Mom’s Mashed Potatoes
My mom’s Homemade Mashed Potatoes are creamy and delicious! It is the only mashed potatoes recipe you will ever need!
Last spring my sister moved across the country. She just packed her bags and moved a whole bunch of states away. I kind of sort of thought she had lost her mind. I am a planner. Like big time. I have lists, two planners, a five-year plan for basically every phase of life.
I am a very by-the-book kind of person. So the idea of just saying “Hey, you know what, I think I will just up root my entire world and move…like now” stressed me out.
I had anxiety for her. I worried she would regret it, I worried she wouldn’t make friends, or find a good job. I worried she would have a flat tire and have no one to call. I worried she would get lost, I worried about everything. I also worried, maybe even more than everything else, that she would enjoy it.
What if she loved it and never came back? Or just woke up one day and decided to move again…to like Russia or Africa or something?! Her free spirit is puzzling to me, and will forever make me wonder how we can both come from the same people. We are basically complete and total opposites in every way.
As the weeks and months passed, my worry for her changed. I tried to stop dwelling on all of the things that could happen, and instead tried to focus on the positive experiences and personal growth that is gained by doing something crazy like this.
Don’t get my wrong, I still don’t really understand it, and she is my last prayer before I fall asleep every night, but I started thinking of things we actually do have in common. Even though we both have so many differences there is one thing that we share. A true, and undying love for our Mother’s homemade mashed potatoes.
Whenever I am homesick, that is what I want. I have no idea why. It just makes me feel better. It is comfort food at its finest. So the last time I was home I watched my mom make her creamy mashed potatoes and I wrote it down because sometime, somewhere in this world my sister will get homesick. And the only sure fire cure is Mom’s Mashed Potatoes.
Ingredients in Mashed Potatoes
To make the best ever mashed potatoes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Potatoes
- Butter
- Milk
- Salt and pepper
What Are the Best Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes?
I recommend using Idaho or Russet potatoes when making mashed potatoes from scratch.
How to Make Mashed Potatoes From Scratch
- Bring a large pot of salted water and chopped potatoes to a boil.
- Simmer the potatoes until fork tender.
- Drain water. Then, add butter, milk, salt and pepper and mash the potatoes with a potato masher.
How Long to Boil Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes
You need to add the peeled and diced potatoes to a pot of salted water and THEN bring the water to a boil (this way the potatoes cook evenly throughout). The potatoes will need to boil for 20 to 30 minutes.
How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes
These easy mashed potatoes can be reheated in a covered baking dish in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until heated through. Or, reheat them over low heat on the stovetop (covered). You can also microwave individual servings.
Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes?
Yes! To freeze, let them cool completely. Then, seal in a freezer bag or freezer safe container. To thaw, place in your fridge overnight or reheat from frozen in the oven (make sure to transfer to a baking dish first!).
Tips for the Best Homemade Mashed Potatoes
- Because the ingredients list for these creamy mashed potatoes is so short, it’s important that you use all the right ingredients (i.e. 2% or whole milk, real butter, etc.).
- You need to MASH the potatoes, not whip them. It’s okay if your homemade mashed potatoes are slightly chunky.
- These potatoes can be made in advance and reheated later. Perfect for prepping before Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas, or another holiday!
What to Eat With Mashed Potatoes
Not sure what goes with mashed potatoes? Hint: everything does! Here are some main entrees you can serve alongside these potatoes:
- One-Pan Keto Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken
- Easy Blackened Chicken
- Garlic Butter Salmon and Broccoli
- One-Pan Mushroom Chicken
- Buffalo Roast Chicken
- Cheddar Ranch Sausage Meatballs
More Great Potato Recipes:
- Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- How to Make Homemade Potato Chips
- Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
- Gouda & Jalapeno Twice Baked Potatoes
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Get the Recipe: Mom’s Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2-2.5 pounds Idaho or Russet Potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup butter, half stick
- 1/4 cup milk*
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Equipment
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and chopped potatoes to a boil.
- Simmer 20-30 minutes or until fork tender.
- Drain water and add butter, milk, salt and pepper and MASH (not whip!) the potatoes with a potato masher.
- Serve immediately.
