Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 25 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Jan. 06, 2023
My sister-in-law, who is a dietitian, shared this recipe with me. Buttermilk and garlic flavor these smooth mashed potatoes that are better for you than typical versions with lots of butter. —Stephanie Bremson, Kansas City, Missouri
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 6 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • Butter, melted, optional

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, combine potatoes, water, broth and garlic. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, 12-15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat buttermilk until warm. Drain potatoes and garlic; mash with buttermilk. Stir in onions, salt and pepper. If desired, served with butter and additional green onions.

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes Tips

What can you use instead of buttermilk in this recipe?

If you’re out of buttermilk, use 1/2 tbsp. of distilled white vinegar or lemon juice, plus enough milk to measure a 1/2 cup. Stir, then let stand for 5 minutes. Here are more ways to make a buttermilk substitute.

What can you serve with buttermilk mashed potatoes?

Mashed potatoes are irresistible when you’re craving a smooth, buttery side dish to go with your favorite entree. They go great with classics like fried chicken, meat loaf, roasted turkey and pot roast, but feel free to include them with just about any main dish of your choosing. No matter the entree, don’t forget to pair them with one of our favorite gravy recipes!

How do you store buttermilk mashed potatoes?

Allow the potatoes to cool completely, then store, covered, in the refrigerator where they should last 3 to 5 days. In the freezer, they’ll last for up to a year. If you want to save leftover buttermilk mashed potatoes from the holidays, refer to this guide to how long Thanksgiving leftovers are good for.

What are some variations of this buttermilk mashed potatoes recipe?

There are so many fun twists on buttermilk mashed potatoes. You can add cheese to make cheesy mashed potatoes, and other toppings like bacon bits and sour cream. Or, repurpose them and make them into mashed potato casserole, mashed potato cups, fried mashed potato balls or even mashed potato stuffing patties.

—Amy Glander, Taste of Home Book Editor
Buttermilk
Warmed buttermilk will appear curdled.

Nutrition Facts

2/3 cup: 104 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 599mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.