18 Mashed Potatoes Recipes Sure to Be a Suppertime Smash

Creamy Whipped Potato Casserole
Photo: Atonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

To some, the definition of a comforting dinner is meat and potatoes. When the cooler months roll around, nothing beats the hearty flavors of this classic combination. No matter how they're served, potatoes are a particularly beloved suppertime side. Baked, fried, and roasted potatoes are all welcome additions to a menu, but at most family dinner tables, it's hard to beat mashed potatoes. The velvety texture mixes with butter and cream to create a side that's easy to pile high on your plate. Plus, you can make the case that mashed potatoes can be a whole meal on their own. Skeptical? Just look at this list. Want an irresistible side that'll be the talk of the potluck? Our cheesy Bacon and Blue Mashed Potato Bake does the trick. If you want to sneak in some greens, whip up our Mashed Potatoes and Rutabaga with Collards and the kids won't even know they've had their helping of vegetables for the evening. So, if you're searching for the best mashed potatoes recipe, look no further—we're sure these will be a smashing success.

01 of 18

Classic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Rustic Mashed Red Potatoes with Parmesan
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Classic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Buttermilk and crème fraîche combine forces for ultra-decadent mashed potatoes, with just a little heat thanks to white pepper. You can also reheat these in a slow cooker or a tightly covered baking dish if you have leftovers.

02 of 18

Fried Mashed Potato Balls

fried mashed potato balls
Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Recipe: Fried Mashed Potato Balls

You know what they say; everything's better fried. Fried mashed potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table. This recipe even uses refrigerated mashed potatoes to keep it simple and cut down on active time.

03 of 18

Mashed Potatoes and Rutabaga with Collards

Mashed Potatoes and Rutabaga with Collards
Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

Recipe: Mashed Potatoes and Rutabaga with Collards

Whoever said eating greens isn't fun has yet to fold them into mashed potatoes. Positively dripping in butter and cheese, this recipe promises that even the most fervent vegetable haters will lick the plate clean.

04 of 18

Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Diana Miller

Recipe: Homemade Mashed Potatoes

No Southern holiday is complete without a mashed potatoes, and this classic recipe is tried-and-true. It's like spooning a bit of nostalgia onto a your plate.

05 of 18

Caramelized Onion Mashed Potato Bake

Caramelized Onion Mashed Potato Bake
Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Caramelized Onion Mashed Potato Bake

Think of this like French onion soup, but none of the broth business. Just creamy, fluffy potatoes intertwined with caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese. You're welcome.

06 of 18

Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Vidalia Onions

Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Vidalia Onions
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Vidalia Onions

Can dairy-free mashed potatoes be delicious? Yes, we say. Absolutely. Chives, plenty of pepper, and Vidalia onions ensure you aren't missing a thing.

07 of 18

Joanna Gaines' Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Joanna Gaines Mashed Potatoes
Amy Neunsinger/Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines

Recipe: Joanna Gaines' Mashed Potatoes Recipe

We love Chip and Joanna Gaines, and if they love these mashed potatoes, then we do, too. Gaines leaves the skin on her potatoes which just adds another layer of goodness to this recipe.

08 of 18

Mashed Potato Casserole

Mashed Potato Casserole
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Kay E. Clarke; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey

Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole

Piled high with Swiss cheese and breadcrumbs, this is a hearty casserole that'll comfort anyone on a chilly evening. We also love the addition of fried onion which reminds us of our favorite green bean casserole.

09 of 18

Mashed Potato Cakes

Mashed Potato Cakes
Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Recipe: Mashed Potato Cakes

Mashed potatoes with a crispy exterior? Don't need to ask us twice. With chopped leeks and cheese, this recipe gives new life to last night's mashed potatoes.

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Tasty Tex-Mex Mashed Potato Bake

Caramelized Onion Mashed Potato Bake
Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Tasty Tex-Mex Mashed Potato Bake

Mashed potatoes could never be boring with these ingredients. Chorizo? Check. Green chiles? Check. Pepper Jack? Check, check. Your guests will love this simple spin on a beloved dish.

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Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Southern Living

Recipe: Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

This pick is for everyone juggling a long Thanksgiving or holiday menu. Just bring the potatoes to room temperature the day of and bake according to instructions. You can make this comforting side up to two days in advance to help make your holiday at little less hectic.

12 of 18

Onion-Topped Sausage 'n' Mashed Potato Casserole

Onion-Topped Sausage 'n' Mashed Potato Casserole
Jennifer Davick; Stylist: Lisa Powell Bailey

Recipe: Onion-Topped Sausage 'n' Mashed Potato Casserole

On busy weeks, this two-for-one dinner can make any night feel like a special occasion. With a little bit of Italian seasoning and cheese, this recipe brings a extra heartiness to a side-turned-dinner.

13 of 18

Cheesy Potato Casserole

Cheesy Potato Casserole
Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Cheesy Potato Casserole

Sometimes we just need cheese and butter. Our side-dish casserole will warm your soul in the only way that mashed potatoes can. This recipe is the ultimate, hearty side that will also make an impressive presentation on the holiday sideboard.

14 of 18

Bacon and Blue Mashed Potato Bake

Caramelized Onion Mashed Potato Bake
Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Bacon and Blue Mashed Potato Bake

A little bit of creamy goat cheese paired with crispy bacon in buttermilk mashed potatoes? Sign us up! This recipe uses a whole wedge of blue cheese, so if you are a true blue lover, you can't miss it.

15 of 18

Mashed Potato Bar

Mashed Potato Bar
Alison Gootee; Styling: Suzonne Stirling

Recipe: Mashed Potato Bar

This is a surefire way to make sure everyone's happy at the dinner table. With a spread of tasty topping options, there is something for everyone.

16 of 18

Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Southern Living

Recipe: Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes

We've made a lot of mashed potatoes over the years, but this recipe is a Test Kitchen favorite. The goat cheese adds and tang and richness that will keep your guests.

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Creamy Whipped Potato Casserole

Creamy Whipped Potato Casserole
Atonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Creamy Whipped Potato Casserole

This recipe takes your classic mashed potatoes to a whole new level. We brown the butter in this recipe to really add to the richness of the dish.

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Creamy Spinach Mashed Potato Bake

Caramelized Onion Mashed Potato Bake
Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Creamy Spinach Mashed Potato Bake

This is essentially spinach dip with substance. Spinach is just ruffage. What really got us was the buttery garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese call for here. Plus pecans for crunch.

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