Ruby Red Mashed Potatoes

Why You’ll Adore This Mashed Red Potato Recipe

• Unmatched Creaminess with Rustic Appeal: Prepare for a truly indulgent experience! These mashed red potatoes boast an incredible buttery, fluffy texture, enhanced by the delightful addition of tender potato skins. Keeping the skins on not only adds a beautiful rustic aesthetic but also contributes a depth of flavor and valuable nutrients you won’t find in peeled versions. It’s the perfect balance of smooth and satisfyingly textured.
• Effortlessly Weeknight-Friendly: Say goodbye to the tedious chore of peeling potatoes! This recipe celebrates the thin, delicate skin of red potatoes, allowing you to skip a time-consuming step. Fewer steps mean less prep, less mess, and more time enjoying your delicious meal. It’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights when you crave homemade comfort without the fuss.
• The Ultimate Versatile Side Dish: Looking for a dependable side that pairs seamlessly with almost anything? Our mashed red potatoes are your answer. Their rich, savory profile makes them an excellent companion to a wide array of main courses, from succulent grilled steaks and juicy roasted chicken to tender holiday turkey and flaky baked salmon. They elevate any meal, making it feel more special and complete.
• Simple Yet Adaptable for Every Palate: While the base recipe is incredibly flavorful on its own, its simplicity makes it a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Whether you’re in the mood for classic, unadorned mash or eager to experiment with savory mix-ins and different dairy swaps, these red potatoes are incredibly versatile. Discover how easy it is to customize them to suit your taste preferences or to complement a specific dish.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Mashed Red Potatoes

These creamy, rustic mashed red potatoes are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic accompaniment to a wide range of main courses. Their rich flavor and comforting texture beautifully complement both hearty and delicate dishes. Here are some of our favorite pairings that transform a simple meal into an extraordinary feast:

• Herb Crusted Top Round Roast: The savory herbs and robust flavor of a top round roast are a match made in heaven for the creamy potatoes.
• Old-Fashioned Meatloaf: A classic comfort duo, the rich gravy often served with meatloaf is perfect for spooning over your mashed red potatoes.
• The Best Rump Roast in the Crock Pot: Tender, slow-cooked rump roast with its succulent juices creates a divine sauce that enhances every bite of the potatoes.
• Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast: The bold flavors of garlic and Parmesan in the chicken breast provide a wonderful contrast to the mild, creamy potatoes.
• Crockpot Mississippi Pork Roast: The tangy, savory notes of a Mississippi pork roast offer a unique and delicious pairing with the buttery potatoes.
• Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast: Whether for a holiday meal or a simple weeknight dinner, tender turkey and creamy mashed potatoes are an unbeatable combination.

No matter your main dish, these mashed red potatoes are guaranteed to elevate your dining experience with their comforting presence and exquisite flavor.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Mashed Red Potatoes

Crafting truly exceptional mashed red potatoes starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that creamy texture and bursting flavor. Here’s a closer look at the key elements:

• Red Potatoes: The star of our dish! These waxy potatoes are ideal for skin-on mashing due to their thin, tender skins and lower starch content, which prevents a gluey texture. Remember to thoroughly wash them before cutting them into quarters or 1-inch pieces, especially if leaving the skins on. While red potatoes are our top recommendation, you can also substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes for a similar creamy texture (though their skin is slightly thicker) or fingerling potatoes for an even more rustic touch.
• Butter: A cornerstone of flavor and richness. Using room temperature butter is crucial as it incorporates more smoothly into the hot potatoes, preventing clumps and ensuring an even distribution of its luxurious taste. High-quality butter will make a noticeable difference in the final product.
• Sour Cream: This ingredient adds a delightful tang and contributes significantly to the overall creaminess of the mashed potatoes. Whether you opt for light or full-fat sour cream, both will yield excellent results, providing a lovely counterpoint to the richness of the butter.
• Garlic Powder: We prefer garlic powder over fresh minced garlic in this recipe for a few key reasons. Garlic powder offers a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor that blends seamlessly into the mash without any raw or overpowering notes. It also ensures a perfectly smooth consistency, free from any small, crunchy bits of raw garlic.
• Milk: The liquid component that helps achieve the desired creamy consistency. We highly recommend using either whole milk or 2% milk for their rich flavor and fat content, which enhances the overall texture. For an even more decadent mash, heavy cream can be used, adding an extra layer of richness and velvety smoothness.

