How To Make The Creamiest Mashed Potatoes

How To Make The Creamiest Mashed Potatoes is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Tasty on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr

Cost: $3.60 total, $0.60 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes (peeled, cut into 1‑inch cubes)
  • 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted; divided (4 Tbsp for mash, 2 Tbsp for topping))
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (for infusion; warmed)
  • 1 sprig Fresh Rosemary (for infusing the cream)
  • 2 pieces Garlic Cloves (smashed; removed after simmering)
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (plus more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives (chopped for garnish)
  • as needed Cold Water (for soaking potatoes to prevent oxidation)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Potatoes

    Peel the Yukon Gold potatoes, cut them into 1‑inch cubes, and place them in a bowl of cold water to keep from oxidizing.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Boil Potatoes

    Drain the potatoes, add them to a large pot of cold water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a soft boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to low and simmer for about 12 minutes, or until fork‑tender.

    Time: PT20M

  3. Dry the Potatoes

    Remove the pot from heat, drain the potatoes in a colander, then return them to the empty pot over medium‑high heat. Stir for 2‑3 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Mash the Potatoes

    Using a potato ricer (or a fine‑mesh sieve with a spatula), press the potatoes through into a large mixing bowl. Avoid a food processor or hand mixer.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Infuse the Cream

    In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, rosemary sprig, and smashed garlic cloves. Heat over medium‑high until it reaches a gentle simmer, then let simmer for a few minutes. Strain out the herbs and garlic.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium-high

  6. Combine Butter and Cream

    Add the melted butter to the mashed potatoes first, mixing until fully incorporated. Then, gradually fold in the infused heavy cream, a little at a time, until the desired creamy consistency is reached. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Finish and Serve

    Transfer the mash to a serving bowl, top with the remaining 2 Tbsp melted butter, a drizzle of fresh black pepper, and sprinkle chopped chives. Serve hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Milk, Butter

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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How To Make The Creamiest Mashed Potatoes

Recipe by Tasty

A step‑by‑step guide to the creamiest, super‑smooth mashed potatoes inspired by Tasty’s holiday side dish. Using Yukon Gold potatoes, melted butter and infused heavy cream, this recipe avoids common pitfalls like gummy texture and yields a fluffy, buttery mash perfect for any celebration.

MediumAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
20m
Prep
25m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
55m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.60
Total cost
$0.60
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Boil potatoes until fork‑tender
  • Dry potatoes thoroughly after draining
  • Mash using a ricer or fine‑mesh sieve for uniform texture
  • Add butter before cream and incorporate cream gradually

Safety Warnings

  • Use oven mitts when handling hot pots and saucepans.
  • Be careful when draining boiling water to avoid burns.
  • Allow the infused cream to cool slightly before handling the strainer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of mashed potatoes as a holiday side dish in American cuisine?

A

Mashed potatoes have been a staple of American holiday meals since the 19th century, symbolizing comfort and abundance. They often accompany turkey at Thanksgiving and are featured on Christmas tables as a creamy, crowd‑pleasing side.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of mashed potatoes exist within the United States?

A

In the South, mashed potatoes are frequently enriched with sour cream or cheese, while New England versions may include cream cheese. The Midwest often prefers butter and milk, and some coastal regions add herbs like dill or chives for a fresh twist.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic traditional way to serve mashed potatoes in a classic American Thanksgiving setting?

A

Traditionally, the mash is served hot in a large serving bowl, topped with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, and sometimes a garnish of chopped parsley or chives. It is presented alongside gravy for drizzling.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations are mashed potatoes most commonly featured in American culture?

A

Mashed potatoes are most commonly featured at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family gatherings such as birthdays and holiday potlucks, where they act as a comforting, versatile side.

cultural
Q

How does mashed potatoes fit into the broader American comfort‑food tradition?

A

Mashed potatoes embody the American comfort‑food ethos: simple ingredients transformed into a rich, satisfying dish that pairs well with gravies, meats, and vegetable sides, reinforcing the idea of hearty, home‑cooked meals.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for classic American mashed potatoes versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include starchy potatoes (like Russet or Yukon Gold), unsalted butter, heavy cream or milk, and salt. Acceptable substitutes are half‑and‑half for cream, margarine for butter, and garlic or herbs for added flavor.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with the Ultimate Creamy Mashed Potatoes from Tasty?

A

These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with roasted turkey, honey‑glazed ham, beef tenderloin, gravy, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole, making them ideal for a full Thanksgiving or Christmas feast.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Ultimate Creamy Mashed Potatoes from Tasty?

A

Common mistakes include over‑mixing with a food processor (which creates a gummy texture), not drying the potatoes after draining (resulting in watery mash), and adding all the cream at once, which can make the mash soupy.

technical
Q

Why does this Tasty mashed potatoes recipe use melted butter before adding cream instead of adding them together?

A

Adding melted butter first coats the potato fibers, preserving a firm texture. If butter and cream are added simultaneously, the potatoes can become overly soft and lose the desired fluffy consistency.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Tasty specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Tasty specializes in fast‑paced, visually engaging recipe videos that showcase a wide range of cuisines, from quick weeknight meals to elaborate holiday dishes, using clear step‑by‑step visuals and concise narration.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Tasty's approach to American comfort‑food cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Tasty focuses on high‑energy, overhead‑camera shots and quick cuts that emphasize visual appeal and simplicity, often using everyday ingredients. This contrasts with many channels that provide longer, talk‑through tutorials with detailed technique explanations.

channel

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