Name: Easy Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (about 6-8 medium potatoes); 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick); 4 cloves garlic, minced (optional for garlic mashed potatoes); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; Black pepper to taste; Fresh dill or rosemary , chopped (for garnish, optional)

Try our Easy Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes– When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the mark quite like creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. This recipe is not only irresistibly delicious but also incredibly easy to make, even for kitchen beginners. Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or a quick comfort meal, these mashed potatoes are sure to become your go-to recipe. With their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture, Yukon Gold potatoes create the ultimate mashed potatoes that everyone will love.

But what if you have leftovers? Or want to switch things up with a few creative variations? Don’t worry—we’ve covered not only the recipe but also tips on storage, freezing, and customization options to take your mashed potatoes to the next level!

Discover our collection of easy and Simple Side Dishes, all conveniently located in one place!

Easy Mashed Potatoes with Yukon Gold Potatoes

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Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes

3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (about 6-8 medium potatoes)
1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
4 cloves garlic, minced (optional for garlic mashed potatoes)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Black pepper to taste
Fresh dill or rosemary , chopped (for garnish, optional)

How To Make Mashed Potatoes with Yukon Gold Potatoes?

Prepare the Potatoes- Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks (about 1-2 inches). This will help them cook evenly.
Cook the Potatoes- Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Drain the Potatoes- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and let them sit for a minute to allow excess moisture to escape.
Heat the Cream and Butter-In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and butter. If you’re using garlic, add it to this mixture. Heat over low until the butter is melted and everything is warm. Do not let it boil.
Mash the Potatoes-In a large mixing bowl, transfer the drained potatoes. Use a potato masher, ricer, or fork to mash the potatoes until smooth.
Combine Ingredients-Gradually add the warm cream and butter mixture to the mashed potatoes. Stir until well combined and creamy.
Season-Taste and season with salt and black pepper. If you’d like, you can also mix in sour cream, cream cheese, or Parmesan cheese at this point for extra flavor.

How to Store Mashed Potatoes Properly

Made a big batch? Lucky you! Leftover mashed potatoes can be just as delightful the next day, but they do need proper care to maintain their texture and flavor.

Refrigerating Mashed Potatoes

To store leftover mashed potatoes, allow them to cool to room temperature (but don’t leave them out too long—more on that below). Spoon them into an airtight container or cover them tightly with plastic wrap in the same dish you served them in. Mashed potatoes can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, retaining their quality as long as they are properly sealed to prevent drying out.

When reheating, use a stovetop or microwave. It’s a good idea to stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or butter to revive their creaminess. Heat gently, stirring frequently, and avoid overheating, as this can make the potatoes gummy.

How Long Do Mashed Potatoes Last at Room Temperature? Mashed potatoes, like any perishable food, shouldn’t be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If left out for longer, harmful bacteria can grow, making them unsafe to eat. To ensure that your delicious mashed potatoes remain good for that next helping, refrigerate them promptly once they’ve cooled.

Easy Potato Dishes:

Roasted Potatoes In The Air Fryer
Yukon Gold Baked Potatoes in the Microwave
Baking Potatoes With Garlic And Parmesan

Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes? Absolutely!

For those who love meal prepping or just want to avoid wasting food, mashed potatoes made with Yukon Gold potatoes freeze beautifully. Here’s how to ensure they keep that creamy, delicious texture even after freezing:

Allow the mashed potatoes to cool to room temperature.
Portion the mashed potatoes into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Flattening the portions in a freezer bag allows for faster thawing.
Label and date each portion, as mashed potatoes will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 1 month.

To reheat, thaw the potatoes overnight in the fridge and warm them gently over low heat. For a creamy texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream, milk, or melted butter as you reheat. Done right, you wouldn’t even know they’d been frozen!

Variations to Elevate Your Mashed Potatoes

Think of this Yukon Gold mashed potato recipe as a canvas—there are so many ways to add exciting flavors and textures! Here are a few ideas to get started:

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes -Mix in freshly grated Parmesan, cheddar, or even goat cheese for an extra indulgent twist.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes -Sauté or roast minced garlic and add it to the butter and cream mixture for a subtle garlicky flavor.
Herb-Infused Potatoes -Stir in freshly chopped rosemary, chives, dill, or thyme for a fresh and earthy flavor.
Loaded Mashed Potatoes -Take things up a notch by adding crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
Healthier Alternatives -Swap the heavy cream with milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version. Greek yogurt or mashed cauliflower can also replace part of the potatoes for a nutrient boost.

The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to customize your mashed potatoes to fit your tastes and dietary needs!

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Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

To make truly unforgettable mashed potatoes, pay attention to these pro tips and tricks:

Start with Cold Water-Always place your peeled and chopped potatoes in cold water before boiling. This ensures even cooking and prevents the outside from overcooking while the inside remains hard.
Don’t Skip the Salt-Be generous when salting the boiling water—this is your first chance to season the potatoes properly.
Drain Thoroughly-After boiling, ensure you drain the potatoes well. Any excess water can make them watery when mashing.
Warm the Dairy First-Always heat the butter and cream before adding them to the potatoes. This prevents the mixture from cooling down the potatoes and helps them absorb the liquids smoothly for a creamier texture.
Avoid Over-Mixing-Use a potato masher or ricer for the best texture. Over-mixing can break down the starches too much, leading to gummy potatoes.
Taste Along the Way-Season as you go and taste often. Perfect potatoes balance creaminess, saltiness, and buttery richness.

With these tips, your mashed potato game will be nothing short of perfection every single time!

Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes Made Easy

With their creamy texture, buttery flavor, and endless customization options, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes are the perfect side to any meal. From proper storage to creative variations, mastering this dish has never been simpler.

And there you have it—an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that works for everything from family dinners to holiday feasts. Whether you’re keeping things classic or experimenting with exciting flavors, Yukon Gold potatoes never fail to impress.

Now it’s your turn to roll up your sleeves, grab those Yukon Golds, and start mashing! Will you stick with the classic recipe or try one of our delicious variations? Share your masterpiece with us—we’d love to see your take on this unbeatable comfort food!