cook for 8 to 12 minutes or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain the cooked potatoes well and transfer to a standing mixer. Beat on low speed with the paddle attachment until all the potatoes are smooth, about 2 minutes. If you don't have a standing mixer, transfer to a mixing bowl and use a traditional potato masher to press until there are little to no clumps.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter. Once melted, add the milk and heat just until warmed. Transfer to the potatoes and mix. The potatoes may seem loose at first but will firm up as ingredients combine.
- Mix in the softened cream cheese on low speed or by hand until fully incorporated.
Finishing
- Taste the potatoes and season generously with salt and black pepper, about 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Taste again to see if more seasoning is needed.
- Serve immediately or hold in a crockpot or dutch oven until ready to serve. These potatoes can be reheated before serving without becoming dry or heavy.
Notes
- Check both the russet and Yukon gold potatoes for doneness, as Yukon gold are slightly denser.
- For a standing mixer, use the paddle attachment on low speed to achieve the fluffiest texture.
- These creamy potatoes can be made ahead and reheated without losing their light, fluffy texture.