30 Ultra-Comforting Mashed Potato Recipes

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes Recipe

These creamy mashed potatoes will quickly become a Thanksgiving tradition.

Triple-Onion Mashed Potatoes Recipe

You can omit the shallot topper for simpler spuds that are still delicious.

Because bacon makes everything better.

Rosemary Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Shallots Recipe

"This is the recipe that got my kids to like sweet potatoes! I've made it on random nights at home as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner - it's always a good time for this one." -akcooks

"Best mashed potatoes ever! I make these every Thanksgiving and they are a true crowd pleaser. I use 2% or whole milk (so much for cooking light!) and omit the chives. It is a little difficult to get the rind off but easier if it's chilled, as mentioned." -jndgregory

Mom's Smashed Mashed Potatoes Recipe

To keep potatoes warm until the meal is ready, place them, loosely covered, in a heatproof dish or bowl, and set them (without submerging them) in a larger pot of hot water over very low heat. They'll stay warm without scorching on the bottom.

Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes Recipe

The oil coats the starches in a layer of warm fat and keeps them from becoming gluey.

Perfect Mashed Potatoes Recipe

"The name of the recipe says it all..perfect. I've even substituted low versions of the half-and-half and cream cheese and it's still perfect." -lonestr

Mashed Potatoes with Greens Recipe

Make Ahead: Prepare this recipe through Step 4, and freeze. Thaw potato mixture in the fridge at least 24 hours before you plan to serve, and let it stand 20 minutes before baking as directed.

Simple Mashed Potatoes Recipe

"This is the perfect recipe for mashed potatoes. The proportions of ingredients are exactly right. You can use whipping cream or half & half - either way is delicious! You can use white pepper rather than black pepper if you prefer." -peaches09

Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe

"Some of the most flavorful mashed potatoes I've ever made! I subbed almond milk for the buttermilk, doubled the shallots and added a bit more broth for a creamier dish. Also used russets since they were on-hand. Love the roasted garlic - yummy!" -tara31

Classic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

"All I can say is that these mashed potatoes are oh so delicious and smooth. The recipe is great, as is, but add some crumbled bacon and you have the taste of a baked potato with the works. Everyone who likes a good potato dish will love these potatoes." -Agassizlady

Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe

"This is my mashed potato recipe from now on! Perfect!!!! My whole family loved these and the leftovers are amazing!!!!" -danachelle

Bacon and Cheddar Mashed Potatoes Recipe

"These are delicious. I served them with simple spicy baked chicken breasts and asparagus. I doubled the recipe, and I will definitely make these again." -skspillman

Mashed Potato Gratin Recipe

"Enjoyed this a lot. Can't really believe it's "good" for you. It's very very heavy, but yummy. We had this with thanksgiving dinner. I made it a day ahead and then heated it up right before." -Patten

Creamiest Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Look for xanthan gum with the gluten-free baking mixes and flours; it's available in most supermarkets these days. You can get semiclose results with cornstarch, but the spuds won't be quite as creamy.

Chipotle-Corn Mashed Potatoes Recipe

"These potatoes are the BEST!!!! Only added one can of peppers-they were still a little bit warm. Will make again and again! Great flavor!!!!" -Jendavis

Spinach-Feta Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Look for xanthan gum with the gluten-free baking mixes and flours; it's available in most supermarkets these days. You can get semiclose results with cornstarch, but the spuds won't be quite as creamy.

Sesame Mashed Potatoes Recipe

"Fantastic. Instead of half and half I used 1/2 cup of greek yogurt (which I had on hand) and it was awesome. I decreased the butter to a tbsp to save some calories and you don't even miss it because of the creaminess of the greek yogurt and moisture from the sesame oil." -JJ1916ohio

Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe

The decadent goat cheese adds to the richness of these potatoes. Garnish with freshly chopped chives.

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

"I took this to a potluck dinner at our church. It was gone in minutes, should have prepared two. Everyone wanted the recipe." -Carolynmickley

Quick Creamy Potatoes Recipe

A half-and-half combo of cauliflower and potatoes lightens up a classic mash.

