Next-Level Mashed Potatoes: 20 Creative Twists
Mashed potatoes might be the MVP of comfort food—but they don’t have to be basic. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just trying to spice up your weeknight routine, these 20 creative mashed potato twists will change how you think about spuds forever. We’re talking flavor bombs, texture experiments, international mash-ups, and sides so good they’ll steal the spotlight from the main dish.
Each idea below includes ingredients, how to make it, and why it slaps.
1. Brown Butter and Sage Mashed Potatoes
Why it slaps: Nutty brown butter adds richness, while crispy sage brings an herby crunch.
Ingredients:
2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
½ cup butter
Fresh sage leaves
½ cup milk or cream
Salt
How to make it:
Boil and mash potatoes. In a skillet, brown the butter and fry the sage until crispy. Stir butter into potatoes and top with sage leaves.
2. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Why it slaps: Sweet, mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
Ingredients:
2 lbs russet potatoes
1 head garlic
Olive oil
½ cup cream
¼ cup butter
How to make it:
Roast a whole garlic head at 400°F for 40 minutes. Squeeze out the cloves and mash them into the potatoes with butter and cream.
3. Cheddar and Chive Mashed Potatoes
Why it slaps: Gooey cheese, sharp flavor, and a fresh herby kick.
Ingredients:
2 lbs potatoes
1 cup sharp cheddar
¼ cup chopped chives
½ cup sour cream
Salt and pepper
How to make it:
Mash potatoes and stir in cheese, sour cream, and chives. Add extra cheddar on top and broil if you want it melty.
4. French Onion Mashed Potatoes
Why it slaps: It’s like soup and potatoes had a beautiful baby.
Ingredients:
2 lbs potatoes
2 large onions, caramelized
1 cup beef broth
1 cup gruyère or Swiss cheese
How to make it:
Caramelize onions low and slow. Stir them into your mash with cheese and a splash of broth for depth.
5. Loaded Baked Potato Mash
Why it slaps: Every topping from a baked potato, mashed into every bite.
Ingredients:
2 lbs potatoes
½ cup sour cream
½ cup cheddar
¼ cup crumbled bacon
Chives and green onions
How to make it:
Mix everything in after mashing, then top with more cheese and bacon.
6. Wasabi Mashed Potatoes
Why it slaps: Adds heat and zing without overpowering.
Ingredients:
2 lbs potatoes
1–2 tsp wasabi paste
½ cup milk
2 tbsp butter
Salt
How to make it:
Mash and mix wasabi to taste. Best with Asian-inspired mains like seared tuna.
7. Truffle Mashed Potatoes
Why it slaps: Luxurious, earthy, and fancy AF.
Ingredients:
2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
½ cup cream
¼ cup butter
1 tsp truffle oil
Salt and pepper
How to make it:
Mash and stir in butter, cream, and a small drizzle of truffle oil. Garnish with shaved parmesan if you're feelin’ it.
8. Horseradish Mashed Potatoes
Why it slaps: Bold flavor that pairs perfectly with roast beef or steak.
Ingredients:
2 lbs potatoes
2 tbsp prepared horseradish
½ cup sour cream
Salt
How to make it:
Mash and fold in horseradish and sour cream. Adjust heat to taste.
9. Ginger Miso Mashed Potatoes
Why it slaps: Umami-packed with an Asian fusion vibe.
Ingredients:
2 lbs potatoes
1 tbsp white miso
1 tsp grated ginger
½ cup coconut milk
Scallions
How to make it:
Mash and stir in miso, ginger, and coconut milk. Top with sliced scallions.
10. Sweet Potato Coconut Mash
Why it slaps: Tropical, creamy, and naturally sweet.
Ingredients:
2 lbs sweet potatoes
¾ cup coconut milk
Pinch of cinnamon
Sea salt
How to make it:
Boil sweet potatoes, mash, stir in warm coconut milk and cinnamon.
11. Pesto Mashed Potatoes
Why it slaps: Garlicky basil flavor takes potatoes to Italy.
Ingredients:
2 lbs potatoes
½ cup pesto
¼ cup parmesan
2 tbsp butter
How to make it:
Mix pesto and cheese into hot mashed potatoes.
12. Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Why it slaps: Sharp and creamy with a gourmet twist.
Ingredients:
2 lbs potatoes
½ cup crumbled blue cheese
¼ cup cream
Black pepper
How to make it:
Mash and stir in blue cheese until melted and velvety.
13. Carrot & Potato Mash
Why it slaps: Adds sweetness and color while staying creamy.
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs potatoes
½ lb carrots
Butter and cream
Salt and pepper
How to make it:
Boil carrots and potatoes together, then mash with butter and cream.
14. Spinach Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Why it slaps: Green, cheesy, and kind of healthy?
Ingredients:
2 lbs potatoes
1 cup sautéed spinach
½ cup parmesan
Garlic
How to make it:
Sauté spinach and garlic, then stir into mash with parmesan.
15. Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Why it slaps: Lighter, fluffier, and secretly veggie-packed.
Ingredients:
1 lb potatoes
1 lb cauliflower
Butter
Cream
Garlic
How to make it:
Boil cauliflower and potatoes together. Mash and mix like normal.
16. Tikka Masala Mashed Potatoes
Why it slaps: Spicy, creamy, and curry-infused.
Ingredients:
2 lbs potatoes
½ cup tikka masala sauce
¼ cup plain yogurt
How to make it:
Stir sauce and yogurt into mashed potatoes for a bold, Indian twist.
17. Beet Mashed Potatoes
Why it slaps: Stunning pink color, earthy flavor.
Ingredients:
2 lbs potatoes
1 medium beet, roasted or boiled
¼ cup butter
Salt
How to make it:
Blend beet with butter, then fold into mashed potatoes.
18. Cajun Mashed Potatoes
Why it slaps: Spicy and smoky with Southern vibes.
Ingredients:
2 lbs potatoes
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
½ cup cream
Butter
How to make it:
Mash potatoes, stir in seasoning and butter until creamy and spicy.
19. Mashed Potato Gratin Hybrid
Why it slaps: Creamy mash on the bottom, cheesy baked crust on top.
Ingredients:
2 lbs mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheese
Breadcrumbs
How to make it:
Layer mash in a baking dish, top with cheese and crumbs, and bake at 400°F until golden.
20. Mashed Potato Bar (DIY Style)
Why it slaps: Everyone builds their own. Endless possibilities.
How to set it up:
Start with plain mashed potatoes, then offer toppings like:
Gravy
Bacon bits
Cheese
Hot sauce
Chives
Fried onions
Roasted garlic
Chili flakes
Pesto
Ranch
It’s like a sundae bar, but warm, salty, and loaded with cheese. Way better.
Final Thoughts
Mashed potatoes don’t need to be boring. These 20 twists let you customize your comfort food game to match any mood, meal, or holiday table. Whether you’re going fancy with truffle oil, bold with blue cheese, or spicy with Cajun heat, mashed potatoes are officially your new blank canvas.
