Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, but the thought of multiple pots and extra cleanup can be daunting. That’s why this easy mashed potato recipe is a lifesaver—it’s simple, efficient, and keeps things confined to one pot.
With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a creamy, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or a quick weeknight meal, this one pot recipe makes life easier and tastier.
Why Yukon Gold Potatoes Are the Star
Yukon Gold potatoes are the ideal choice for this recipe because of their buttery flavor and smooth texture.
They mash easily, creating a creamy consistency without needing too much effort. If you’re in a pinch, russet potatoes can work too, but they require more attention to avoid a grainy result.
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Choosing the right potato can make all the difference in achieving perfectly smooth and velvety mashed potatoes.
The Beauty of One Pot Cooking
This one pot recipe keeps everything simple by minimizing cleanup. All the magic happens in one pot—from boiling to mashing.
After the potatoes are tender, they’re drained and returned to the same saucepan, where the rest of the ingredients come together seamlessly.
Not only does this save time, but it also ensures that the flavors meld beautifully in the same pot, enhancing the overall taste.
Tips for Perfect Creaminess
The secret to creamy mashed potatoes lies in the balance of ingredients and technique. Using half-and-half and melted butter ensures a rich, luscious texture.
Warming these ingredients before adding them to the potatoes prevents cooling the mixture, making the mashing process smooth and efficient.
A potato masher works best for this recipe, giving you control over the texture. Avoid blenders or food processors, as they can make the potatoes gluey.
Customizing for Any Occasion
This one-pot recipe mashed potato recipe is versatile enough to suit any meal. Here are a few ways you can customize it:
- For a garlic twist: Add roasted garlic or a touch of garlic powder to the potatoes.
- To make it cheesy: Mix in shredded parmesan, cheddar, or cream cheese for an indulgent flavor.
- For extra herbs: Fold in fresh parsley, chives, or thyme to add a pop of freshness.
- To go dairy-free: Substitute the butter with olive oil and use plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.
These variations make the recipe adaptable for any diet or flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate side dish because they complement just about everything. Pair them with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a hearty vegetable stew for a complete meal.
They’re also an excellent base for gravies and sauces, soaking up all the deliciousness. If you’re hosting a crowd, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled, making it perfect for gatherings.
This one pot recipe mashed potato recipe proves that simplicity can be delicious. It’s quick, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Recipe
Best Easy Mashed Potatoes One Pot Recipe
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Potato masher
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick
- 3/4 teaspoon table salt plus additional for cooking potatoes
- 3/4 cup half-and-half
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Place the potatoes and 1 tablespoon salt in a large saucepan. Add enough water to cover the potatoes by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a knife, about 18–22 minutes.
- In a separate microwave-safe liquid measuring cup, combine the half-and-half and butter. Microwave, covered, until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm to the touch, about 2 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan. Cook over low heat while stirring for about 30 seconds to remove excess moisture. Remove the pan from heat, then mash the potatoes using a potato masher until smooth with no lumps.
- Stir in the half-and-half mixture, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Mix until fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning with additional salt as needed. Serve immediately.
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.