overhead image of Greek-Inspired Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes topped with olives, feta cheese, olive oil, and red pepper flakes

The Best Golden Mashed Potatoes

Is there a more perfect vegetable than potatoes? There’s just so much you can do with them! From sweet potato fries to potato nuggets, potato wedges, and so much more, the options are truly endless. However, mashed potatoes will always have a special place in our hearts. Creamy and delicious, they’re just the ultimate comfort food and a staple in our homes. However, we wanted to dress the classic recipe up a bit for a show-stopping holiday side dish. So, let us introduce you to the best ever Greek-inspired Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes! This recipe is:

Made in 1 pot

Indulgently smooth, creamy, and cheesy

Given a boost of flavor with salty olives and savory spices

The best vegetarian side dish you’ll ever taste

Perfect for holiday parties, family dinners, and more

Why Are Yukon Gold Potatoes the Best for Mashed Potatoes?

The best potatoes for mashed potato recipes are white varieties that have a higher starch content and less water. This includes Russet potatoes. However, in our opinion, Yukon Gold potatoes are an even better option because they’re naturally soft and have a smooth, buttery taste for the most decadent mashed potatoes ever.

close up image of yukon gold mashed potatoes

overhead image of yukon gold mashed potatoes topped with garlic, olives, and herbs ready to be stirred

Greek-InspiredGolden Mashed Potato Ingredients

Just a handful of ingredients combine to create an unbelievable taste! They also create a vibrant color that provides a nice holiday feel, making these mashed potatoes perfect for all your Instagram photos of the dinner table. Here’s what you’ll need:

Gold Potatoes – If you can’t find golden potatoes, Russet can be used too. Your recipe just won’t be quite as buttery.

Cheese – The secret to the creamiest Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Laughing Cow Cheese is used to add extra richness and a smooth texture.

Spices – We used salt, pepper, cumin, and Italian parsley for just a hint of spice and hearty flavor.

Olives – A combination of kalamata and green olives adds irresistible saltiness along with healthy fats to keep you full.

How to Make Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

This recipe is bursting with so much flavor you’ll guests will never believe it came together in minutes! Just follow the directions below:

Boil the potatoes with a pinch of salt.
Simmer until they are fork tender.
Then, drain the water, and add the potatoes to a large bowl along with the cheese and spices.
Use a potato masher to crush and combine the ingredients.
Stir in the olives and parsley.
If desired, top with feta cheese, olives, olive oil, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Serve warm!

Cooking Tips

Take a look at a few of our best tips and tricks below to ensure your Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes turn out perfectly every time.

Start with Cold Water. When you begin to boil your potatoes, make sure the water is cold before turning on the heat. This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly.

Don’t Overboil. You’ll want to keep an eye on your potatoes as they cook, and remove them from the pot as soon as they can easily be pierced with a fork! Otherwise, your golden mashed potatoes may turn out a bit mushy.

Warm the Cheese. Letting your cheese sit at room temperature while you prepare the potatoes will cause it to soften. This means it’ll be much easier to mix into the mashed potatoes!

Avoid Over Mashing. You’ll want to crush the potatoes and mix in the ingredients until they are just incorporated. Continuing to combine could lead to a gummy texture.

overhead image of a white bowl full of Greek-Inspired Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes topped with olive oil, kalamata olives, green olives, feta cheese, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs

Do I Have to Peel the Potatoes?

No! You can peel the skin off your potatoes if you want the ultimate smooth texture, but it isn’t necessary. In fact, the skin holds most of the fiber and nutrients!

How to Store

If you happen to have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Then, it’s super easy to reheat in the microwave. Or, warm them in a slow cooker, on the stovetop, or in the oven, adding a bit of butter or oil if they seem a bit too dry.

We don’t recommend freezing this recipe, because the cheese will not thaw well!

More Side Dishes Perfect for Holidays

Looking for more unique recipes to serve at the holiday table? Take a look at these tasty options!

Sweet caramelized carrots are paired with savory tahini in this Oven Roasted Carrots recipe for a healthy side that is absolutely irresistible.
Comforting and delicious, the whole family is guaranteed to love this Egyptian Lentil Soup.
This Green Bean Casserole takes the classic recipe up a notch with a homemade roux that’s creamy, cheesy, and oh so good!
Quick and easy, this One Pot Mac and Cheese is creamier and more delicious than anything you’ll ever make from a box.

Greek-Inspired Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

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Author: Food Dolls

Servings:

Prep: 10

Cook: 20

Total: 30

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Soft, buttery, and full of flavor, these Greek-Inspired Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes are the perfect side dish for your holiday dinner table!

Ingredients

▢ 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
▢ 2 Laughing Cow cheese wedges room temperature
▢ ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
▢ ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
▢ 1 teaspoon cumin
▢ ½ cup Kalamata olives plus additional for garnish
▢ ½ cup green olives plus additional for garnish
▢ ½ cup chopped Italian parsley
▢ Optional feta cheese olives, olive oil, and crushed red pepper for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot, add the cut potatoes and cold water until the potatoes are just covered. Add 1 Tablespoon salt to the water. Heat the potatoes on high, bringing them to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to medium, and cook until fork tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes, and add them to a large bowl along with the cheese, salt, pepper, and cumin. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher. Then, use a strong spoon to stir everything together.
Stir in olives and parsley. Garnish with feta cheese, olives, olive oil, and crushed red pepper, if desired. Serve warm.