A Simple Thanksgiving Recipe You Can’t Skip: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Ah, mashed potatoes. Is there anything more comforting? When it comes to Thanksgiving, we all know the turkey steals the show, but let’s be real—the real star of the meal is the side dishes. And nothing says “holiday dinner” quite like a big bowl of creamy mashed potatoes. It’s that dish that everyone dives into first, the one that gets scraped to the bottom of the bowl before you even have a chance to grab seconds. And what makes this recipe so special? It’s simple, creamy, buttery perfection that literally anyone can make.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie in the kitchen, this mashed potato recipe is foolproof, delicious, and the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread. No complicated ingredients or long prep times here—just good old-fashioned comfort food with a modern twist. Let’s dive into the recipe, shall we?

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need to create the most luscious mashed potatoes your guests will devour (don’t worry, you probably have most of these ingredients already).

• 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes (or russet potatoes if that’s what you have—Yukon Golds are extra creamy)
• 1 cup of heavy cream (for ultimate creaminess!)
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter (the more butter, the better, am I right?)
• 2 teaspoons salt (adjust as needed)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, but totally recommended for a bit of depth)
• Chives or parsley, chopped (optional, but they add a pretty pop of color and flavor)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes

Peel your Yukon Gold potatoes (if you want to keep a little skin for texture, you can absolutely leave it on!). Cut them into even chunks, about 1-2 inches in size. The goal is to get them roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Place them in a large pot and cover them with water—just enough to submerge them completely. Add a pinch of salt to the water (this helps season the potatoes as they cook).

Step 2: Boil the Potatoes

Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily pierce them with a fork.

Step 3: Make Them Creamy

While the potatoes are cooking, go ahead and heat up your heavy cream and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. This ensures the cream and butter are nice and warm when you add them to your potatoes. If you’re adding garlic (which I highly recommend because garlic and mashed potatoes are a match made in heaven), sauté it in a little butter or olive oil until it’s soft and fragrant.

Once the potatoes are done, drain them well and return them to the pot. You can let them sit for a minute to allow any excess water to evaporate (this helps keep them from being too watery). Now, it’s time to get mashing! Use a potato masher to mash them up until they’re smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Goodness

Slowly pour in the warm cream and butter mixture, stirring as you go. Keep mixing until the potatoes are silky smooth and have reached your desired consistency. Add the salt and pepper to taste. If you like your mashed potatoes extra creamy, feel free to add a little extra butter or cream—this is your mashed potato moment, after all!

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once you’ve got that perfect, creamy texture, transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. For a pop of color and extra flavor, sprinkle with freshly chopped chives or parsley. Voila! You’ve got yourself a bowl of mashed potato heaven.

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Tips for Making the Best Mashed Potatoes

• Use Yukon Golds or Russets: They’re the best potatoes for mashing because they’re starchy, which gives the potatoes that creamy, smooth texture we all love.
• Don’t overmix: If you mix your potatoes too much, they can get gluey. Just mash until smooth, and if you want them super silky, you can use a hand mixer or potato ricer (but I promise, mashing by hand will do just fine!).
• Warm your cream and butter: This helps them integrate better into the potatoes and keeps everything nice and hot when you mix.
• Make ahead: You can make these mashed potatoes ahead of time! Just prepare them as directed, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra cream or milk to bring them back to life.

Why This Recipe is a Thanksgiving Essential

Let’s be real, mashed potatoes are like the blank canvas of Thanksgiving sides. They go with everything—turkey, stuffing, gravy, veggies, you name it. And this simple recipe is so easy, yet it packs so much flavor. The creamy richness from the butter and cream, combined with the subtle, savory taste of garlic (if you’re using it), creates the perfect balance. Plus, the mashed potatoes are fluffy without being too light, and they hold up well on the plate when you ladle on that Thanksgiving gravy.

Now, if you’re looking to make your Thanksgiving day prep even easier, there are a few kitchen tools that can help you get the job done faster. A good quality potato masher can make all the difference when you’re mashing up your spuds. You could also use a slow cooker to keep these mashed potatoes warm for hours, so you don’t have to worry about them getting cold while you prep the rest of your meal.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it—a super simple, delicious, and creamy mashed potato recipe that’ll steal the show at your Thanksgiving dinner. With just a few ingredients and a couple of easy steps, you can make a dish that will have your family and friends asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds). Want more fall inspired and thanksgiving dinner ideas check out my other blogs here!

Remember, Thanksgiving is about more than just the food—it’s about creating memories and enjoying time with those you love. So, make it stress-free and fun with recipes that are simple but filled with all the comfort and flavor of the season. And who knows? Maybe these mashed potatoes will become your new holiday tradition.

I hope you enjoy this creamy mashed potato recipe and that your Thanksgiving is full of great food, laughter, and lots of mashed potatoes!

As Always, Keep Cooking!