Best Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
This recipe for Best Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes offers a creamy, tangy twist on a classic comfort dish. Perfectly buttery with fresh dill, it’s an easy side that complements any meal beautifully.

Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt (or more to taste)
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons for garnish
- 2 cups buttermilk, at room temperature
- 4 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the cut potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water, just enough to cover the top.
- Step 2: Season the water with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, or more to taste, then add the bay leaves.
- Step 3: Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
- Step 4: Drain the potatoes and remove the bay leaves. Return the potatoes to the pot.
- Step 5: Add 6 tablespoons of butter to the potatoes and mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy. Then add the room temperature buttermilk and mix with a spoon until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Stir in the chopped fresh dill.
- Step 7: Serve the mashed potatoes hot, garnished with the additional 2 tablespoons of butter and extra dill. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, warm the buttermilk slightly before adding to the potatoes.
- Swap fresh dill for chives or parsley if you prefer a different herb flavor.
- If you like a smoother texture, use a potato ricer instead of a masher.
- Use regular milk instead of buttermilk for a milder taste.
Storage
Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of buttermilk or milk to restore creaminess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated and reheat thoroughly before serving, adding a little buttermilk or milk to loosen the texture.
What is the best potato for mashed potatoes?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for creamy mashed potatoes because they have a naturally buttery flavor and smooth texture, making them perfect for this recipe.
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Best Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Description
These Best Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes are creamy, flavorful, and effortlessly fluffy, made with Yukon gold potatoes, rich butter, tangy buttermilk, and fresh dill for a comforting side dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt (divided, or more to taste)
- 2 bay leaves
Mashed Potato Mix
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups buttermilk, at room temperature
- 4 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Additional fresh dill
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Place the peeled and cut Yukon gold potatoes into a large pot. Cover them with cold water, ensuring the water rises just above the potatoes.
- Season Water: Add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt and the bay leaves to the water, enhancing the potatoes’ flavor as they cook.
- Cook Potatoes: Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer gently until tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork—this typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drain and Prep for Mashing: Drain the potatoes and discard the bay leaves. Return the drained potatoes back to the pot to prepare for mashing.
- Add Butter and Mash: Add 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the hot potatoes. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Buttermilk: Pour in the room temperature buttermilk and stir with a spoon until the mixture becomes fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Season and Add Dill: Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the salt as needed. Stir in the freshly chopped dill for a burst of herbal freshness.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the mashed potatoes hot, topped with the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and a sprinkle of extra dill. Enjoy this comforting side dish immediately.
Notes
- Yukon gold potatoes work best for creamy mashed potatoes due to their natural buttery flavor and smooth texture.
- Room temperature buttermilk helps achieve a smoother consistency and prevents the mixture from cooling too much during mixing.
- Adjust the salt according to your taste preferences; kosher salt is preferred for seasoning during boiling.
- Fresh dill adds a bright and subtle herbal note; feel free to substitute with chives or parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately for best texture; if need be, keep warm on low heat but stir gently before serving to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: buttermilk mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, side dish, easy mashed potatoes, dill mashed potatoes

