15 Minute Microwave Mashed Potatoes
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These Microwave Mashed Potatoes are fluffy, creamy and smooth! This quick side dish is easy to make in just 15 minutes, far less time than boiling or other methods!
Look no further than the microwave when you want delicious mashed potatoes in a hurry! There’s no need to wait for water to boil and you can avoid steaming up your kitchen too.
The potatoes are cut into chunks and microwaved until fork-tender before being mashed with butter, milk, salt and pepper. It’s one of the best ways to get quick mashed potatoes!
How to make mashed potatoes in the microwave
Making potatoes in the microwave is really easy. I will share with you a few tricks to getting smoothy and fluffy microwave mashed potatoes that are evenly cooked.
- Peel the potatoes (if desired) and cut into 1-inch chunks.
- Place the potato chunks into a medium microwaveable bowl. Then add water to rinse off excess starch:
- Drain the water and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. poking a hole with a knife tip so steam can escape. Then microwave for 10-12 minutes on high power until fork-tender:
- Add the milk, butter, salt and pepper to the potatoes.
- Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
Best potatoes for mashed potatoes
The best potatoes for mashed potatoes are baking potatoes such as russets and Yukon golds. They’re starchy potatoes with a floury texture that disintegrates easily for smooth mashing with no lumps!
Do you need to peel potatoes before microwaving?
You don’t need to peel potatoes when making microwave mashed potatoes. It’s a matter of personal preference for the final texture, and they’ll cook just as well with the peels on or off.
How long to microwave potatoes for mashing?
If the potatoes are cut into 1-inch chunks, they’ll take 10-12 minutes on full power in a 1200-Watt microwave (the strength of most built-in microwaves).
You’ll need 13-15 minutes on full power in a 600-800 Watt microwave, which is the strength of most countertop models.
If you cut the potatoes into larger chunks, you’ll also need extra time. Medium starch potatoes such as red potatoes can also require a few minutes more to become soft.
How to make mashed potatoes creamy and fluffy?
The best way to avoid lumps is to choose starchy potatoes and cook them thoroughly. If you still encounter lumps, then simply put the potatoes through a ricer (this is how restaurants mash potatoes). If you don’t have one, then microwave the mashed potatoes several more minutes to soften the lumps.
The mashing or ricing action, along with added liquid and butter, will make your mashed potatoes fluffy and creamy.
Is it safe to microwave potatoes?
Yes! There’s some risk of whole potatoes exploding in the microwave when steam can’t escape. When microwaving whole potatoes, always prick at least 3 holes an inch deep using a skewer or fork to avoid pressure buildup during cooking.
More ways to cook potatoes:
View all potato recipes
Microwave Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large potatoes, peeled and cut into small chunks
- 3/4 cup milk, or light cream
- 4 tablespoons butter, or to taste
- salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- fresh chives, optional for serving
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and cut into 1-inch chunks.*
- Rinse the potato chunks in cold water. Then place in a large microwave-safe bowl or casserole dish.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and poke a hole to allow steam to escape.
- Microwave on High power (100%) for 10-12 minutes**, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave (caution: the bowl will be hot so use oven mitts) and set aside.
- Place the butter and milk/cream in a small bowl and microwave on High power for 1 minute to heat.
- Add the butter mixture, salt and pepper to the potatoes. Mash using a masher or hand mixer until smooth and creamy***.
Notes
- * Peeling the potatoes is optional when microwaving. Note that unpeeled potatoes will not be smooth after mashing.
- ** The cook time can vary based on strength (wattage) of your microwave and size of the potato chunks.
- *** In the event there are any lumps, you can quickly remove them by putting the potatoes through a ricer. Alternatively, you can microwave them for several minutes more.
- Reheating mashed potatoes in the microwave: Microwave on High power for 2-3 minutes. Stir and repeat until piping hot throughout.
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So so yummy and who knew I could make mashed potatoes so quickly? Loved this as a side dish to our dinner tonight.
Hi Lisalia, Totally agree and thanks for your feedback!