I love mashed potatoes. There’s something about the creamy, fluffy texture that just makes me happy. And they’re so versatile—you can top them with anything from gravy to shredded cheese to bacon bits.
But sometimes I don’t have the time or energy to make them the traditional way. That’s where these easy microwave mashed potatoes come in. You can have a delicious, satisfying side dish in just minutes!
Plus, they’re perfect for when you’re short on time or ingredients. All you need is some potatoes, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. And there are lots of variations you can try, too. So why not give them a try? They’re sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients Overview
Potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes have long been considered the best type of potato for making mashed potatoes. This is because they have a rich texture and subtle flavor that other potatoes just can’t match.
But any type of potato will work for this recipe. So if you have russet, red, or white potatoes on hand, feel free to use them.
Milk
When it comes to making creamy mashed potatoes, whole milk is my go-to ingredient. Not only does it add a lovely richness to the dish, but it also helps to thin out the potatoes so that they’re not too dense. However, if you want a lighter mashed potato, you can use a light cream.
Unsalted butter
Many home cooks prefer to use unsalted butter when making mashed potatoes. The main reason for this is that it decreases the chances of the potatoes becoming too salty.
When using salted butter, it can be difficult to gauge how much salt is already in the butter, and this can easily lead to mashed potatoes that are too salty. By using unsalted butter, you can control the amount of salt in the dish more easily, ensuring that your mashed potatoes are perfectly seasoned.
In addition, some people believe that unsalted butter is fresher than its salted counterpart. If you’re using fresh, flavorful potatoes, you want to be sure that the butter you’re using is of the same quality.
Kosher salt
I like to use Morton kosher salt to make microwave mashed potatoes. I find that the kosher salt doesn’t clump up like some of the other brands, and it adds just the right amount of saltiness to the dish.
Freshly ground black pepper
Freshly ground black pepper is always going to taste better than pre-ground pepper, no matter what you’re using it for and this is especially true for mashed potatoes. The essential oils in black pepper are what give it its distinct flavor, and these oils begin to dissipate as soon as the pepper is ground.
As a result, freshly ground pepper will always taste more intense than pepper that has been sitting on a grocery store shelf for months. In addition, freshly ground pepper is less likely to contain additives or preservatives that can diminish its flavor.
Substitutions
If you are looking to make a healthier version of mashed potatoes, try using light cream instead of milk and oils such as canola oil instead of butter. You can also add some flavor by using paprika instead of black pepper.
Variations
Everyone has a different way of making mashed potatoes, and that’s part of what makes them so special. Here are a few variations on the classic microwave mashed potatoes recipe that will make them even more delicious.
Adding roasted garlic gives the potatoes a mellow, sweet flavor that pairs well with most herbs and cheeses. Simply roast a head of garlic in the oven until it’s soft and fragrant, then squeeze the cloves out of the skins and add them to the potatoes.
If you want a bit more flavor, try adding fresh herbs. Chopped parsley, chives, or rosemary go well with roasted garlic, and add a nice herby note. Just stir them in at the end.
If you’re looking for a richer, creamier version of mashed potatoes, try adding some sour cream, crème fraîche, or Greek yogurt. It will give the potatoes a nice tangy flavor and make them extra-creamy.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some grated cheese to your mashed potatoes. Hard, assertive cheese like cheddar, Parmesan, or Pecorino Romano will add a nice depth of flavor.
Recipe
Yield: 6 servings
- 2 1/2 pounds of potatoes
- 1 cup milk
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and cut the potatoes into 3/4-inch cubes.
- Rinse the potatoes and place them in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Cover the bowl loosely with a lid or plastic wrap with holes poked in it to vent.
- Set the microwave to cook on high for 9 minutes.
- After 9 minutes, check the potatoes. You can poke them with a fork to see if they’re soft. If they’re not, cook them for another minute or two.
- Once the potatoes are tender, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave.
- Put milk and butter in another microwave-safe bowl.
- Nuke on high for 30 to 45 seconds until the butter is melted.
- Pour the milk mixture over the cooked potatoes.
- Use a handheld mixer or masher to mash the potatoes.
- Slowly mix in more of the milk mixture as needed to get your desired consistency.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, and serve.
The Benefits of Eating Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are not only delicious, but they also offer a number of health benefits. Here are five reasons why you should make them a part of your diet.
1. Packed with nutrients: Mashed potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and Vitamins C and B6. They also contain dietary fiber and protein.
2. Contain antioxidants: Mashed potatoes contain several antioxidants that help protect the body against oxidative stress. These include quercetin, lutein, and chlorogenic acid.
3. May improve blood sugar control: Mashed potatoes have a low glycemic index, which means they don’t cause a sharp spike in blood sugar levels after eating them. This is beneficial for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
4. May improve digestive health: The fiber in mashed potatoes may promote regularity and help keep the digestive system healthy. Fiber also helps to keep you feeling full after eating, which can aid weight loss or weight maintenance.
5. Naturally gluten-free: Mashed potatoes are naturally gluten-free, making them an ideal food for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Storage instructions
What do you do if you have leftovers? Can you store your mashed potatoes in the fridge or freezer? And how long will they last?
One option is to place your mashed potatoes in a covered dish and refrigerate them. They will last for 3-4 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them. Frozen mashed potatoes will last for 6 months.
To reheat your mashed potatoes, you can place them in a covered dish and heat them in the microwave at 50% power until they’re warm. You can also reheat them on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
What to Eat with Mashed Potatoes
We all know that mashed potatoes go with everything. They’re the perfect side dish for any meal, no matter what you’re serving. But sometimes, you just can’t decide what to eat with your mashed potatoes. If you’re stuck in a rut and need some inspiration, here are 5 entrees that go great with mashed potatoes.
1. Fried chicken is a classic American dish that goes great with mashed potatoes. The crispy skin on the fried chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy mashed potatoes, and the two together make for a delicious and well-rounded meal.
2. Beef wellington is a British classic that is often served with mashed potatoes. The rich beef flavor pairs well with the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes, making for a delicious and elegant meal.
3. Pork chops are another great option to pair with mashed potatoes. The tenderness of the pork chops pairs nicely with the fluffy texture of the mashed potatoes, and the two together make for a delicious and hearty meal.
4. Steak is another protein that goes great with mashed potatoes. The savory flavor of the steak pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the mashed potatoes, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.
5. Meatballs are another great option to pair with mashed potatoes. The juicy flavors of the meatballs pair well with the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes, making for a flavorful and filling meal.
Conclusion
Mashed potatoes are a classic dish that everyone should try. They’re not only delicious, but they also offer several health benefits. In this article, I’ve provided instructions on how to make them and some ideas for what to eat with them. So why not give them a try? I promise you won’t be disappointed.
