Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
Yukon Gold mashed potatoes offer a creamy, buttery texture with a naturally rich flavor. This classic side dish is simple to make and perfect for any meal, from casual dinners to festive gatherings.

Ingredients
- 4 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
- ½ cup salted butter (1 stick cut into tablespoon pieces, room temperature)
- ¼ cup milk (warmed, more if needed for preferred texture)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel and cut the potatoes into quarters. Aim for evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
- Step 2: Rinse the potato pieces thoroughly under cold water.
- Step 3: Place the potatoes in a large saucepan or Dutch oven and cover with cold salted water.
- Step 4: Cook over medium-high heat until the potatoes are soft and tender when pierced with a fork, about 190°F to 195°F internally.
- Step 5: Drain the potatoes well.
- Step 6: While still hot, mash the potatoes using a potato masher until mostly smooth.
- Step 7: Add the butter pieces and ¼ cup of warm milk.
- Step 8: Continue mashing until you reach the desired creamy texture, adding more milk if necessary.
- Step 9: Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use warm milk to keep the potatoes hot and ensure a smooth mash.
- For extra richness, substitute half of the butter with cream cheese or sour cream.
- Leave the skins on for a rustic texture and added nutrients.
- To make garlic mashed potatoes, add roasted or sautéed garlic along with the butter.
Storage
Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, stirring occasionally.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, but Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture and buttery flavor. Russets work well too but may result in lighter, fluffier mashed potatoes.
How can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time?
You can prepare mashed potatoes a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. Reheat slowly over low heat, adding milk or butter as needed. Alternatively, keep them warm in a covered dish in a low oven before serving.
PrintYukon Gold Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Classic creamy Yukon Gold mashed potatoes made with tender boiled potatoes, butter, and warm milk. This simple recipe yields rich, smooth mashed potatoes perfect as a comforting side dish for any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
Dairy
- ½ cup salted butter (1 stick, cut into tablespoon pieces, room temperature)
- ¼ cup milk (warmed; may need more depending on preferred texture)
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare potatoes: Peel and cut the Yukon Gold potatoes into quarters, ensuring pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Rinse: Rinse the potato pieces thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Boil potatoes: Place potatoes in a large saucepan or a 7-quart Dutch oven and cover with cold, salted water.
- Cook until tender: Heat over medium-high until potatoes are soft and can be easily pierced with a fork. The internal temperature should reach around 190°F to 195°F.
- Drain: Carefully drain the hot water from the potatoes.
- Mash potatoes: While still hot, use a potato masher to begin mashing the potatoes until mostly smooth.
- Add butter and milk: Add butter pieces and ¼ cup of warmed milk to the mashed potatoes.
- Adjust texture: Continue mashing until the desired creamy texture is achieved, adding more warmed milk if necessary.
- Season: Season generously with salt and pepper to taste and mix well before serving.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their naturally creamy texture and buttery flavor.
- Warming the milk ensures it mixes smoothly without cooling down the potatoes.
- Adjust milk quantity to your preferred consistency—less for thicker mash, more for creamier.
- Salt the boiling water well to flavor the potatoes as they cook.
- For extra fluffiness, you can use a potato ricer instead of a masher.
Keywords: Yukon Gold potatoes, mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, easy side dish, classic mashed potatoes

