This mashed potato recipe is simple yet indulgently creamy and buttery. It delivers a fluffy texture and rich flavor with just potatoes, salt, butter, and milk (or cream) — no extra fuss required.

Creamy Buttery Mashed Potato

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pot simplicity with everyday ingredients—potatoes, salt, butter, and milk or cream—that come together to deliver comfort in a bowl.
Perfect texture without gadgets: floury or all-rounder potatoes make for fluffy, creamy mash without needing a ricer or food processor.
Versatile and irresistible: a side that pairs with almost anything—from roasts and steaks to gravies and sauces—and even stands alone, especially when drizzled with extra butter.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Potatoes (floury or all-rounder like Russet, Maris Piper, or Sebago)
Salt (for cooking and seasoning)
Unsalted butter
Milk or cream (warmed if possible)
Optional garnish: extra melted butter, chives or parsley

Directions

Prep the potatoes: Peel and cut into even 2.5 cm (1″) cubes.
Boil: Place in salted water (1 tbsp salt per liter), bring to a boil, then simmer until super soft—should virtually fall apart when poked with a fork.
Drain & dry: Drain and return potatoes to the pot. Let sit for 1 minute, shaking the pot occasionally to evaporate excess water.
Mash and flavor: Add butter and warmed milk (or cream), then mash by hand until creamy and fluffy. Avoid using beaters or processors, as these can make the mash gluey.
Serve beautifully: Spoon into a serving bowl, make swirls on top, drizzle with extra melted butter, and sprinkle with chives or parsley.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes

Variations

Stir in cream cheese or sour cream for tangy creaminess.
Add minced garlic cooked in butter before mashing for aromatic flavor.
Garnish with chopped green onions, parsley, or chives for freshness and color.

Storage/Reheating

Keep warm (up to 30 minutes): Cover bowl tightly and place in a warm spot; stir gently before serving.
Keep warm (up to 2 hours): Place bowl over simmering water (bowl shouldn’t touch the water).
Slow cooker: Press parchment over the mash, cover with foil, and keep on warm (≤ 60 °C / 140 °F) for up to 4 hours.
Make-ahead: Prepare in advance using a restaurant-style method for serving later.

FAQs

1. What type of potatoes produce the best texture?

Floury or all-rounder potatoes like Russet, Maris Piper, and Sebago are ideal—they mash easily without needing a ricer for great fluffiness.

2. Can I use a mixer to mash?

Avoid beaters, food processors, or blenders—they activate starch and can make the mash gluey. Hand mashing gives the best creaminess.

3. Is milk better than cream?

Both work well—milk is lighter, while cream adds more richness. Either way, warm it before mashing for smoother texture.

4. Should I season the potatoes?

Yes—salt the boiling water so that the potatoes absorb flavor as they cook.

5. Can I prepare the mash ahead?

Yes! You can prepare mashed potatoes in advance and reheat before serving using gentle warming methods.

6. How do I restore mashed potatoes from the fridge?

Reheat gently with added warm milk or cream and stir slowly to prevent dryness or gumminess.

7. How do I make the mash extra creamy?

Mash thoroughly while potatoes are still warm, and add extra butter, cream cheese, or sour cream for added richness.

8. Why is mash sometimes gluey?

Overworking the potatoes triggers starch release, leading to gluey texture. Stick to gentle hand-mashing only.

9. Any tips for a golden finish?

Drizzle melted butter over swirls made in the mash for a decadent buttery finish and beautiful presentation.

10. What main dishes pair well with this mash?

Mashed potatoes pair well with roasts, steaks, chicken, meatballs, stews, or dishes featuring rich sauces and gravies.

Conclusion

This creamy buttery mashed potato is a fuss-free, comforting essential—ultra-fluffy, smooth, and rich without any unnecessary ingredients. Easy enough for weeknight meals, yet impressive enough for a holiday feast. Enjoy the perfect side any day of the week.