Creamy and buttery easy mashed potatoes, all cooked in the microwave for a quick, easy and comforting side dish. If you haven't tried mashed potatoes in the microwave before, then you are missing out. Everything you love about mashed potatoes, but made in the microwave in just 10 minutes.
Microwave mashed potatoes couldn't be easier. Just put them in a microwavable bowl, cover and let the microwave do the work. A quick mashed potato recipe with lots of options for add-ins.
If you are looking for other mash potato recipes, why not try our Mustard Mash, Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes, Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes or The BEST Creamy Mashed Potatoes?
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Why you will love it
- Quick - There is no need to boil any water, like cooking the potatoes on the hob, so cooking mashed potatoes in the microwave is actually quicker.
- Adaptable - Use this recipe as a base and then adapt it with different add-ins like we have suggested below.
- Stores well - This stores well too, so make and extra batch to have with a meal another day.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Potatoes - You can use any potatoes to make our microwave mashed potatoes, however starchy and fluffy potatoes work the best. King Edwards, Maris Piper, Russets, Yukon golds, Desirée or Rooster (which is what we used) work really well for making the perfect mashed potato.
- Milk - We used whole milk as it makes it all nice and creamy. However you could use skimmed or semi skimmed, or even swap it for a dairy free version.
- Butter - This adds lots of creaminess. You could use creme fraiche instead.
- Salt and pepper - Generously season.
A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
How to make microwave mashed potato - Step by step
One: Put the potatoes into a microwave safe bowl.
Two: Cover the bowl with clingfilm and pierce to vent. Put into the microwave and cook on high power for 8-10 minutes.
Three: Mash the potato. Add the milk, butter, salt and pepper and mash again.
Health benefits of potatoes
Whilst we do love a good sweet potato mash, you just can't beat mash made with white potatoes. White potatoes have so many nutrients in them, they really shouldn't get a bad reputation.
They are low in fat, sodium and cholesterol, they have nearly half of your daily vitamin C and they are a great source of potassium - even more than a banana. They are full of fibre and magnesium, and they are filling too. On top of this, they are also suitable for almost any diet, from vegan to gluten free. I am not sure what more you could want?
Why use a microwave
You will never get the same light and fluffy mashed potatoes using the microwave as you would on the hob. So, you might be wondering what the point of using the microwave is.
Microwaves have received a bad reputation over the years. They have been called lazy and they have been called dangerous. But, if you are looking at these recipes then I am guessing that you don't believe either of those, and neither do we. Let's dispel those myths.
Firstly, there is no real evidence that shows that microwaves are dangerous to your health. You will find a lot of information on the internet to say they are, but nothing scientifically proven. Studies have shown that using a microwave might be better at preserving nutrients than other cooking methods.
Microwaves are for lazy people? Nope! That is such an ableist thing to say. There are many reasons why people might use a microwave as a convenient method of cooking, such as not being able to stand at the cooker for any length of time.
Sometimes the microwave can be a bit of a life saver. If your oven breaks, or you are having your kitchen renovated, you need to be able to make meals with just a microwave. Maybe you are living in accommodation with no/limited cooking facilities like a hotel/studio/student halls. We want to show just what you can do with a microwave. We also love them for smaller portions.
We have a full section of microwave recipes for you to try.
Variations
The great thing about microwave mashed potatoes is that once it is cooked, there are lots of different ways that you can flavour it. We went with a little fresh parsley, but fresh chopped rosemary or thyme would work well.
Cheesy mashed potato just hits the spot for comfort food doesn't it?! Why not stir in some grated Parmesan or cheddar to make it nice and creamy? A spoonful of creme fraiche makes it really creamy too.
If you want to make some really indulgent microwave mashed potatoes, then stir some chopped cooked bacon into it. If you like a kick of heat in your food, then you can stir in some dried red chilli flakes.
What to serve with microwave mashed potatoes
Microwave mashed potatoes are such a versatile side dish, you can serve them with pretty much anything. However, here are some of our favourite recipes that go perfectly with it:
- Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
- Homemade Fish Fingers
- Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Honey and Lime Chicken
- Peri Peri Chicken
- Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers
- Lemon and Rosemary Chicken
- Sausage and Lentil Stew
- Easy Italian Chicken
- Chicken Kiev
Frequently Asked Questions
You can store any leftover mashed potatoes in an air tight container in the fridge and they will keep for up to 5 days. We wouldn't recommend freezing mashed potatoes. Once they are defrosted, they tend to go a bit gritty.
We use a really sturdy potato masher to mash our potatoes, as we are fine with a few smaller lumps. However, if you like your mashed potatoes super smooth, then get yourself a potato ricer. This gives you really smooth and creamy potatoes, and makes sure that they aren't overworked like they would be with a masher, which is key if you are going to use leftovers to make gnocchi.
Whilst leftovers of this side dish is rare in our house, if you do have any leftovers then there are a few really good options to make sure that nothing goes to waste. You can make leftover mashed potato cakes by mixing them with an egg and a little flour, then forming into patties and frying. Or, you can make our Leftover Mashed Potato Gnocchi.
This really depends on what potatoes you are using. If you are using the ones we have listed above, then your potatoes won't dry out. Also remember that the power of your microwave matters and you don't want them to dry out.
Extra tips
• Cut all the potatoes to the same size to ensure that they all cook the same.
• If you prefer chunky mashed potatoes, then don't over mash them. We like ours really creamy and fluffy.
• We find using a potato masher is fine, however if you like really smooth potatoes then you can use a potato ricer.
• Add salt and pepper at the end to season, that way you can taste them and add more if you prefer.
• You don't have to peel the potatoes, but we find the texture is better if you do.
• Make sure you use a microwave safe bowl big enough for the potatoes.
More potato recipes
If you’ve tried this microwave mashed potato recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Microwave Mashed Potato
Ingredients
- 500 g (1.1 lb) Potatoes - peeled and chopped into 1" cubes
- 100 ml (0.4 cups) Whole milk
- 3 tablespoon Butter
- 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper
- Fresh parsley - chopped; to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Put the potatoes into a microwave safe bowl.
- Cover the bowl with clingfilm and pierce to vent. Put into the microwave and cook on high power for 8-10 minutes.
- Mash the potato. Add the milk, butter, salt and pepper and mash again.
Recipe Tips
- Cut all the potatoes to the same size to ensure that they all cook the same.
- If you prefer chunky mashed potatoes, then don't over mash them. We like ours really creamy and fluffy.
- We find using a potato masher is fine, however if you like really smooth potatoes then you can use a potato ricer.
- Add salt and pepper at the end to season, that way you can taste them and add more if you prefer.
- You don't have to peel the potatoes, but we find the texture is better if you do.
- Make sure you use a microwave safe bowl big enough for the potatoes.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Brooke says
Great option and tasty. When my stove is full this is a great resort.
Bradley Tipton says
I am only 12, and I made these mashed potatoes, they're really good!
Dannii Martin says
I am so happy you found the recipe easy to follow and you enjoyed them.
Dannii Martin says
That's amazing! Well done Bradley!
Jaime says
I don’t understand how this is healthy?
Dannii says
Potatoes are super nutritious. I am not sure what you don't think is "healthy". Also, no single ingredient or dish is healthy or unhealthy. It's about habits.
Mahy says
I can't believe how easy it is to make mashed potatoes... or should I say - easier - than what I have been used to!
Andrea says
Super easy to make and a perfect side dish.
Kushigalu says
I have never tried mashed potatoes in the microwave. Pinned to try this soon.
Suja md says
I just love this and its was a big hit with everyone. And this was such a pleasing experience!
Toni says
I love how quick and easy this is in the microwave!
Savita says
Oh, I loved the idea of using a microwave for this recipe. Quick and creamy at the same time. Loved it.
Stephanie says
I've always used the microwave to make baked potatoes, but I never thought of using it for mashed! This is such a smart idea! I can't stand the messy boiling over potatoes pot on the stove!
Katherine says
Such a great way to make mashed potato quickly without the stovetop!
Beth says
What a great idea and so easy too!