These carefully chosen ingredients work in harmony to create a mashed potato dish that is truly unforgettable.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Mashed Red Potatoes

Creating these sensational mashed red potatoes is straightforward, yielding delicious results with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for a truly comforting side dish:

1. Prepare and Boil the Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly washing your red potatoes. While you can peel them if desired, we highly recommend leaving the skins on for that extra flavor and rustic texture. Cut the potatoes into uniform 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them completely with cold water by about an inch. Add 2 teaspoons of salt to the water; this seasons the potatoes from the inside out as they cook. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat slightly to maintain a rapid simmer. Continue to boil for 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Be careful not to overcook them to the point of disintegration, as this can lead to a watery mash.
2. Mash with Flavorful Add-ins: Once the potatoes are perfectly tender, carefully drain all the water from the pot. Return the hot, drained potatoes to the same pot. Immediately add your room temperature butter, sour cream, the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, and garlic powder. Using a sturdy hand potato masher, begin to mash the potatoes. Work gently but thoroughly, breaking down most of the larger chunks. You have full control over the final texture here: mash vigorously for a smoother consistency, or leave some small chunks for a more rustic, wholesome feel. As you mash, gradually add up to 1/4 cup of milk, a tablespoon at a time, until your mashed potatoes reach your desired creamy, fluffy consistency.
3. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the warm, mashed red potatoes to a serving bowl. For an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal, top them with a small pat of butter, which will melt beautifully into the warm potatoes. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of fresh color and herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, rich flavors of your homemade mashed red potatoes alongside your favorite main dishes.

Exciting Mashed Red Potato Recipe Variations

Our classic mashed red potatoes are delicious on their own, but their simple base makes them incredibly versatile for creative culinary twists. Here are some fantastic variations to explore, adding new dimensions of flavor and texture:

• Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Elevate your mash to a hearty meal! Start by crisping up several strips of bacon, then crumble them directly into your finished mashed potatoes. Next, stir in a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the warm potatoes. To serve, crown each portion with a dollop of extra sour cream, a sprinkle of more shredded cheddar, and a vibrant garnish of fresh minced chives. This variation is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
• Chive and Sour Cream Dream: For a lighter yet equally flavorful twist, simply mix in additional sour cream along with a generous amount of finely chopped fresh chives into your mashed potatoes. The fresh, oniony bite of the chives perfectly complements the creamy tang of the sour cream, creating an elegant and refreshing profile.
• Bacon and Ranch Sensation: If you love the savory, herby taste of ranch, this variation is for you. Fold in your favorite crisp Bacon Ranch seasoning (either a store-bought mix or homemade) and stir in some vibrant green onions, thinly sliced. This combination delivers an irresistible blend of salty, smoky, and herbaceous flavors that’s both familiar and exciting.
• Gourmet Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes: For a touch of gourmet sophistication, incorporate sweet, savory caramelized onions into your mashed potatoes once they are finished. The slow-cooked onions add an incredible depth of umami and a subtle sweetness that transforms the dish into something truly special. This variation is fantastic with roasted meats.
• Extra Creamy and Tangy: To achieve an exceptionally silky smooth and tangy finish, try adding a few ounces of softened cream cheese or a flavorful herb-and-garlic Boursin cheese during the mashing process. These additions melt beautifully, imparting an extra layer of richness and a delightful nuanced flavor that takes your mashed potatoes to the next level of indulgence.