I picked up and moved across the country from Cleveland to San Francisco and I didn’t know a soul or have a clue what I was doing. I look back and can’t believe I ever did it. I’m glad I did it before I was rooted anywhere and knew any better because I *know* I wouldn’t do it now!! Haha. I agree that mashed potatoes are just the best ever and are a total comfort food. My Gma’s recipe is cherished! Thanks for sharing yours!
Isn’t that funny how you can look back on a situtation and think “what in the world?!?!” haha! Your brave for doing that and you have a great experience you wouldn’t have had otherwise!
Oh wow, how brave of your sister to move across the country! I’m a big worrier and planner too, so I could never do that without carefully thinking it out. But good for her! And I love that these potatoes have a special meaning for you both. And mashed potatoes are the perfect comfort food for me, too. These definitely look like they hit the spot, so full of flavor! Yum!
Yes! I could just never do it! And your right, potatoes are the ultimate comfort food!
Moms recipes always seem to make things better! I love that this is your moms recipe—these potatoes look so creamy and perfect!
Thanks Sarah!
These potatoes look amazing!
Thanks girl!
I’m with you. The thought of quick change completely stresses me out. I can’t even think about that! I’m a long term planner too. Good thing there’s comfort food like MPs to sooth the soul! I adore the skins on, so I like how you’ve kept them in your recipe! Thank you for sharing your Mom’s recipe. Recipes passed down are the best.
Yes!! Skin on is the only way to do mashed potatoes! 🙂 So much more flavor!
I loved reading this! Bonds between sisters are so sweet. I am just like you, I have things planned way far in advance. I can’t imagine just deciding to move across the country, I would be worried sick about all the changes! I moved across town, just 5 minutes away, and even that felt weird. These mashed potatoes sound perfect!
Sometimes I wish I wasn’t such a planner, but I like it most of the time because I am always prepared! 🙂 I do admire her spontaneity though!
such a touching post Annie! What a good sister you are. That’s what’s great about siblings, everyone is so different but there’s always that bond. And yes! Bring on Mom’s mashed potatoes, they look GREAT!
Yes! There are four of us and we are all very different! It is so strange how you can all be raised the same way, in the same house, yet each be so unique!
Awwwww, thanks for the mention! Loved the story and love my “babies.”
Thanks or making them for us Mom! 🙂
these potatoes look perfect Annie..so creamy and delicious. Perfect comfort food! Thanks for sharing your moms recipe with us..they are always the best!
Yes! Mom’s recipes are always the best! Thanks Manali!
Mom’s recipes are the BEST. Hands down! I broke out of my comfort zone big time when I moved from CA to TN. Usually I’m a huge planner, but we moved here just knowing one person, and without jobs. Talk about holy freak out!! Now we’re all settled and I’m getting back to my Type A ways, but I look back and go GEEEEZ how crazy of us! Worth it though! These potatoes look like the best comfort food. A classic. 🙂
Oh Alyssa that is amazing! I didn’t realize that you guys had no connections and no jobs when you moved! Your a lot like my sister! 🙂
Family recipes that remind us of home and our childhood are so special. I’d like to sit down to a bowl of these mashed potatoes right now. They look just perfect!
Thanks Kristine! There is just something soothing about a big bowl of mashed potatoes!
You are such a sweet sister! I am a planner, too, and I’ve always been jealous of my friends that just pack up and move without a care in the world it seems. These mashed potatoes sound so comforting and perfect. I love that bowl!
How do they do that?! I will forever be in awe because I just don’t operate like that! 🙂
I’m totally just like you about planning everything out. I wish I could be more like your sister sometimes cause I miss out on things! There’s nothing like Mom’s cooking to make you feel like you are at home again!
I totally agree Julie! There is something very comforting about it! 🙂
A little over 5 years ago, I quit my job and moved from Boston to Florida, not really sure what I was going to do when I got there. Since then I’ve moved 4 more times and lived in 4 different states. The weird thing is… I am SUCH a planned. I hate surprises, I hate the unknown. I’m not really sure how I’m still sane!! I’m heading home to Boston for Christmas and I can’t WAIT for all the comforts of my Dad’s home cookin’!
Jess that is just wild! I cannot imagine! I do think I could move across the country, but I don’t think I could just do it on a whim! I am not good at just trusting things will work out, I should probably work on that! haha!