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This mashed potatoes recipe is not your average mashed potatoes recipe! In fact, the mashed potatoes are just the base of this recipe–the best part, as with most of my boards, is the selection of delicious toppings! Much like my Baked Potato Toppings Bar, my goal is just to make mashed potatoes more fun–and even tastier–for all your guests!

If you want to have some fun with it, whip out some martini glasses and throw it back to the 90s with “mash-tinis”!

For other party bar ideas, try my Nacho Toppings Bar, Chili Toppings Bar, Grilled Cheese Bar, Pizza Toppings Bar, and Burger Bar.

How To Make Mashed Potatoes

There are so many ways to make mashed potatoes–from instant to Instant Pot and everything in between. Learn more about types of potatoes below!

Stove Top Mashed Potatoes

This is the most classic method, and there are tons of great mashed potato recipes on the internet! Here’s how I do it: 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 
• Cube 2½ pounds of potatoes of your choosing (I like to leave the skin on for some types of potatoes, but always feel free to remove it for a smoother texture!). 
• Add the potatoes to the water and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and return to the pot. 
• Reduce the heat to low and add 4 tablespoons salted butter and ⅓ cup milk. Mash with a potato masher or ricer until combined and fluffy (for a creamier texture, keep mixing until smoother and more dense). Taste and add more salt and/or butter if desired. 

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

This method is great for folks who want to “set it and forget it” because you don’t have to monitor a pot of boiling water for 20 minutes! Just make sure you have an Instant Pot (or other brand pressure cooker) with a wire rack insert, then follow this Instant Pot mashed potatoes recipe from TheKitchn!

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Similar to the Instant Pot recipe, this method is great for setting and forgetting. The biggest difference is that these mashed potatoes can be made ahead and kept warm for hours all in the same bowl! Grab your slow cooker and follow this slow cooker mashed potatoes recipe also from The Kitchen!

Instant Mashed Potatoes

There are two categories of instant mashed potatoes: the boxed kind that you add water to and the premade kind that you heat in the microwave (like Bob Evans). For the purposes of this bar, the boxes ones will work best for sheer volume, so try:

• Idahoan Original Mashed Potatoes
• Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes Instant Mashed Potatoes
• Betty Crocker Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

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Best Potatoes to Use for Mashed Potatoes

I personally prefer the buttery taste of Yukon Golds for my mashed potatoes, but there are a ton of options that will work just as well! Try:

• Yukon Gold: These have a lower starch content and make for creamy mashed potatoes! I like to leave the skin on for added texture. They have a buttery flavor!
• Russet: These have a higher starch content and make super fluffy mashed potatoes! I always peel the skins for russets. They have an earthy flavor!
• Red: These have a waxier, firmer texture than the others, which is why you see them in a lot of stews! I leave the skin on for added texture and flavor. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

Mashed Potato Bar Toppings Recipe

Here are my favorite mashed potato toppings all on one board!

Ingredients

• Sour cream
• Roasted garlic
• Caramelized onions
• Crumbled blue cheese 
• Chopped fresh chives
• Sliced green onions, green parts only
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Steamed broccoli florets
• Crumbled bacon
• Gravy
• Cooked mashed potatoes
• Sliced salted butter, room temperature

Directions

1. Place sour cream, garlic, green onions, blue cheese, chives, and caramelized onions in separate ramekins and arrange them around the bottom edge of the board. Add the salt and pepper to separate pinch bowls and place them towards the top of the board.
2. Place cheddar, broccoli, and bacon in the center of the board above the ramekins. Add the gravy to a gravy boat and place along the bottom edge of the board next to the ramekins.
3. Place the mashed potatoes in a serving bowl and add to the empty part of the board. Arrange pats of butter along the remaining edge of the board.

Note: I like to add the hottest ingredient (i.e. the potatoes) last so that they’re hot when serving!

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How To Serve Mashed Potatoes

With most of my “Build-Your-Own” bars, I like to serve them family style on a charcuterie board so folks can make their own creations at their own speed. That’s what I recommend here as well! 

