Go Back
Creamy homemade mashed potatoes with butter melting in the center, sprinkled with fresh parsley and black pepper, served in a rustic bowl for a classic comfort food side dish.

Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe

The creamiest, classic mashed potatoes made with just five simple ingredients — potatoes, butter, milk, salt, and coarse black pepper. These homestyle mashed potatoes are smooth, rich, and perfectly seasoned, making them the ideal side dish for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any cozy meal at home.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lb russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 stick
  • 3/4 to 1 cup milked, warmed
  • salt, to taste
  • coarse black pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Potato masher
  • Measuring cup
  • Potato peeler

Method
 

  1. Add peeled, cubed potatoes to a large pot and cover with cold water. Salt the water generously.
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until potatoes are completely tender.
  3. Drain well and return potatoes to the warm pot. Let steam evaporate 2–3 minutes.
  4. Mash the potatoes while hot.
  5. Warm the milk and butter together in a small pot or microwave until melted and steamy.
  6. Pour the warm milk-butter mixture into the potatoes a little at a time while mashing until smooth and creamy.
  7. Season generously with salt and coarse black pepper. Taste and adjust until perfect.