Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Prep Time
4 minsCook Time
6-7 minsFree Time
to do a closet cleanout
The microwave works its magic with these fluffy, smooth, and rich mashed potatoes, ready in 10 minutes or less. Quickly steam potatoes in the microwave in a fraction of the time it takes on the stove with the help of an Anyday dish.
Enjoy with gravy for special occasions (Grandma-approved for Thanksgiving) or enjoy as a side for weeknight dinner. This one’s our favorite mind-changing recipe — you may never go back to boiled mashed potatoes on the stovetop ever again!
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 (170g) medium potatoes, washed and peeled, cut in large pieces
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk or half and half
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Preparation
- Place the potato pieces in the Anyday dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 6-7 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the hot potatoes. With a potato masher, whisk, or fork, mash the potatoes. Season generously with salt and black pepper and serve immediately.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Add a handful of chopped greens (like spinach or kale) with the milk to sneak extra vegetables into your meal.
- For a mashed potato with a chunky texture, use unpeeled Yukon Gold or other thin-skinned potatoes.
- For a savory take on this classic dish, stir in a few cloves of Jammy “Roasted” Garlic into the mash.
- Easily swap out regular potatoes for peeled sweet potatoes for a sweet potato mash.
Recipe notes
- Shortcut Tip: To make this recipe even faster, cut the potato into smaller cubes (about 1”) and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until fork tender. Use warm milk to finish the recipe in half the time.
- If you are using Russet potatoes for this dish, you may need to add additional water or cream to loosen up the mash. Russets are a high-starch potato and can result in a stiffer mash.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Microwave Match-Up: Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes in the microwave are faster than any other method.
| Appliance | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 8 mins |
| Stove* | 40 mins |
| Instant Pot* | 30 mins |
| Oven* | 1 hour |
All you need to know about microwaving potatoes
How long do mashed potatoes take to cook in the microwave?
The microwave can make 3-4 servings of mashed potatoes in 10 minutes or less. A single serving of mashed potatoes will take about 5-6 minutes depending on the wattage of your microwave. Cook times depend on the size and starch levels of the potato. To speed up the cooking even more, consider cutting potatoes into smaller chunks.
How to reheat mashed potatoes
The best way to reheat mashed potatoes is in the microwave in a glass dish with a tight-fitting lid, like an Anyday dish! Anyday’s silicone-rimmed lid creates a secure, airtight seal that steams potatoes very efficiently.
To reheat mashed potatoes, cover the Anyday dish with the lid (knob lifted) and microwave in 1 minute increments. Add 1-2 tablespoons of cream or milk to loosen the potatoes if needed.
To reheat mashed potatoes from frozen, we recommend thawing the dish in the fridge overnight and proceeding with the instructions listed above.
What type of potatoes to use for mashed potatoes
We like to use Yukon Gold potatoes because of their rich texture, medium starch level, and superior creaminess. When combined with whole milk, the natural buttery flavor of Yukon Gold potatoes makes for an ultra-smooth and creamy side.
How to fix gluey or gummy mashed potatoes
There are three factors that can contribute to gluey or gummy mashed potatoes: over-mashing, over-cooking, and using potatoes with a high starch content.
To fix this problem, carefully fold in a tablespoon of butter at a time until the desired texture is achieved.
When trying microwave recipes for the first time, use the lower end of the time range. You can always put the dish back in the microwave and add more time.
How to freeze mashed potatoes
To freeze a batch of mashed potatoes, prepare the recipe and allow to cool completely. To protect the mashed potatoes from freezer burn, spread into an even layer and press a sheet of plastic wrap (or other eco-friendly solution) on the surface of the potatoes, pressing out any air and cover with the lid.
How to use leftover mashed potatoes
Use leftover mashed potatoes to make a classic Austin-style breakfast burrito! Add bacon, scrambled eggs, cheese, and hot sauce to a warmed flour tortilla.
Top a Shepherd’s Pie with leftover mashed potatoes for a super fast weeknight dinner.
Use Anytime Trays to portion and freeze leftover mashed potatoes into 1/2 cup portions. Reheat and serve for an easy weeknight side!
How to prepare mashed potatoes ahead of time
Mashed potatoes are easy to make ahead! Allow the dish to cool slightly, cover with the lid (knob pressed) and store in the fridge until ready to eat.
It is not recommended to only steam the potatoes ahead of time, as steamed potatoes may oxidize and result in an unappealing color and texture.
How to make dairy-free mashed potatoes
To make this recipe vegan, swap the heavy cream and butter for your preferred dairy-free alternatives. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
