No Thanksgiving table is complete without a generous bowl of Classic Mashed Potatoes, and this recipe delivers everything you want from the ultimate comfort-food side dish — creamy, buttery, smooth, and wonderfully satisfying. Made entirely with budget-friendly Aldi ingredients, these mashed potatoes are deliciously simple yet full of nostalgic flavor that pairs perfectly with turkey, gravy, and every other holiday favorite. If you love mashed potatoes that are rich but not heavy, velvety but still full-bodied, this recipe is exactly what you’re looking for.
Jump to RecipeMashed potatoes may seem straightforward, but getting that perfect texture takes the right method—and this recipe keeps it easy and foolproof. The potatoes are cooked until tender, then mashed with butter, milk, and just the right amount of seasoning to highlight their natural flavor. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated — just classic, satisfying mashed potatoes made the way families have loved for generations.
These mashed potatoes are also incredibly versatile. Make them smooth and silky, keep them a little rustic with some texture, or adjust the butter and milk to your preference. They’re quick to prepare, easy to scale for large gatherings, and universally loved by both kids and adults. On a budget-conscious holiday menu like this one, they shine as a simple, affordable side that still feels indulgent and festive.
Whether you’re serving a full Thanksgiving feast or simply want a cozy side dish for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. Comforting, reliable, and always delicious — these mashed potatoes are a true holiday staple.
❤️ What You’ll Love About These Mashed Potatoes
- Budget-friendly & filling — Made with affordable Aldi staples that stretch easily to feed a crowd.
- Perfectly creamy texture — Smooth, fluffy, and rich without feeling heavy.
- Quick & foolproof — Simple steps that work every time, even for beginner cooks.
- Pairs with everything — Ideal with turkey, gravy, stuffing, or any main dish.
- Easy to customize — Adjust butter, milk, or seasonings to suit your family’s taste.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Course: Side Dishes10
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesClassic mashed potatoes made rich and smooth — perfect alongside gravy or turkey.
Ingredients
5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1 yellow onion, diced (optional)
½ cup milk (or more as needed)
4 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Add potatoes to a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil.
- Simmer 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- While boiling, sauté onion in butter until translucent (optional).
- Drain potatoes and mash with milk, butter, and sautéed onion.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.
Optional Tips/Variations
- Stir in sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Add garlic cloves to the boiling water for garlicky mash.
🧊 Storage + Reheating Tips
Storage:
Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Add a splash of milk before refrigerating to keep them from drying out.
Reheating:
- Stovetop (best): Reheat over low heat with a little milk or butter, stirring until smooth.
- Microwave: Warm in intervals, stirring between each round and adding a splash of milk as needed.
- Oven: Spread in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat at 300°F (150°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Freezing:
Mashed potatoes freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat with additional butter or milk to restore creaminess.
Make Ahead Tip:
Make up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
