Microwave mashed potatoes

Name: Microwave Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 6 medium russet potatoes; 1/4 cup butter, sliced into 4 pieces; 2/3 cup milk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper

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Microwave mashed potatoes offer a convenient alternative to traditional boiling methods. This speedy recipe involves cubing potatoes, microwaving them with butter, seasoning to taste, and mashing—all within a mere 20 minutes!

By steaming potatoes in the microwave, you can have these quick mashed potatoes ready on your table in no time. You have the option to serve them as is or experiment with various mix-ins. If you haven’t yet explored the wonders of microwave potato cooking, you’re truly missing out! These effortless mashed potatoes are not only swift to prepare but also boast a delightful flavor.

Furthermore, the entire family will eagerly anticipate scooping generous servings onto their plates for dinner. Serving mashed potatoes as a side dish is always a crowd-pleaser, making it a fail-safe choice for any meal. Don’t hesitate to give this microwave method a try—it’s a time-saving, flavorful solution for potato lovers.

For more easy side dishes, check out our Gluten Free Crab Cakes, Air Fryer Asparagus, Sweet Potatoes In Instant Pot or Pineapple Pretzel Salad.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

6 medium russet potatoes
1/4 cup butter, sliced into 4 pieces
2/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

chefs knife on cutting board with potato slices

How To Make Mashed Potatoes in Microwave

Peel the potatoes then dice them into small cubes. Place into a microwave-safe bowl. Add the butter. Place a plate on top of the bowl of potatoes to cover.

Microwave the potatoes

Microwave the potatoes 10-11 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through, stirring halfway.

Use oven mitts when removing the potatoes from the microwave and the plate from the bowl as it will be very hot.

Season the potatoes and mash

Add the milk, salt, and pepper. Using a handheld mixer or potato masher mash the potatoes taking care not to over-mix. Serve hot.

peeled potato chunks in micowave safe bowl topped with plate

Serving Suggestions

We would argue that mashed potatoes go with every meal. From chicken and pork to beef and seafood, here are a few of our favorite entrees to feature with potatoes.

Turn these potatoes dairy free by using coconut milk or another non-dairy alternative such as unsweetened soy milk.

Things To Add To Mashed Potatoes

Let the list begin! There are many delicious ingredients to consider adding to mashed potatoes to upgrade the flavor and customize to your liking.

Mix in or top with grated parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy version.
In addition, or in place of the milk, mix in olive oil or butter.
Use half and half, condensed milk or whipping cream instead of milk.
Top with bacon bits and chives.
Sprinkle with rosemary and garlic powder.
Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt to make extra creamy.
Cream with chicken or vegetable broth instead of milk.
Drizzle with homemade gluten-free gravy.

milk poured into bowl with potato chunks, salt, pepper

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Potato Selection: Choose starchy potatoes like russets for the creamiest mashed potatoes. They have a high starch content, which results in a smoother texture.
Uniform Cutting: Try to cut the potato cubes as uniformly as possible. This ensures that they cook evenly in the microwave.
Check for Doneness: The cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s power. Test for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into a potato cube. If it goes in easily, they’re done.
Be Cautious with Hot Containers: When removing the bowl and plate from the microwave, use oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands as they can get very hot.
Mashing Techniques: Be gentle when mashing the potatoes. Overmixing can make them gummy. Use a potato masher or handheld mixer on a low setting for the best results.
Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste. You can add garlic powder, herbs, or grated cheese for extra flavor.
Adjust Consistency: If your mashed potatoes are too thick, add a bit more milk to reach your desired consistency. If they are too thin, you can microwave them for an additional minute or two to evaporate some moisture.
Serve Promptly: Mashed potatoes are best when served hot. Try to serve them immediately after mashing to enjoy their creamy texture.

close up view of mashed potatoes topped with butter

Frequently Asked Questions

How long are mashed potatoes good for?

Leftovers will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

What to do with leftovers?

The leftovers can be served as a reheated side dish topped with cheesy or gluten-free gravy. They can also be turned into savory potato pancakes to serve with any meal.

How to mash potatoes?

Mash with a fork, potato masher, handheld mixer or Kitchenaid until creamy.

How to fix dry potatoes?

If the potatoes are dry, especially when reheating, gradually add milk and heat until the desired consistency is reached.

Why are the potatoes gummy?

If the potatoes end up gummy, they were likely overmixed.

How many potatoes to make?

Plan for 1 medium Russet potato per person when prepping. This recipe will yield approximately 6 servings, which feeds our family of 4 and leaves enough for leftovers.

fork scooping into microwave mashed potatoes

Storing Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days to reheat as desired.

We would not recommend storing leftovers in the freezer as potatoes often have an unappetizing texture when reheated.

Microwave: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments or until hot. Stirring frequently.

Stovetop: Place leftovers in a pot on the stove over low heat until hot. Stir frequently to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Oven: Add leftovers to a baking dish in a preheated oven to bake at 350 degrees until hot. You can top with cheese to easily turn into a mashed potato casserole.

You may add a splash or two of milk to bring the potatoes back to a creamy consistency when reheating.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Wear a cut glove (on the hand not holding the knife) when peeling and slicing potatoes. You will want to slice the potato cubes roughly the same size.
Any variety of potato can be used (Russet, Yukon, red); however, Russet potatoes are the best.
Always check that you are using a microwave-safe bowl and plate when microwaving potatoes. Ask a helper if you are unsure.

More Microwave Recipes

Microwave Pancakes
How To Boil Eggs in the Microwave
Homemade Microwave Popcorn
How To Steam Broccoli in Microwave
How To Make Microwave Baked Potatoes
Chocolate Gluten Free Mug Cake
How to Microwave Butternut Squash
Microwave Pizza Recipe
Gluten Free Mug Cake

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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