That said, for a larger gathering, it might be easier to pre-serve the mashed potatoes into separate vessels. Guests can still choose their DIY toppings, but they won’t hold up the line by piling potatoes onto their plates. Plus, it makes it easier to gauge how many people will be able to partake! 

In terms of vessels, I like to provide small plates, small bowls, or jars! You can use really anything that will hold a heaping pile of hot mashed potatoes (don’t forget what I said about martini glasses–pinkies up!).

Loaded Mashed Potato Topping Variations

I included my favorites in my board, but there really is no limit to mashed potato toppings! Try adding a foreign flair to your taters with these flavorful topping options:

American BBQ-inspired

• Pulled pork + BBQ sauce
• Roasted corn + chopped onion + cheddar

Latin American-inspired

• Chimichurri
• Cotija cheese + roasted poblano strips
• Ají amarillo sauce + sautéed red onions

French-Inspired 

• Caramelized shallots + herbes de Provence
• Mushroom duxelles

Italian-Inspired

• Pesto + Parmesan 
• Truffle oil + crispy pancetta
• Roasted cherry tomatoes + balsamic reduction

Spanish-Inspired

• Chorizo crumbles + paprika oil
• Romesco sauce
• Manchego cheese + green olives

Greek-Inspired

• Feta + lemon zest + olive oil
• Tzatziki + cucumber ribbons
• Kalamata olives + oregano

Indian-Inspired

• Curry butter + cilantro
• Paneer + tikka masala sauce
• Crispy fried onions + garam masala

Asian-Inspired

• Miso butter + scallions
• Furikake seasoning
• Chili crisp + scallions
• Kimchi 

Mashed Potato Alternatives

If you’re not a fan of potatoes (gasp!) or you want a slightly healthier option, I’ve got you! 

Cauliflower Mash: This is exactly what it sounds like… instead of using potatoes, you’re using steamed cauliflower! It’s a lower-calorie option that is just as versatile and almost as delicious as the real deal (I say “almost” because potatoes are just that good). Try this Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe from AllRecipes.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes: This is probably the most common substitution for regular mashed potatoes! And if you’ve had them at Thanksgiving, you know that they tend to run a little sweeter (hence the marshmallows)! They are still delicious and versatile, but you may want to tailor your toppings to lean a little sweeter, perhaps honey instead of gravy and candied pecans instead of blue cheese!

Gluten-Free / Dairy-Free / Vegan Mashed Potatoes: For folks with dietary restrictions, mashed potatoes are usually gluten-free (if you’re using instant, be sure to check the packaging) and super easy to make dairy-free and vegan! Just swap out the butter and milk for your favorite substitutes. Pro tip: Instead of using non-dairy milk, reserve some potato cooking water and use that instead! 

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Reheat Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Reheating mashed potatoes can sometimes dry them out or create a gluey texture. To avoid that, try these methods:

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Add the potatoes to an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or cream and some butter (don’t skimp!). Cover with foil and cook until warmed through. 

Stove top: According to Martha Stewart, the best way to reheat on the stove is with a double boiler! Add the potatoes to a heat-safe bowl and place over a pot of boiling water. Add a splash of milk and some butter and cook, stirring occasionally (don’t over mix!), until warmed through.

Microwave: Make sure the potatoes are in a covered, microwave-safe dish and cook on 50% power, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Once hot, add more milk and/or butter if needed!

What To Serve with Mashed Potatoes

In my humble opinion, potatoes can be dinner! That said, if you want a more well-rounded meal, pair them with some meat and veg. While mashed potatoes go with just about everything, I like:

• Grilled protein, like steak and pork tenderloin
• Roasted green veggies, like broccoli, asparagus, green beans, and Brussels sprouts
• Roasted or rotisserie chicken
• Chili
• Meatloaf
• Sausages (ever heard of bangers and mash?)

Show Me Your Mashed Potato Toppings Boards

I hope this post inspires you to make this mashed potato party bar. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the snacks and apps you create from my tips. If you make something inspired by this post, please tag me at @ainttooproudtomeg so I can see and share! 

And, if you liked this recipe, please rate and review.