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.
Braised Short Ribs
These melt-in-your mouth short ribs are first browned and then cooked slowly in the oven in a red wine broth that is fabulous over creamy potatoes and makes for a hearty meal.
Brined Roast Turkey Breast
Go traditional with a classic combo and serve buttery mashed potatoes with a turkey breast. This Brined Roast Turkey Breast (from Josie + Nina) guarantees great flavor with juicy, moist results.
Meatloaf Recipe with Crackers
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food to pair with creamy potatoes. This is the best meatloaf recipe with crackers (from Pip and Ebby) you’ll ever eat and it is such an easy dish. It’ll quickly become a favorite family meal!
Slow Cooker Coq au Vin
Coq Au Vin in the slow cooker gives you comfort food without having to heat up your kitchen. A French chicken stew with layers of flavor and a sauce that makes an amazing gravy for those potatoes.
Roast Beef and Gravy
This melt in you mouth roast beef and gravy recipe (from Intentional Hospitality) is a quick and easy dinner that creates a tender, delicious beef roast with plenty of gravy to top a side of mashed potatoes.
Chicken in White Wine
Weeknight chicken thighs in white wine is a one skillet meal you can throw together with just a few ingredients. Simple enough for a weeknight with enough sauce for your potato side dish.
Crock Pot Salisbury Steak
Salisbury Steak (from Pip and Ebby) is the perfect meal to throw into your crock pot! Tender beef patties and mushrooms are smothered in a flavorful and comforting brown gravy. Serve this beef recipe over a pile of mashed potatoes for an added bit of comfort!
Pork Meatloaf
Try a Pork Meatloaf recipe (from MamaGourmand) with ground pork shredded apples, apple butter, and oatmeal. You’ll have plenty of flavor to go with your mashed potatoes.
Mushroom Stuffed Flank Steak with Goat Cheese and Basil
This Mushroom Stuffed Flank Steak with Goat Cheese and Basil (from Talking Meals) has got to be on your next dinner party menu! It’s utterly delicious and easy to prepare entirely ahead to save time. Just roast before serving.
There’s nothing like meat and potatoes, but in case you want another side, here are a few you’ll love.
Balsamic Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms
Balsamic roasted asparagus and mushrooms is a quick and EASY healthy side to add to your meat and potatoes meal. You’ll love this combination.
Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
Summer fruit sparkles with a hint of lime and makes a great side to add to a heavier meal.
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.
Yorkshire Pudding
Yorkshire pudding sounds so fancy and can be difficult, but with a few tips yours will turn out perfect every time. Traditionally served with beef but a great addition to any dinner.
Round out your mashed potato meal with some show stopper desserts.
Cherry Streusel Pie
This all American cherry pie with crumb topping has fresh cherries, and a buttery crust. It’s a classic that never goes out of style.
Spiced Apple Cider Bundt Cake
This Apple Cider Bundt Cake (from Kickass Baker) comes together easily and serves a small crowd. In this delightful bundt cake, apple is incorporated in multiple ways to maximize the texture and flavor.
I’ld love to hear what delicious meal you put together.
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