Go Back
Mashed Potatoes Are the Ultimate Thanksgiving Side Dish!

Ultimate Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish! Creamy, buttery, nostalgic and comforting, they pair perfectly with turkey and are easy to scale for a crowd. Whether you're going classic, deluxe, or baked, mashed potatoes always win the holiday table.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 10 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Mashed Potatoes
  • 5 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half warmed
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter plus extra for topping
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • roasted garlic, chopped chives, or shredded cheese optional add-ins for deluxe version

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Potato masher or ricer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking dish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Peel and cut the potatoes into uniform chunks for even cooking.
  2. Place in a large pot, cover with cold water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until tender.
  3. Drain well and return potatoes to pot or warm bowl.
  4. Add butter and mash. Use a ricer or masher depending on desired texture.
  5. Gradually stir in warmed milk or cream until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Optional: For baked mashed potatoes, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer mashed potatoes to a greased baking dish, dot with extra butter and cheese, and bake for 20–25 minutes.

Notes

You can prepare mashed potatoes ahead and keep warm in a slow cooker. Leftovers can be turned into crispy potato cakes. For extra flavor, add garlic, sour cream, or herbs. Mashed potatoes scale well for larger crowds.