Meet your new secret weapon for dinner parties and cozy weeknight meals alike: Herbed Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes. This dish is fluffy, creamy, and absolutely brimming with fresh, aromatic herbs and the tang of buttermilk. Every bite brings together buttery Yukon Gold potatoes, a trio of vibrant garden herbs, and the irresistible tang of buttermilk—all coming together for a side that’s ready to steal the show. Whether you’re serving a festive holiday spread or just craving something special, these are not your average mashed potatoes.

Herbed Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Herbed Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes lies in its humble ingredients coming together to create something truly memorable. Each one plays a unique role, so don’t skip the fresh herbs or quality buttermilk—they’re what make this recipe shine!

Yukon Gold potatoes: Their naturally creamy and buttery texture makes for the smoothest, most luscious mashed potatoes.
Buttermilk: Adds a tangy brightness and creamy texture while keeping things on the lighter side.
Unsalted butter: Melting into the hot potatoes, it brings rich flavor and that classic comfort-food feel.
Fresh chives: Deliver a subtle onion note and a pop of color you’ll notice in every spoonful.
Fresh parsley: Balances the dish with fresh, grassy vibrancy.
Fresh thyme: Offers gentle savory, herbal complexity to complement the potatoes.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together, so don’t be shy about seasoning.
Black pepper: Adds just a touch of subtle heat and depth.

How to Make Herbed Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by peeling your Yukon Gold potatoes and chopping them into evenly sized chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover generously with cold water. This helps the potatoes cook evenly from edge to center. Bring them to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook until the potatoes are very tender—if you can easily pierce them with a fork, they’re done!

Step 2: Drain and Mash

Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot (the lingering heat will actually help evaporate excess moisture). Add in all the glorious butter while the potatoes are still hot, then mash until smooth and fluffy. Whether you use a hand masher, ricer, or even a sturdy fork, the key is not to over-mash or your Herbed Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes may turn gluey.

Step 3: Stir in Buttermilk

Pour the buttermilk in gradually as you stir. This lets you control just how creamy or loose you’d like your mashed potatoes. Everyone has a personal preference here, and if you crave even more creaminess, feel free to toss in a spoonful of sour cream.

Step 4: Mix in Herbs and Seasoning

Add your chives, parsley, and thyme next, along with the salt and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly distributed and the Herbed Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes are flecked with a riot of green. Taste at this stage and don’t hesitate to tweak the salt or pepper to suit your palate.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Spoon your Herbed Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes into a serving bowl while they’re still piping hot. Top them with a little extra pat of butter and a sprinkle of whatever fresh herbs you have left—because who can resist that?

How to Serve Herbed Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

The right garnish can turn your Herbed Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes from comforting to celebration-ready. Try a drizzle of melted butter, a handful of extra chopped chives, or even a light dusting of cracked black pepper for a restaurant-worthy look.

Side Dishes

These mashed potatoes are the perfect match for roasted meats like chicken, turkey, beef, or pork. They also shine with vegetarian mains, especially alongside mushroom gravies or hearty lentil dishes. Don’t overlook them as a lovely addition to a brunch table, paired with eggs and braised greens.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual ramekins topped with a little extra butter make for a chic dinner party impression. Or, pipe the potatoes onto plates using a large pastry bag for an elegant swirl. For a family-style meal, simply heap them high in a large serving bowl and let everyone dig in together—it’s all about that cozy, generous spirit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Herbed Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes keep beautifully. Transfer them into an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days. Their texture remains creamy with just a little extra stirring when you reheat them.

Freezing

You can freeze Herbed Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes for longer storage. Spoon them into freezer-safe bags or containers, smooth the tops, and press out as much air as possible before sealing. They’ll keep their quality for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or buttermilk to loosen the potatoes and prevent them from drying out. Warm them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently, or use the microwave in one-minute bursts, stirring between each, until hot and creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yukon Golds are prized for their creamy texture, but you can use Russet potatoes if that’s what you have on hand. Just note that Russets will produce an even fluffier (but slightly less rich) mash, so you might want to add a touch more butter.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No buttermilk? No problem! Simply stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into 1 cup of whole milk, let it sit for five minutes, and you have a perfectly tangy homemade substitute for these Herbed Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare your Herbed Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes earlier in the day and keep them warm by placing the pot over low heat, stirring in a bit of extra buttermilk or butter before serving to freshen them up.

Is it okay to use dried herbs?

Fresh herbs add unbeatable brightness, but if you only have dried on hand, use one-third the amount stated in the recipe. The flavor will still shine, though fresh herbs really do make a difference in this recipe’s charm.

How do I avoid lumpy or gluey mashed potatoes?

For the smoothest Herbed Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, cut potatoes into evenly sized chunks, don’t overcook, and mash while hot. Avoid overworking the potatoes—a gentle hand and a good potato masher or ricer are all you need.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a side that feels both celebratory and comforting, you’ll fall in love with Herbed Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes. The freshness of the herbs, the tang of the buttermilk, and that buttery, fluffy texture are bound to make them a regular feature at your table. Give them a try and see just how quickly they become everyone’s new favorite!

Herbed Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy and flavorful Herbed Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal. Made with Yukon Gold potatoes, buttermilk, and a blend of fresh herbs, these mashed potatoes are a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

Buttermilk Mixture:

1 cup buttermilk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Herb Blend:

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Cook Potatoes: Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, then simmer until tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain and return to pot.
Mash Potatoes: Add butter, mash until smooth.
Add Buttermilk: Gradually stir in buttermilk until desired consistency.
Season: Mix in chives, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve: Serve warm.