Creamed Potatoes

These creamed potatoes are rich, creamy, and totally irresistible. Soft, buttery potatoes bathed in a smooth, velvety sauce. It’s comfort food at its best.

I whipped them up for a family dinner, and they were the first thing gone. The potatoes are perfectly tender, and the creamy sauce? It’s silky smooth with just the right hint of butter and seasoning.

They’re simple, comforting, and perfect for any meal. Great as a side dish, especially for holidays or Sunday dinners. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.

Let’s make these creamy potatoes! They’re easy, satisfying, and the perfect addition to any plate. Grab your pot—it’s time to cook!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Smooth and Velvety Texture: The potatoes are cooked just right—soft enough to mash but still holding some texture. The flour-butter roux blends into the milk, creating a creamy sauce that coats each bite without being too thick or gloopy.
• Balanced Flavors: The combination of butter, milk, and just the right amount of salt and pepper creates a comforting, subtle flavor that enhances the natural potato taste without overpowering it. The optional hint of garlic powder adds a gentle savory note, and the green peas (if used) bring a pop of sweetness and color.
• Versatile Pairing: This dish plays well with a variety of mains—roast chicken, beef, pork, or even grilled fish. It’s also lovely with vegetarian mains like mushroom stew or roasted vegetables.
• Easy, Everyday Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy—just fresh potatoes, basic dairy, and simple seasonings you probably already have on hand.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes – This includes peeling and dicing the potatoes, measuring out the other ingredients, and gathering your tools.
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes – The potatoes cook until tender, while the roux is built separately and then combined. If you opt for the oven-baked version, plan for an extra 10 minutes to let it develop a gentle golden crust.
• Total Time: About 45-50 minutes from start to finish.

Servings:
This recipe makes enough to serve 4 as a side dish. For larger gatherings or leftovers, simply double the ingredients and use a larger pot or dish.

Difficulty:
Easy enough for beginner cooks who want to practice making a roux and balancing flavors. Still satisfying for more experienced cooks who want to perfect a simple, classic side dish.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start cooking, make sure you have these tools ready:

• A medium pot or saucepan (for stovetop cooking) or an oven-safe casserole dish (if baking).
• A potato masher or sturdy whisk, for creating that creamy texture.
• A wooden spoon or silicone spatula, for stirring the roux and combining everything smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons, for accuracy and consistency.
• A sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board, for prepping the potatoes and optional parsley garnish.

Ingredients for Creamed Potatoes

Let’s get specific about what you’ll need to bring this dish together. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating a balanced, creamy side.

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes. Yukon Golds offer a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture, while Russets yield a fluffier bite.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces. Butter adds rich flavor and helps form the roux base for the sauce.
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour. This flour thickens the sauce, turning the milk into a smooth, velvety coating for the potatoes.
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness). Whole milk strikes a good balance between flavor and creaminess without being too heavy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, to bring out the flavors of the potatoes and sauce. Adjust to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, for a mild bite that complements the potatoes.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional). This adds a subtle savory note that deepens the flavor without overpowering the dish.
• 1/2 cup green peas (optional). These add a burst of color and a slightly sweet flavor, making the dish feel more vibrant.
• A handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish. This adds a fresh, herbal finish to the rich potatoes.

Variations for Creamed Potatoes

• Add Cheese: For an extra layer of richness, stir in a handful of grated sharp cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère just before serving.
• Try Fresh Herbs: Swap parsley for chives, thyme, or dill for a different herbal note.
• Use Stock Instead of Milk: Substitute part of the milk with chicken or vegetable stock for a lighter flavor with a savory edge.
• Make It Vegan: Replace the butter with a plant-based margarine and the milk with unsweetened oat milk or soy milk. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.
• Include Roasted Garlic: Instead of garlic powder, mash in a few cloves of roasted garlic for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: If baking, sprinkle the top with buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a golden, crispy finish.

How to Make Creamed Potatoes Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Potatoes

• Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. This size helps them cook evenly and makes them easy to mash later.
• Place the potatoes in a pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

2. Make the Roux

• While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a smooth base.
• Slowly pour in the milk while whisking. Continue to cook, whisking often, until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce—about 3-5 minutes.

3. Combine the Potatoes and Sauce

• Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot.
• Pour the creamy roux sauce over the potatoes. Mash lightly with a masher or whisk, combining the sauce and potatoes until you reach a consistency you like. You can leave them slightly chunky or mash until smooth.
• Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Fold in green peas for a pop of color and flavor, if desired.

4. Optional Baking Step

• If you prefer a baked version, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the combined potatoes and sauce into a buttered oven-safe dish.
• Add a crunchy topping if desired (buttered breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, or crushed crackers).
• Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.

How to Serve Creamed Potatoes

These potatoes pair beautifully with:

• Roasted Meats: Think roast beef, chicken, pork loin, or even turkey.
• Grilled or Pan-Seared Fish: Their creaminess balances well with flaky fish like cod or salmon.
• Vegetarian Mains: Serve with lentil loaf, roasted mushrooms, or stuffed bell peppers.
• Simple Sides: A crisp green salad, buttered green beans, or roasted root vegetables round out the meal.

Storing Creamed Potatoes

• Refrigerate: Store leftover creamed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the texture. Microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
• Do Not Freeze: Due to the high dairy content, the texture may change if frozen and thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Start with Cold Water: When boiling potatoes, start with cold, salted water to ensure even cooking.
• Don’t Overmix: Mash or stir just enough to combine. Overmixing can make the potatoes gummy or gluey.
• Balance the Seasoning: Taste as you go. Add salt and pepper gradually to achieve the perfect flavor.
• Use Quality Dairy: Fresh butter and milk make a noticeable difference. Opt for whole milk for creaminess, but half-and-half will give a richer result.
• Customize Texture: Adjust the consistency to your preference—keep it a little chunky or go for smooth and silky.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Serving (1/4 of recipe)
Calories	220
Total Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	6g
Carbohydrates	29g
Fiber	2g
Protein	4g
Sodium	350mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Creamed Potatoes FAQs

Can I make creamed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them up to a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven, adding a little milk to restore the creamy consistency.

What’s the best type of potato to use?

Yukon Golds are ideal for their naturally buttery texture, while Russets will give a fluffier result. Both work well, but avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they won’t mash as smoothly.

Can I use plant-based alternatives?

Absolutely. Replace the butter with a plant-based margarine and use unsweetened plant milk like oat or soy milk. You can even add nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory flavor.

How can I avoid lumpy creamed potatoes?

Make sure the potatoes are fully cooked and tender before mashing. When adding the roux sauce, stir gently and avoid overmixing, which can lead to a gummy texture. Using a masher or a sturdy whisk helps keep the texture smooth.

Can I freeze creamed potatoes?

It’s not recommended. Freezing can cause the creamy sauce to separate, resulting in a grainy or watery texture when reheated. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or store in the fridge for short-term use.

Conclusion

Creamed potatoes are a timeless side dish that brings comfort and richness to any meal. With just a few everyday ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a dish that feels both familiar and special. Whether served alongside a roast, paired with a crisp salad, or enjoyed as a simple, satisfying side, these creamy, flavorful potatoes will quickly become a household favorite.

Their versatility makes them perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or casual gatherings. And with optional variations, you can tailor the recipe to your tastes—add cheese, swap in herbs, or introduce a crispy topping for a unique twist.

Try them once, and you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again, savoring its simplicity and comfort.