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Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Silky, buttery mashed potatoes made with Yukon Golds, warm cream, and a whisper of nutmeg. The Thanksgiving side everyone reaches for first — and the one you can make ahead.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes — a complete Thanksgiving recipe

Prep time

10 min

Cook time

20 min

Total time

30 min

Yield

Serves 6 (about 2 lb potatoes)

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (for the cooking water)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed (more as needed)
  • 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

About 240 kcal per serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. Cook the potatoes

    Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water by an inch, and add the salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer 15–20 minutes, until a fork slides through a chunk easily. Drain well.

  2. 2

    2. Dry the potatoes

    Return the drained potatoes to the pot and set it over the still-warm (but off) burner for 1–2 minutes, shaking gently. This evaporates the surface moisture so they absorb the butter and cream instead of water.

  3. 3

    3. Mash and enrich

    Using a hand masher or a ricer, mash the potatoes to your preferred texture. Drizzle in the melted butter and fold to combine, then add the warm cream and milk a little at a time, mixing gently until silky. Over-mixing makes them gummy — stop as soon as they're smooth.

  4. 4

    4. Season

    Stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust — potatoes need more salt than you think. Transfer to a serving bowl, top with extra butter and the chives, and serve warm.

Chef's notes

  • ★Make ahead: prepare the full recipe, cool, and refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat gently over a double boiler with a splash of milk, or in a covered dish at 350°F for 20 minutes.
  • ★For a lighter version, swap half the cream for warmed chicken broth.
  • ★A ricer (not a blender or food processor) gives the fluffiest result — machines overwork the starch.