Garlic Mashed Potato Gratin Recipe

"This was really tasty! I never had anything like it before and I don't regret making it. I made half the recipe and served with coleslaw and Spicy Sweet Pork Tenderloin (also on this website). Everyone loved it. I'm making this again!" -charoulli

Wacky Mashed Potatoes Recipe

"Fantastic idea-I love it. This recipe went over well with my family. We always try to come up with wacky and unusual ways to serve our meals." -spinach1948

French Onion Mashed Potatoes  Recipe

Classic buttermilk mashed potatoes are great, but if you’re looking to really wow, French Onion Mashed Potatoes are what you need. Perfect for a holiday dinner or other special occasion, these decadent, cheesy mashed potatoes are infused with the rich and comforting flavors of French onion soup. The onions, which are slowly caramelized with thyme and sherry to develop their incredible signature flavor, can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. With finishing touches of nutty Gruyere cheese and a sprinkle of crispy onions for a little textural contrast, our French Onion Mashed Potatoes are ready to steal the spotlight (not to mention, a few hearts) at any table. And for a special twist, try serving the mashed potatoes in individual bubbling ramekins.

Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe

How do you make mashed potatoes better? Load them up with classic baked potato toppings. These mashed potatoes are creamy and light, but filled with flavor. The sour cream gives the potatoes just the right amount of tang, and the cheese is melted to perfection. These potatoes make a perfect side dish for steak, a slow cooked roast, or any other indulgent main. Using cold butter allows for a better distribution of the fat and milk solids into the potatoes, while slowly adding butter keeps the potatoes fluffy.

Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe

What’s the secret to super creamy, melt-in-your-mouth mashed potatoes? Your slow cooker. These super simple Crock Pot mashed are easy to prepare and even easier to eat. They get tons of richness, thanks to plenty of butter and milk. Adding a bay leaf takes things up a notch and unveils a layer of savory aromatics that doesn’t overpower or cloy the rest of the dish. 

Jalapeño Popper Mashed Potato Bake Recipe

There are side dishes, and then there are side dishes that steal the show—these jalapeño popper inspired mashed potatoes most definitely fall into the second category. Made with a jalapeño infused cream (this step is both easy and essential), the mashed potatoes are imbued with a robust peppery warmth. This lingering heat is tempered by plenty of sour cream and sharp cheddar, which deliver the rich tang you’d expect from a popper dip. Finished with a buttery cracker and bacon topping, this Jalapeño Popper Mashed Potato Bake will be the dish nobody can stop talking about. 

Simple Mashed Rutabagas and Potatoes Recipe

When Thanksgiving rolls around, we prepare ourselves to spend most of the day cooking and most of the night in a food coma following our opulent feast. While the roast turkey is a key staple of the Thanksgiving dinner, more often than not the sides end up as the star of the show. From mashed potatoes to mac and cheese to cornbread dressing, our favorite Thanksgiving sides tend to lean on the heavier side, incorporating lots of butter and cream to create extra-indulgent dishes. But too much indulgence can leave you feeling heavy and weighed down. Lighten up the Thanksgiving table this year with our modern twist on classic mashed potatoes—Simple Mashed Rutabagas and Potatoes. Rutabagas are nutrient-rich root vegetables that, when mashed, take on many of the same starchy textural qualities as potatoes. A cross between cabbage and turnips, they’re mild and slightly bitter in flavor, making them a beautiful complement for earthy potatoes. The two root veggies join forces in this lighter version of a holiday mash. Just because it’s a lighter take on classic mashed potatoes doesn’t mean that this dish isn’t still indulgent. Like a classic mash, this recipe incorporates heavy cream and butter for a silky, creamy texture. The mash doesn’t need much seasoning to dress it up—all it requires is some salt and a teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg to bring out the dish’s warm holiday flavors. Top it with chopped parsley to add herbaceous freshness. This healthy holiday side will be a favorite addition to the Thanksgiving spread.

Ranch Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Not to brag, but this is the best version of homemade ranch mashed potatoes around. The fresh herbs really add some zing to this side and beautifully complement sour cream and buttermilk’s tang. For the fluffiest mashed potatoes, place the potatoes back in the pot after draining them and put them on low heat—this will remove any extra and unwanted moisture. This recipe will also work with russet potatoes instead of Yukons or plain yogurt instead of sour cream. Thin out leftover mashed potatoes with a splash of milk or water.