Grandma’s Mashed Potatoes: The Creamy, Buttery Comfort Dish That Tastes Like Home
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Grandma’s mashed potatoes. Creamy, rich, and loaded with buttery goodness, this timeless comfort dish brings back memories of family dinners, warm kitchens, and recipes made with love. Simple ingredients, classic techniques, and one secret trick make these mashed potatoes unforgettable.
Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or whenever you need a taste of home.
🥔 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 kg (4½ lb) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 120 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 180 ml (¾ cup) whole milk or warm cream
- 2 cloves garlic (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons sour cream (optional, grandma’s secret 😉)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Peel and cut the potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into equal chunks so they cook evenly. - Boil until tender
Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil.
Cook for 15–20 minutes, until fork-tender. - Drain and dry
Drain the potatoes well, then return them to the hot pot for 1 minute to remove excess moisture. This keeps them fluffy, not watery. - Mash gently
Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or ricer. Avoid over-mixing to prevent gumminess. - Add butter first
Stir in the butter while the potatoes are still hot. This is key to that rich, creamy texture. - Pour in warm milk
Slowly add warm milk or cream, mixing gently until smooth and creamy. - Season and finish
Add salt, pepper, and sour cream if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
🌟 Grandma’s Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes
- Never use cold milk – it cools the potatoes and ruins the texture
- Butter comes before milk – always
- Don’t overmix – fluffy is the goal
- For extra flavor, boil potatoes with a clove of garlic
🧈 Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
- Roast chicken or turkey
- Meatloaf
- Gravy or melted butter on top
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives
❤️ Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
✔ Ultra creamy
✔ Rich buttery flavor
✔ Simple, old-fashioned ingredients
✔ Perfect for holidays & family dinners
One bite and you’ll understand why this dish has been passed down for generations.