Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, versatile and always satisfying. From classic buttery versions to creative twists with herbs, cheese, and unique seasonings, there’s a mashed potato recipe for every occasion. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking to impress at your next gathering, these 15 mashed potato recipes will take your side dishes to the next level.

Quick Weeknight Mashed Potatoes

Quick Weeknight Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Need something fast and satisfying? These mashed potatoes come together in a snap, making them ideal for busy evenings when you still want a homemade side.
Get the Recipe: Quick Weeknight Mashed Potatoes

Southern Mashed Potatoes

Southern Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Laced with butter, cream, and a touch of Southern charm, this recipe delivers a bold and luscious flavor that screams warmth and hospitality.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mashed Potatoes

Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes

Image shows A plate of loaded mashed potato pancakes with green onions on it.
Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Turn your leftovers into something exciting! These golden-brown pancakes are bursting with cheese, bacon, and green onions for a creative and flavorful treat.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes

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.

Planning meals just got simpler! These mashed potatoes can be prepped in advance, saving you precious time while still delivering creamy satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of garlic mashed potatoes with a wooden spoon resting on top.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Infused with roasted garlic, these mashed potatoes are brimming with flavor that elevates every bite into a savory experience.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potato Waffles

A stack of golden-brown waffles topped with a dollop of sour cream and chopped chives sits on a plate.
Mashed Potato Waffles. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Who said waffles have to be sweet? Crunchy and delicious, mashed potato waffles are a fun way to enjoy your favorite side in a whole new form.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Waffles

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes garnished with chopped parsley.
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Minimal effort, maximum reward. Toss your ingredients in the slow cooker and come back to fluffy, velvety mashed potatoes with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker 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.

Rich, silky, and extra indulgent, these mashed potatoes bring that melt-in-your-mouth creaminess you’ll crave again and again.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Grandma's Mashed Potato Casserole on a tray.
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This nostalgic dish brings old-school comfort with its creamy base, crispy topping, and layers of love baked right in.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Mashed Potato Cakes

Stacked cheesy potato cakes topped with sour cream and green onions.
Mashed Potato Cakes. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, these delightful cakes make for a versatile side dish or even a light meal all on their own.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Cakes

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with two pats of butter and parsley.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

With the help of your Instant Pot, these mashed potatoes are ready in record time without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or fluffiness.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist)

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with butter, chopped green onions, seaweed strips, and black sesame seeds.
Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Featuring sesame oil and soy sauce, this recipe reimagines mashed potatoes with bold, unique flavors inspired by Asian cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist)

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.

Take a protein-packed approach to mashed potatoes! Cottage cheese adds creaminess and a nutritional boost you’ll appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

Mashed potatoes and melted cheese, being lifted from a glass baking dish with a spatula.
Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

A true crowd-pleaser, this casserole combines creamy mashed potatoes with gooey cheese for a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with melted butter, chopped chives, and a spoon.
Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Elevate your mashed potatoes with the rich, nutty aroma of browned butter. This fragrant secret ingredient is the upgrade you didn’t know they needed.
Get the Recipe: Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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