13 Mashed Potato Recipes That Work for Every Meal

Mashed potatoes come in all kinds of forms, simple, loaded, creamy, garlicky, or flavored with something unexpected. They show up as an easy weeknight side, a holiday staple, or even the centerpiece of the plate when you pile on enough toppings. This list gives you everything from old-school Southern-style to quick microwave versions and globally inspired twists. There are smooth, buttery options, recipes that fold in bold extras like cheese or miso, and even some built for meal prep or the Instant Pot. However you mash them, these recipes prove that mashed potatoes never have to be dull.

Copycat Ponderosa Steakhouse Loaded Mashed Potatoes

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This recipe pulls together all the favorites: creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and scallions. Everything is mixed in so every bite is packed with flavor. The texture stays thick and chunky for that steakhouse feel. Perfect with grilled meats or on its own as a filling side.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ponderosa Steakhouse Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes

A true classic, this version sticks to the basics: boiled potatoes, butter, milk, and salt. It’s smooth, comforting, and versatile enough to go with anything. The focus here is on texture, creamy but not too soft. Add herbs or gravy depending on what’s on your plate.
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Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Bowl of mashed potatoes with a pat of butter on top, garnished with parsley. A spoon and a sprig of parsley are next to the bowl. — Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

A true classic, this version sticks to the basics: boiled potatoes, butter, milk, and salt. It’s smooth, comforting, and versatile enough to go with anything. The focus here is on texture — creamy but not too soft. Add herbs or gravy depending on what’s on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage. — Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This one leans into full-on comfort with butter, cream, and the kind of texture that melts into everything else on the plate. It’s whipped until smooth, with just a bit of seasoning to bring out the flavor. Works well with hearty dishes or something saucy. Great for when you want mashed potatoes to stand out.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Simmered garlic blends right in with the potatoes for a mellow, savory finish. These are creamy without being too heavy, and the garlic adds depth without overpowering. A little cream and butter round it out. They pair well with roast meats or anything with gravy.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Miso Mayo Mashed Potatoes

Bowl of mashed potatoes topped with a pat of butter, brown gravy, and black pepper, with a spoon on the side. — Creamy Miso Mayo Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

White miso and mayo might sound unusual, but together they create a rich, savory base that makes these mashed potatoes something different. The miso brings in a salty depth, and the mayo keeps it extra smooth. This one works well with grilled fish, pork, or even tofu. A good twist when you want bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Miso Mayo Mashed Potatoes

Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with butter, chopped chives, and black pepper, with a spoon, resting on a plaid cloth. — Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist)

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with butter, chopped herbs, sesame seeds, and thin strips of seaweed, with a wooden spoon on the side. — Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Sesame oil and soy sauce bring a subtle savory twist to this soft mash. The potatoes stay creamy, but the flavor feels completely different from traditional versions. Great with grilled or stir-fried dishes. Finish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for texture.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist)

Quick Weeknight Mashed Potatoes

This version keeps the process short but the flavor high, using just a few ingredients and a fast boil. You’ll get fluffy, well-seasoned potatoes in less than 30 minutes. It’s ideal when dinner needs a reliable side without a lot of fuss. Goes with almost anything on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Quick Weeknight Mashed Potatoes

Southern Mashed Potatoes

These are full of butter, heavy cream, and sometimes a bit of sour cream to make them extra rich. The texture stays thick and comforting. Often served alongside gravy or pan-fried meats. A Southern table staple that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mashed Potatoes

Easy, Creamy Microwave Mashed Potatoes

A plate of mashed potatoes garnished with chopped parsley, with a fork resting on the side and a checkered napkin nearby. — Easy, Creamy Microwave Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Microwave-steamed potatoes are mashed with butter and milk for a fast side that still tastes homemade. It’s great for small servings or solo dinners. You can adjust the texture easily depending on how much liquid you add. Quick, mess-free, and always satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Creamy Microwave Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

A pot of mashed potatoes topped with chopped green onions and black pepper, with a wooden spoon partially visible. — Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sharp cheese melts right into the potatoes while they’re hot, making every bite smooth and savory. The cheese adds richness and makes the mash feel extra filling. Top with more cheese if you want a baked version. A crowd-pleaser at any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with chopped chives on a wooden board, accompanied by a spoon and a small dish of chives. — Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Designed to be prepared in advance, this recipe uses cream cheese or sour cream to keep the mash soft and creamy after reheating. It’s perfect for holidays or dinner parties. Bake just before serving to warm it through. Keeps well and still tastes fresh.
Get the Recipe: Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes