12 Mashed Potato Recipes with a Twist That Will Steal the Spotlight
Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes? Creamy, dreamy, and basically the ultimate comfort food.
But let’s be honest—plain mashed potatoes can get a little boring, right?
That’s why I rounded up 12 mashed potato recipes with a twist that take this classic side from “meh” to “oh wow, pass me a second helping!”
Whether you’re prepping for a holiday feast, weeknight dinner, or just want to flex your kitchen skills, these recipes have got you covered.
1. Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Why It’s Awesome: Because garlic and cheese make everything better.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup milk
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil potatoes until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Melt butter in a pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Mash potatoes with milk, butter, garlic, and Parmesan.
- Season with salt & pepper, serve warm.
Why You’ll Love It
Rich, cheesy, and garlicky goodness in every bite. IMO, this is the perfect side for roast chicken or steak.
2. Truffle Mashed Potatoes
Why It’s Awesome: Fancy flavors without the snooty price.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup cream
- 1–2 tsp truffle oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil potatoes until tender.
- Mash with butter and cream until smooth.
- Drizzle truffle oil and fold in gently.
- Adjust seasoning and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love It
It tastes like a 5-star restaurant, but made in your own kitchen. A little truffle oil goes a long way, trust me.
3. Turkey Bacon & Chive Mashed Potatoes
Why It’s Awesome: Smoky, savory, and a little indulgent.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes
- 4 strips cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
- 3 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp chopped chives
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil potatoes until tender.
- Mash with butter and milk.
- Fold in turkey bacon and chives, season to taste.
- Serve warm and watch them disappear.
Why You’ll Love It
The crispy bacon adds crunch, and chives give a fresh pop. Everyone will ask for seconds.
4. Creamy Horseradish Mashed Potatoes
Why It’s Awesome: A subtle kick for your classic mash.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil potatoes until soft.
- Mash with butter, sour cream, and horseradish.
- Season with salt & pepper, serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love It
Perfect for holiday roasts—the horseradish gives just enough zing without overwhelming the creaminess.
5. Cheddar & Green Onion Mashed Potatoes
Why It’s Awesome: Cheese lovers, rejoice!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- ½ cup milk
- 3 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil potatoes until tender.
- Mash with milk and butter.
- Stir in cheddar and green onions.
- Season and serve.
Why You’ll Love It
Cheesy, colorful, and kid-approved. Also great for meal prep because it reheats like a dream.
6. Roasted Garlic & Herb Mashed Potatoes
Why It’s Awesome: Roasted garlic = sweet, nutty magic.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes
- 1 whole garlic bulb
- 3 tbsp butter
- ½ cup cream
- 1 tsp thyme or rosemary
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Roast garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Boil potatoes until tender.
- Mash potatoes with roasted garlic, butter, cream, and herbs.
- Season to taste and serve.
Why You’ll Love It
It smells like heaven and tastes even better. Roasting garlic brings out a sweetness that’s perfect with creamy potatoes.
7. Cauliflower & Potato Mash
Why It’s Awesome: Sneaky veggies without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb potatoes
- 1 lb cauliflower florets
- 3 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil potatoes and cauliflower together until soft.
- Mash with butter and milk.
- Season, serve warm.
Why You’ll Love It
Lower in carbs but still creamy and dreamy. You’ll barely notice the cauliflower.
8. Sweet Potato & Cinnamon Mash
Why It’s Awesome: Sweet twist on a classic.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes
- 3 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup cream
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil sweet potatoes until soft.
- Mash with butter, cream, and cinnamon.
- Season lightly, serve.
Why You’ll Love It
Sweet, buttery, and comforting—perfect side for turkey or ham (or just eating straight from the pot).
9. Pesto Mashed Potatoes
Why It’s Awesome: Basil lovers will be obsessed.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes
- 3 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup pesto
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil potatoes until tender.
- Mash with butter and milk.
- Stir in pesto, season, serve.
Why You’ll Love It
Bright, herby, and packs a punch. Pair with grilled chicken or fish for an easy weeknight meal.
10. Blue Cheese & Walnut Mashed Potatoes
Why It’s Awesome: Fancy flavor without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes
- ½ cup milk
- 3 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
- Salt & pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil potatoes until soft.
- Mash with butter and milk.
- Fold in blue cheese and walnuts.
- Season and serve.
Why You’ll Love It
The tangy blue cheese + crunch of walnuts = gourmet mash. Perfect for entertaining.
11. Truffle & Parmesan Mash
Why It’s Awesome: Luxurious flavor without being complicated.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes
- ½ cup cream
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tsp truffle oil
- ¼ cup Parmesan
- Salt & pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil potatoes until tender.
- Mash with cream and butter.
- Fold in truffle oil and Parmesan, season.
- Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love It
Decadent, creamy, and makes any dinner feel special.
12. Chipotle Mashed Potatoes
Why It’s Awesome: Smoky, spicy, and unexpected.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes
- 3 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
- Salt & pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil potatoes until tender.
- Mash with butter and milk.
- Stir in minced chipotle peppers, season.
- Serve with tacos, chicken, or your favorite protein.
Why You’ll Love It
Adds a smoky kick to your mashed potatoes without being overpowering. Perfect for spice lovers.
Conclusion
Mashed potatoes don’t have to be boring! From cheesy indulgence to sweet surprises or herby delights, these 12 mashed potato recipes with a twist give you plenty of ways to upgrade your side game.
Whether it’s a holiday feast, a casual dinner, or just a snack, these creative mash variations are guaranteed to impress.