Absolutely! Mashed potatoes freeze surprisingly well, making them an excellent make-ahead option. For the best results when freezing, we recommend adding a little extra butter and cream (or milk/sour cream) to the mashed potatoes before packaging them. This extra layer of fat helps to create a protective barrier, keeping the potatoes soft, creamy, and preventing ice crystals from forming. Store them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for optimal texture.

The boiling time for potatoes can vary depending on their size and type. For 1-2 inch cubed red potatoes, typically, you’ll need to boil them in salted water over high heat at a rapid simmer for about 20-30 minutes. The key is to cook them until they are easily pierced with a fork but not falling apart. Larger whole potatoes will naturally require more time, sometimes up to 45-60 minutes, so always test for tenderness with a fork.

When properly stored, your delicious Mashed Red Potatoes will remain fresh and flavorful for several days. Ensure you transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate them promptly. They should last beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Always use your best judgment regarding food safety.

There are a couple of excellent methods for reheating mashed potatoes to bring them back to their creamy glory:

To reheat in the oven, transfer your mashed potatoes to an oven-safe dish. Cover it tightly with foil to retain moisture. Warm at 300°F (150°C) for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the lid, stir gently, and if they appear a bit dry, incorporate a couple of tablespoons of milk, sour cream, or even a pat of butter to restore their creaminess. Stir again and continue heating for a few more minutes if necessary, until they reach your desired warmth.

Alternatively, you can reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave. Place the mashed potatoes in a covered microwave-safe container. Heat on 50% power (medium) for about 5 minutes, then stir. Continue heating in shorter intervals (2-3 minutes) at 50% power, stirring between each, until they are thoroughly warm. Just like with the oven method, if they seem dry, stir in a bit more milk, sour cream, or butter for added moisture and richness.

Expert Tips for the Best Mashed Red Potatoes

• Cut Evenly: Uniformity is key for consistent cooking. Cube your red potatoes into approximately 1 to 1.5-inch pieces. This ensures that all pieces cook at roughly the same rate, preventing some from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Don’t Overcook: The perfect mashed potato texture hinges on proper cooking. Boil your potatoes until they are just fork-tender – meaning a fork easily glides through them without resistance – but not so soft that they are falling apart. This typically takes about 12-15 minutes for cubed red potatoes. Overcooked potatoes absorb too much water, leading to a watery and potentially gluey mash.
• Mash Gently for Ideal Texture: For that desirable rustic texture with tender bits of skin, a simple hand masher is your best friend. Avoid using electric blenders, stand mixers, or food processors for mashing potatoes. The high-speed blades and vigorous mixing can overwork the starch in the potatoes, breaking down their cell walls and releasing excessive starch, which inevitably results in a gummy, gluey, and unappetizing consistency. If you desire an extra fluffy, smooth mash and are peeling your potatoes, a potato ricer is an excellent tool.
• Season in Layers: Good seasoning makes all the difference. Start by salting the water when boiling your potatoes to infuse flavor from the beginning. After mashing, season with additional salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Always taste-test your mash and adjust the seasonings as needed. Finish with a flourish of fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley for added brightness and visual appeal.

Storing and Reheating Your Mashed Red Potatoes

Ensuring your delicious mashed red potatoes remain fresh and just as enjoyable for later is simple with these storage and reheating tips:

• Storing: To keep your mashed red potatoes at their best, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. They will stay fresh and flavorful in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To Reheat: There are two great methods to bring your mashed potatoes back to their creamy perfection:
  • To reheat in the microwave: Place the mashed potatoes in a covered microwave-safe container. Heat them on half-power for about 5 minutes, then stir. Continue heating in 2-3 minute intervals, stirring after each, until they are thoroughly warmed through. If they appear a little dry, stir in a tablespoon or two of extra milk, sour cream, or a pat of butter to restore their moisture and creaminess.
  • To reheat in the oven: Transfer the mashed potatoes to an oven-safe dish. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for approximately 20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the lid, add a couple of tablespoons of either milk or sour cream as needed, then stir gently to reincorporate and achieve your desired consistency.

More Recipes You’ll Love