What To Serve with Mashed Potatoes

There’s nothing quite like creamy mashed potatoes. While a must with your Thanksgiving turkey, what else goes with this wonderful side dish? Here are some great ideas for what to serve with mashed potatoes so you can enjoy them all year long and not just for a special occasion.

Is there anyone that doesn’t love mashed potatoes? They’re so easy to fix and can be made ahead of time for a popular side dish that goes with almost any main course. It’s one of those dishes that makes almost everyone’s comfort food list along with mac & cheese and yeast rolls.

I think the best thing about this classic side dish is that it can be made in advance, which is a God send when the whole family is coming for Thanksgiving dinner.

Different ways to prepare mashed potatoes

Are you new to making mashed potatoes? There are basically three methods for making mashed potatoes.

Method 1 – boiling

My tried and true method for making creamy smooth mashed potatoes is to start by boiling Yukon gold potatoes. Once cooked, rub the skins off with a towel and add butter, milk, and heavy cream. You can also add mascarpone, sour cream or cream cheese to the potatoes after they’ve either been mashed with a potato masher or run through a potato ricer. 

Method 2 – microwave

Another way to make mashed potatoes is to use red potatoes and cook them in the microwave for loaded mashed potatoes. Red skin mashed potatoes are the way to go for busy week nights. Once cooked, mash them with butter and add bacon, cheese and green onions for a more rustic dish that tastes similar to a loaded baked potato. This is a great way to quickly make mashed potatoes without boiling them for those nights when you’re short on time.

Method 3 – instant pot

If you love the instant pot, then pull it out for an easy way to prepare this creamy side dish. While I don’t use an instant pot much, Megan at Pip & Ebby gives great step by step directions for making mashed potatoes in an instant pot.

Tips for making creamy mashed potatoes 

• Use Yukon gold potatoes.
• Cook the potatoes whole with the skin on, this will keep them from getting watery.
• Dry the potatoes before mashing by thoroughly draining all the water.
• To remove the skins, use a cloth towel and rub it over the hot potatoes, the skins will come right off.
• Don’t use a food processor or mixer to mash the potatoes, you will end up with gummy potatoes.
• Warm the cream and milk in the microwave and add it gradually to the potatoes as you mash them.

How to reheat mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes will reheat easily so that you can make them ahead of time. Let them come to room temperature first. Then warm them on the stove or in the microwave. If they’re too thick add some extra milk. To keep them warm, place them in a crock pot on warm. If you’re making them ahead of time, add less milk or cream initially and add it when you reheat them. 

This is so helpful at Thanksgiving or anytime when you don’t want to go through the trouble of making mashed potatoes while you’re trying to get multiple dishes prepared. 

What can you do with leftover mashed potatoes

If you have mashed potatoes left over, you can freeze them in an airtight container and use them later to top shepherds pie. They also are great in mashed potato rolls, you only need ¾ of a cup. My suggestion is to make more than you think you’ll eat so that you can freeze the leftovers.

FAQs and tips

What can you substitute for Yukon gold potatoes?

Yukon Gold will give you the creamiest mashed potatoes, but you can use russet potatoes.

How long are left over mashed potatoes good for?

Mashed potatoes will last for 3-4 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.

How do you store mashed potatoes?

Store mashed potatoes in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If they thicken up, then add a little milk. You can also freeze mashed potatoes, just let them warm to room temperature before reheating.

How to reheat mashed potatoes in a crock pot

To reheat mashed potatoes in a crock pot or slow cooker, let them come to room temperature first then place them on warm for about 30 minutes.  

While mashed potatoes are great with fried chicken, pork chops, roast beet and of course turkey, I’ve gathered some favorite recipes for you to try with this classic comfort food.

We can’t live on mashed potatoes alone, so here’s some of the best main dishes to serve with mashed potatoes.

There’s nothing like meat and potatoes, but in case you want another side, here are a few you’ll love.

It’s just not a full meal without some homemade rolls, but with meat and potatoes, Yorkshire pudding or popovers are just enough to satisfy my craving for bread without being too heavy.

Round out your mashed potato meal with some show stopper desserts.

I’ld love to hear what delicious meal you put together.