No holiday table is complete without a batch of classic, butteryhomemademashed potatoes, and this recipe is perfectly easy to make and yields a heavenly and fluffy bowl of mashed potatoes.

ham, green beans, stuffing and mashed potatoes on a white circular plate.

We’re talking about the good stuff today! Mashed potatoes. Is there a bettercomfort food? I don’t think so… You can’t go wrong with potatoes and butter, right? They go amazing with my easyLemon Pepper Chickenand I’ll tell you, yourholiday celebrationneeds these potatoes! I know you’ll fall in love with this recipe as much as we have!

I must say,russets are my favorite potatovariety for mashed potatoes. They’re forgiving and create the fluffiest end result. When it comes to the great mashing debate, I’m firmly on teampotato masher, and occasionally, I’ll use a hand mixer to break down some of the chunks. You can use whatever method you desire to get the texture you like in mashed potatoes.

close up of mashed potatoes with melting butter on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Using russet potatoes, butter, and a few other simple ingredients, you can make the best homemade mashed potatoes for yourholiday table or any other occasion.
They’re so fluffy and buttery, and make theperfect vessel forgravyto sit inside.
Potatoes are one of thebest comfort foodsout there, and this simple recipe makes a buttery and extra-fluffy batch that you will love.

Recipe Ingredients

Potatoes– I prefer russet but Yukon gold also work well
Butter
Milk –whole milk will give the creamiest result
Salt

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

mashed potatoes in red dutch oven with butter melting.

How to Make Mashed Potatoes

Peel and chop potatoes.
Boil until tender, then drain.
Add meltedbutter, warmed milk, and salt.
Mash or beat until smooth and enjoy!

top view of cubed potatoes in a green bowl.

Recipe FAQs

How do you make mashed potatoes without a masher?

If you don’t have a potato masher, a fork is a good substitute. It will create a slightly lumpy consistency. You can also use a hand mixer if you don’t like lumps.

What is the best potato for mashing?

I prefer russet potatoes, but Yukon golds also create smooth, fluffy, and flavorful mashed potatoes. Avoid using waxy potatoes, like red or white varieties, because they create a more pasty mashed potato texture.

How many potatoes is 5 pounds?

It depends on the size of your potatoes. Generally, 7 to 8 russet medium russet potatoes equals 5 pounds, but I’d recommend weighing them on the scale in your store’s produce section.

Expert Tips

If you’d like to thicken your mashed potatoes, you can heat them over the stove,stirring constantly, for 3 to 10 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.Remove them from heat once they’ve reached the desired consistency.
Many question how to mash your potatoes. I’m on the teampotato masherand occasionally I’ll get out ahand mixer. I don’t think you need a ricer or any special equipment.
Be sure not to over-mix the potatoes, or else they might get a gluey consistency.