If you want a lighter, crowd-pleasing side for the holidays, try these creamy buttermilk mashed potatoes with fresh chives. They pair beautifully with Thanksgiving turkey, roasted chicken, pork chops with applesauce, or a garlic-roast beef. The tangy buttermilk keeps the potatoes rich and silky while staying lower in fat than traditional cream-based mashed potatoes.
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
I use low-fat buttermilk to add creaminess and a subtle tang without relying on heavy cream or large amounts of butter. These mashed potatoes are ideal when you want comfort food that’s a bit lighter. If you prefer other variations, you can make garlic mashed potatoes or use an Instant Pot to speed up cooking, but this classic stovetop method produces smooth, flavorful results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you want comfort food that won’t weigh you down, these lighter mashed potatoes are an excellent choice. They’re make-ahead friendly—you can prepare them a day in advance and reheat with a little extra buttermilk to restore a creamy consistency. This recipe was first shared in 2011 and continues to get great feedback. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the potatoes the day before and gently reheat, adding a splash of buttermilk if needed.
- Nutritious: Potatoes are a healthy vegetable, a good source of vitamin C and potassium, and provide resistant starch, which can help support healthy blood sugar responses.
- Dietary Notes: This recipe is suitable for vegetarian and gluten-free diets and can be adapted for Weight Watchers-style plans.
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes Ingredients
This simple, healthier mashed potato recipe uses just six main ingredients. See the recipe card below for exact measurements and servings.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold are ideal for their buttery texture and golden color. Peel them for smooth mashed potatoes; if you prefer texture, peel only half.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and creaminess with fewer calories than cream or half-and-half.
- Butter: A small amount of butter enhances flavor—use what you like for richness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
- Fresh Chives: Add color and a mild onion flavor; scallions or parsley work if you prefer.
How to Make Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
This recipe is quick and straightforward: boil, drain, add buttermilk and butter, then mash. The recipe card includes clear measurements and printable instructions.
- Boil the potatoes: Place peeled, cubed potatoes in a large pot with enough water to cover and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer until tender: Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer about 20 minutes, or until a fork slides through easily.
- Drain and return: Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot so they steam-dry briefly.
- Add buttermilk, butter, and chives: Pour in the buttermilk and butter, then mash with a potato masher, ricer, or low-speed electric mixer until smooth. Avoid using a blender or immersion blender to prevent gummy potatoes.
- Season to taste: Add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in chopped fresh chives and serve warm.
Variations
- Different potatoes: Russets work well for a fluffier texture; avoid waxy red potatoes if you want truly creamy mash.
- Herbs: Swap chives for parsley, or omit herbs entirely for a simple version.
- Garlic: Add boiled or roasted garlic for a garlic mashed potato variation.
- Seasoning: A pinch of onion powder or garlic powder can deepen the flavor.
- Cheesy: Fold in grated Parmesan or cheddar for extra richness.
- Dairy-free: Substitute a dairy-free milk and vegan butter to make these mashed potatoes dairy-free.
- Scale up: For larger gatherings, double the recipe and adjust buttermilk to reach your preferred consistency.
What to Use if You Don’t Have Buttermilk
- Powdered buttermilk reconstituted per package directions is a convenient option.
- Mix two parts plain yogurt with one part milk for a similar tangy texture.
- Whole milk or 2% milk will work; the result will be less tangy but still creamy.
- Sour cream can replace buttermilk for a richer, tangy flavor.
What to Serve with Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
- Holiday meals: A classic side for Thanksgiving and Christmas—serve alongside turkey, green bean casserole, brined or roast poultry, and cranberry sauce.
- Weeknight dinners: Pair with roasted or air-fryer chicken, turkey meatloaf, or pan-seared pork chops and roasted or sauteed vegetables.
- Leftovers: Use leftover mashed potatoes to make potato patties, croquettes, or a shepherd’s pie-style casserole topping.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or in a covered dish in a 350°F oven for 20–30 minutes until heated through. Stir in a little extra buttermilk or milk while reheating to refresh the texture.
Simplified Recipe Card
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
Yield: 5 servings • Serving size: 3/4 cup
Prep: 5 mins • Cook: 20 mins • Total: 25 mins
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 6–7 medium)
- 3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk, plus 2 tablespoons
- 1 tablespoon whipped butter
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Dash of fresh ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- Place potatoes in a large pot, add salt and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat, and simmer about 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Drain well and return potatoes to the pot to steam-dry briefly.
- Add the buttermilk, butter, chives, and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 150 • Carbohydrates: 31 g • Protein: 5 g • Fat: 1.5 g • Fiber: 2.5 g • Sugar: 3 g • Sodium: 63 mg
More Potato Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Perfect baked potatoes
- Crispy oven-roasted potatoes
- Rainbow potato salad
- Smashed potatoes with paprika
- Broccoli and cheese twice-baked potatoes
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out—especially any tweaks you make for flavor or texture. Enjoy these lighter buttermilk mashed potatoes as a comforting, flavorful side at your next meal.