Microwave Mashed Potatoes

Prep: 9 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 24 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Yield: 5 1/2 cups

Food cravings aren't always convenient, and sometimes there isn't enough time to prep. Or maybe a last-minute dinner is coming together, and you need a delicious and easy side dish. Luckily, it's possible to cook potatoes in the microwave for quick, moist, and creamy no-pot mashed potatoes. This universally and internationally beloved dish has endless variations, but the classic mashed potatoes are a timeless offering that goes perfectly with any protein—from a rotisserie chicken to steak, fried fish, lamb, or vegetarian curries—and can convert a simple dinner into an unforgettable meal.

Our microwave recipe has many advantages, time being just one. You can use any type of potato—whether they're peeled russets, Yukon Golds, or even unpeeled red potatoes—steam them in the microwave, and simply mashed them with milk, butter, and seasonings. With the microwave, our mashed potatoes from scratch can be ready in less than 20 minutes.

Microwave mashed potatoes in a bowl with chives garnish

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"Buttery, creamy mashed potatoes created in no time in your microwave. The potatoes were smooth and silky and the method was pretty quick. I loved the results." —Diana Andrews

Microwave Mashed Potatoes on a plate
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces

  • 3/4 to 1 cup milk (or light cream)

  • 4 to 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, to taste, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

  • Kosher salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for microwave mashed potato recipe gathered

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  2. Rinse the peeled potato chunks and put them in a large microwave-safe bowl or a casserole dish. 

    Cut potatoes in a bowl ready for the microwave

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  3. Cover the dish or bowl with plastic wrap and cut a small vent in the top for steam to escape.

    Bowl of potatoes covered with plastic wrap ready for the microwave

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  4. Microwave on high for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be gently poked through with a fork.

    Bowl of potatoes covered in plastic wrap in a microwave

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  5. With pot holders or oven mitts, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. If necessary, transfer to a larger bowl for mashing.

    Microwave steamed potatoes in a bowl with a fork

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  6. Warm 3/4 cup of milk with 4 tablespoons of butter in the microwave until the butter is melted or nearly melted, from 30 to 50 seconds.

    Warmed butter and milk mixture in a white pitcher for mashed potatoes

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  7. If desired, put the potatoes through a ricer before mashing with the rest of the ingredients.

    Potatoes being put through a ricer for mashing

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  8. Add the milk mixture to the hot potatoes and mash with a hand masher or small electric hand mixer. If using an electric mixer, be careful not to overmix, or the potatoes may become gummy. Add more of the remaining milk and butter as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste, and mix well.

    Microwaved potatoes being mashed with a masher in a glass bowl

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  9. Serve alongside your favorite entrée. Enjoy.

    Fluffy microwave mashed potatoes in a bowl with salt and pepper on top

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Flavorful Additional Ingredients

Potatoes are a blank slate and take well to many different kinds of additions:

  • Add roasted garlic or a few tablespoons of fresh chopped chives, parsley, or rosemary.
  • Add a couple of tablespoons of sour cream, crème fraîche, or plain Greek yogurt to add some tang.
  • Add 1/2 cup of grated cheddar, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or another hard, assertive cheese to provide umami flavor and lots of character.
  • Make the mashed potatoes vegan by using non-dairy milk such as soy, almond, or oat, and a couple of tablespoons of extra-virgin olive or avocado oil, or a non-dairy plant-based butter substitute.

How to Store and Freeze Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes will keep in the refrigerator, covered, for four to five days. Unlike potatoes, mashed potatoes freeze well and can be frozen for up to six months. Once you're ready to reheat, choose your preferred method:

  • To reheat in the microwave, use a covered dish at 50 percent power for up to 5 minutes or until the potatoes are heated through. Microwave ovens vary in their power, so check and add time if not heated throughout.
  • To reheat on the stovetop, place a saucepan over medium-low heat.
  • To reheat in the oven, simply cover the mashed potatoes and place them in a 350 F oven for about 30 minutes or until heated through.
  • If needed, add more milk or butter to improve consistency after reheating.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
298 Calories
13g Fat
42g Carbs
6g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 298
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13g 16%
Saturated Fat 8g 39%
Cholesterol 34mg 11%
Sodium 92mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 42g 15%
Dietary Fiber 4g 15%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 6g
Vitamin C 18mg 91%
Calcium 81mg 6%
Iron 2mg 11%
Potassium 1073mg 23%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)