Creamy Mashed Potatoes
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 it over gravy on special occasions (Grandma-approved for Thanksgiving) or 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 microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Small Dish
This dish’s superpower is evenly heating leftovers and cooking small portions.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 6 oz (170g/ about 1) medium potatoes, washed and peeled, cut into large pieces
- 1 tablespoon of water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¼-⅓ cup (60-80ml) milk or half and half
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, optional
Preparation
- Place the potato pieces in the Anyday dish, rinse them with water, and drain, leaving the excess water in the dish. Add the 1 tablespoon of water, then cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Microwave for 4-5 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add the remaining ingredients, cover, and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until the milk is warm, and the butter is melted.
- Mash the potatoes with a potato masher, then whip until creamy with a whisk or an electric mixer. Note: If you prefer creamier potatoes, add more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Keep in mind that the potatoes will thicken the more you whip them!
- Season generously with salt and black pepper, then 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
- Quick Tip: For an even speedier version of this recipe, dice the potato into smaller cubes (about 1 inch) and reduce the cooking time by 2-3 minutes, or until fork-tender. Additionally, using warm milk will halve the time you need to complete the recipe.
- 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. Heat up for 2-4 minutes depending on serving size. To reheat mashed potatoes from frozen, place the frozen mashed potato in the Anyday and reheat at full power for 4-7 minutes or until heated. For more information read about reheating frozen food in here.
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.