10 Mashed Potato Recipes for Family Meals

The Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker makes smooth mashed potatoes a snap to fix. The potatoes—along with garlic, if you like—are cooked in 8 minutes. Mashed potatoes are a possibility even if you're short on time!

Mashed potatoes can be as plain or as fancy as you like. Take a look at this recipe for prep tips, make-ahead advice, and some interesting flavor variations. 

Russet or baking potatoes (high starch) are an excellent choice for the fluffiest homemade mashed potatoes, with Yukon Gold, round white, and red bliss (medium to low starch) tied for second place. A combination of Russets and one of the others is even better. Low-starch potatoes can be used, but mash them lightly because they can become gummy if overmixed.

These elegant potatoes are baked, mashed, and then topped with lump crabmeat, cheese, and chives. Feel free to use chopped cooked shrimp, or if you're feeling particularly indulgent, top them with lobster.

Rutabagas add another dimension to these otherwise ordinary mashed potatoes. The sweetness of the rutabaga and a touch of nutmeg complement the potatoes beautifully. Use low-fat milk to make the dish even lighter.

Garnish these potatoes with fresh chopped parsley for a spectacular presentation.

This fabulous potato dish is a combination of mashed potatoes, cooked cabbage, and optional green onions. This is the perfect side for a St. Patrick's day dinner, or enjoy it as a side dish to ham, roast beef, corned beef, or sausages. It's easy to prepare and wonderful any time of the year.

And now for something a little more decadent. This loaded potato casserole has it all! Mashed potatoes are combined with bacon, cheddar and Boursin cheeses, and sour cream, along with green onions and seasonings. This is perfect for a potluck or special family meal.

The microwave oven makes these potatoes quick and easy. If you're short on time and the stovetop is full, this is a great solution.

Portion-size mounds of mashed potatoes may be frozen until you need them. Pipe them through a star tip for a fancy look for these make-ahead duchess mashed potatoes.

Sliced garlic is cooked along with the potatoes in this easy smashed red potato with garlic recipe. The garlic is mashed with the potatoes, butter, milk, and seasonings.

This decadent mashed potato casserole is made with the addition of sour cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese.