Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Mayonnaise

These homemade Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Mayonnaise are easy to make, full of flavor, rich and creamy. The ultimate side dish that everyone at the table is sure to love. Make them soon to complete your holiday table.

Try pairing these mashed potatoes with an Easy Southern Meatloaf Recipe and some Garlic Green Beans for a comforting and delicious meal. 

It is almost time for Thanksgiving and you may be making plans for the recipes that will be making an appearance at your holiday table. I’m definitely here to help you with that! One recipe I’ve never shared on the blog, but have been making for years is creamy mashed potatoes.

This recipe uses a few ingredients and is flavorful and delicious. It also includes a secret ingredient that helps to make them extra rich and creamy. And that is mayonnaise. 

Now I know what you may be thinking, but trust me when I tell you that it really makes a difference in the taste and texture of your mashed potatoes. The mayonnaise is the last ingredient that I add to the mashed potato mixture and it really allows them to come together easily and gives it a little twang in flavor that truly makes these homemade mashed potatoes anything but ordinary. 

Now when it comes to mayonnaise, you can use any brand of real mayo that you prefer or have on hand. 

Let’s get started!

Why Use Mayonnaise in Mashed Potatoes?

The mayonnaise gives the mashed potatoes a smooth, velvety texture, with a slightly tangy flavor. It’s also slightly white in color and blends in well. It helps to thicken the mashed potatoes. It also makes the potatoes moist without an overpowering mayo taste. 

What Ingredients are Needed to make Mayonnaise Mashed Potatoes?

1. Potatoes - Use Yukon Gold Potatoes, Russet Potatoes, or a mixture of them both. Yukon Golds are my favorite to use because they are small and buttery. Russet potatoes are starchy, hearty, and easy to locate in grocery stores year-round. If you prefer to have the best of both combinations, try using 50% Yukon Gold and 50% Russet potatoes.
2. Mayonnaise - Any brand that you prefer or can easily locate in the condiments aisle at your local grocery store will work. Just be sure that it is real (unflavored) mayonnaise. My favorite brands are Duke’s Mayonnaise, Blue Plate, and Hellman’s. This ingredient helps to make the mashed potatoes creamy with a silky texture and adds a slightly tangy flavor.  
3. Butter - A staple in most mashed potato recipes to make them thick and buttery. You can use salted or unsalted butter in any brand that you prefer. 
4. Milk - Try to use whole milk for this particular mashed potatoes recipe. It helps to smooth out the mashed potato mixture and makes the potatoes easier to mash. Heavy cream could be used instead in the same unit of measure. 
5. Salt - Bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and prevent them from tasting flat. Use more or less according to your preference. 
6. Ground Black (or White) Pepper - Add a small amount of spice to balance the flavor of the potatoes. Try to use freshly ground black pepper. You can also use white pepper instead if you have it available. 

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

How To Make Easy Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Begin the potato recipe by cleaning, peeling and cutting the potatoes into 1-inch thick pieces. Then add the prepared potatoes into a large stockpot and cover the potatoes with cold water. Place the stockpot on the stove over high heat and add the salt.

Once the potatoes come to a boil, allow them to continue cooking for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Remove the cooked potatoes from the stovetop and carefully drain off all of the water. Add the potatoes to a stand mixer bowl with the whisk attachment, or add to a large bowl and use a hand mixer, potato masher/potato ricer, or a metal whisk. 

Add the butter, milk, salt and ground black pepper. If using a mixer, mix on low speed until the potatoes no longer have any large chunks and the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Lastly, add the creamy mayonnaise adjust the mixer settings to medium speed and continue mixing until the potatoes are creamy and smooth. Taste and season with additional salt and ground black pepper if needed. Serve warm with your favorite protein such as ham, turkey, roast, or chicken, and additional sides to complete your holiday dinner. Enjoy!

Storage

Storage. If you have any leftover mashed potatoes, allow them to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and storing them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating. To reheat, place in the microwave at 2-minute intervals stirring each time until warm. They may also be placed in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed. If you need to add some additional milk while heating to loosen them up a bit, then you may do that a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached. 

Tips to Make The Best Mashed Potatoes

• Cut the potatoes before boiling. I prefer to cut my potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and are easier to handle when finished. It also helps the cooking process to go much faster. 
• Do not skip the mayonnaise! This makes the potatoes so creamy and I promise they do not taste like mayonnaise. Try it, you will not regret it. 
• Be careful not to over-boil the potatoes. Check the potatoes frequently as they are cooking and once they are fork-tender, a fork can be inserted in a piece of potato with little effort, then they are ready to mash. Overboiling could result in soupy mashed potatoes. 
• Try not to over-mix the potatoes. If using a stand or hand mixer, over-mixing could make the potatoes gummy in texture. Once the potatoes no longer have any chunks add the other ingredients, mix to combine, and serve.

Want more side dish recipes? Try these:

• Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
• Baked Potato Wedges
• Greek Potatoes
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• Easy Candied Yams
• Easy Cornbread Dressing
• Garlic Green Beans
• Warm Pasta Salad
• Sweet Potato Casserole

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to enjoy this Easy Mashed Potatoes Recipe? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe

Original post date 11/16/2020. Updated 10/23/2023.