Skip to Content

Microwave Mashed Potatoes

Love mashed potatoes, then you have to try my Microwave Mashed Potatoes which can be made in no time, this is the ideal side dish for busy week night dinners. I make my microwave mashed potatoes with milk and butter, for creamy smooth mashed potatoes the whole family will enjoy.

A bowl of microwave mashed potatoes topped with butter and garnished with freshly chopped chives.


 

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

I often use my microwave to cook vegetables, it is an easy cooking technique. No need to have pots of water boiling on the stove, instead everything is cooked in the one bowl using the microwave and all the flavor is retained. You end up with the same fluffy mashed potatoes as you would if cooking them on the stove.

Easy microwave mashed potatoes are not only quick to prepare but can be cooked in just 12 minutes.You don’t need to keep an eye on the stove, you can get on with preparing something else.

Try some of my other easy potato side dish recipes, my Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Scalloped Potatoes with Blue Cheese,  Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes and Air Fryer Baked Potatoes too!

Ingredients

Here’s what you will need to make the best microwave mashed potatoes:

  • Russet potatoes – or any other variety of potato that’s good for mashing like Yukon Gold.
  • Water
  • Milk – I use whole milk or half and half for creamy microwave mashed potatoes.
  • Unsalted butter – if using salted butter, cut back on the salt.
  • Kosher salt
  • Chives – to garnish.
Microwave mashed potatoes recipe ingredients in individual bowls.

How to make mashed potatoes in microwave

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the potato pieces and water. Cover the bowl with a plate large enough to cover, but leave a side open for ventilation.

Microwave on high for about 9-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.

Once cooked, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave (it will be hot). Set aside.

Add the milk and butter to a glass cup or bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes, until warmed and the butter is melted.

  • Using a potato masher or a fork, start mashing the potatoes. Gradually add the milk while mashing to get a creamy consistency.
  • Season with kosher salt to taste, and mix well until the potatoes are smooth and creamy.
  • Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped chives.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!
A bowl of microwave mashed potatoes topped with butter and garnished with freshly chopped chives.

Expert Tips

These tips will help you make the best mashed potatoes you’ve ever tried. 

  • Cut the potatoes into even sized chunks, that way they cook evenly.
  • After cooking the potatoes, take care when removing the lid from the bowl as steam will escape and can burn.
  • I’ve used a hand potato masher, but a potato ricer will give you even fluffier mash.
  • Check the potatoes for seasoning before serving and add a little more salt if required.
  • Don’t over mash or beat the potatoes as they will start to become thick and gluey.

Flavor variations!

  • Use any variety of floury potato which always make the best mashed potatoes.
  • For extra creamy potatoes, swap the milk for half and half or heavy cream.
  • For garlic microwave mashed potatoes add a clove of minced garlic to the melted butter and milk.
  • You could also add finely sliced green onions, simply warm them up with the butter and milk and stir through the potatoes.
  • Make a mustard mash by stirring through 1-2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
  • For a herby mashed potato add some freshly chopped herbs like chives or parsley.
  • Cheesy microwave mashed potatoes are delicious, add some shredded sharp cheddar cheese and allow the cheese to melt through the warm potatoes.
A bowl of microwave mashed potatoes topped with melted butter and garnished with freshly chopped chives.

How to serve microwave mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served at any time. They taste great with meat, fish, seafood and vegetable based main dishes. Try it with my Air Fried Spatchcock Chicken, Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Herb Butter, Sous Vide Pork Chops, Air Fryer Meatloaf, Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy or my Air Fryer Whole Fish.

How to store

Make ahead: Mashed potatoes are a great make ahead side dish, prepare the earlier in the day or the day before and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to warm up and serve. This makes them the perfect addition to the Thanksgiving, Christmas or any other holiday table.

To refrigerate: Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a small pan on the stove top or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of milk or water to loosen the potatoes a little before serving.

A bowl of microwave mashed potatoes topped with butter and garnished with freshly chopped chives.

FAQs

What are the best potatoes for mashing?

For the best fluffy mashed potatoes I use Russet potatoes as they have a high starch content making them ideal for absorbing the melted butter and milk. You could also use Yukon Gold which is a great all round potato and result in mash with a denser consistency.

Can you over mash potatoes?

Yes you can! Over mashing and/or beating potatoes can leave you with thick and sticky mash. So I prefer to use a hand masher or potato ricer which result in fluffy mashed potatoes.

What to do with leftover mashed potatoes?

Leftover mashed potatoes can be used to top meat or fish pies. Try adding some green onions and make a batch of savory potato and onion pancakes or waffles. You can also combine mashed potatoes with leftover meats, cooked vegetables, shrimps or fish to make savory cakes, one of my favorites is a smoked fish, spinach and potato cake.

If you have tried this microwave mashed potatoes recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

A bowl of microwave mashed potatoes topped with butter and garnished with freshly chopped chives.
Print Pin Save
5 from 1 vote

Microwave Mashed Potatoes

Microwave Mashed Potatoes can be made in minutes, combining mashed potatoes with milk and butter, for creamy smooth mashed potatoes the whole family will enjoy.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword easy microwave mashed potatoes, easy potato side dish, microwave mashed potatoes with milk
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 268kcal
Author Tanya

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes washed, peeled, and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • kosher salt to taste
  • chopped chives for garnish

Instructions

  • In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the potato pieces and water. Cover the bowl with a plate large enough to cover, but leave a side open for ventilation.
  • Microwave on high for about 9-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
  • Once cooked, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave (it will be hot). Set aside.
  • Add the milk and butter to a glass cup or bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes, until warmed and the butter is melted.
  • Using a potato masher or a fork, start mashing the potatoes. Gradually add the milk while mashing to get a creamy consistency.
  • Season with kosher salt to taste, and mix well until the potatoes are smooth and creamy.
  • Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped chives.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Suggested Tools

Microwave
Large microwave-safe bowl

Notes

If you prefer a chunkier texture in your mashed potatoes, mash them less and fold in the ingredients gently. For a super-smooth consistency, you can even pass the potatoes through a ricer or sieve before mixing in the other ingredients.

Nutrition

Calories: 268kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 23mg | Potassium: 837mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 401IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 2mg
My Southern Air Fryer ECookbookFind all my Top Southern Air Fryer recipes in one place! My Southern Air Fryer ECookbook!
Subscribe to my YouTubeSubscribe to my YouTube Channel for full length recipe videos. Click the bell icon to be notified when I upload a new video.
Tried this recipe? Share on InstagramMention @Myforkinglife or tag #myforkinglife!
Although myforkinglife.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Under no circumstances will myforkinglife.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)
Recipe Rating