Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes are like a warm hug on a chilly day—rich, creamy, and unbelievably comforting. Imagine sinking your fork into fluffy, buttery clouds that melt in your mouth, each bite whispering sweet nothings of savory goodness. Cheddar mashed potatoes recipe The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses with promises of a delicious meal to come. scalloped potatoes recipe It’s the kind of dish that can turn any ordinary gathering into a feast, or make a quiet night feel like an occasion.
Every time I whip up Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where pots bubbled with love and laughter. She’d always say, “The secret ingredient is a pinch of joy,” as we mashed spuds together. twice baked potatoes for gatherings These potatoes are perfect for holiday dinners or cozy family nights—basically any moment when you want to impress your taste buds and those around you. Trust me; one scoop will have you dreaming of second helpings!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes are simple to prepare, making them perfect for any skill level in the kitchen
- Their rich and creamy flavor profile elevates any meal instantly
- The beautiful creamy texture makes them visually appealing on any plate
- They’re versatile enough to pair with everything from roasted meats to vegetarian dishes
My friends literally swoon over these mashed potatoes every holiday season.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Potatoes: I like using Yukon Gold for their buttery flavor and creamy texture when mashed. For more inspiration, check out this creamy vegan potato soup recipe.
- Buttermilk: Choose full-fat buttermilk for the richest flavor; it adds the perfect tang.
- Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for maximum creaminess; it really makes a difference.
- Salt: Don’t be shy! It enhances all the natural flavors of the potatoes.
- Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a hint of heat and depth.
- Garlic (optional): Roasted garlic gives an extra layer of flavor if you’re feeling adventurous.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Potatoes: Start by peeling about 3 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes. Cut them into even chunks so they cook uniformly—this prevents potato drama later on.
Boil Away!: Place the potato chunks in a large pot filled with cold water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat and add a generous pinch of salt. Let them cook until they’re fork-tender—about 15-20 minutes should do.
Drain & Return: Once tender, drain the potatoes well in a colander but don’t rinse! Return them to the pot (off heat) so they can steam off excess moisture for fluffier results.
Add Buttermilk & Butter: Pour in about 1 cup of buttermilk and add half a cup of unsalted butter cut into pieces while the potatoes are still hot. This allows everything to melt beautifully together.
Mash It Up!: Using a potato masher or ricer (if you want velvety perfection), mash until creamy and smooth. If you like some texture, stop mashing sooner.
Season & Serve!: Finally, sprinkle in salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Give it another gentle stir before serving them warm on your favorite plate!
Now you’ve got yourself some delectable Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes that will steal the show at dinner! Enjoy every fluffy bite! classic potato salad for summer.
You Must Know
- Buttermilk mashed potatoes are creamy, tangy, and a game-changer at any meal
- They pair beautifully with meats and can elevate even the simplest dishes
- This recipe is perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, making it a must-have in your culinary repertoire
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling peeled potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and return them to the pot, then mash with buttermilk and butter for a creamy texture.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to add garlic for flavor or chives for freshness. You can also swap buttermilk for sour cream if you’re feeling adventurous!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover buttermilk mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. For more inspiration, check out this sweet potato casserole recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly smooth buttermilk mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer instead of a masher
- Always start with cold water when boiling to achieve even cooking
- Don’t forget to taste before serving; seasoning makes all the difference!
Sometimes while making these glorious buttermilk mashed potatoes, I think back to my first Thanksgiving dinner where my aunt declared mine were “the best she’d ever had!” Talk about pressure for next year!
FAQ
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but it won’t have that signature tangy flavor that makes these mashed potatoes special.
How can I make them dairy-free?
Substitute buttermilk with non-dairy milk and use plant-based butter for a vegan version.
How do I make them extra fluffy?
Use a potato ricer or food mill after boiling to get ultra-smooth, fluffy mashed potatoes.
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes are a delightful side dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. Creamy, rich, and infused with a tangy twist, these mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that will leave your guests swooning for more.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 cup full-fat buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
- 2 cloves roasted garlic (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and cut the Yukon Gold potatoes into even chunks.
- Place the potato chunks in a large pot of cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat with a pinch of salt and cook until fork-tender (15-20 minutes).
- Drain the potatoes in a colander, then return them to the pot off the heat to steam off excess moisture.
- Add buttermilk and butter while the potatoes are still hot, allowing them to melt together.
- Mash the mixture using a potato masher or ricer until smooth or to your desired texture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg



