BHA & BHT Free Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are one of those comfort foods that should be completely stress-free to make — and with this recipe, they are. Every ingredient here is straightforward and clean: Yukon Gold potatoes, unsalted butter, buttermilk, kosher salt, and white pepper. No packaged seasoning blends, no shelf-stable additives, no preservatives hiding in the mix. For anyone avoiding BHA and BHT, that kind of ingredient transparency is genuinely hard to find in store-bought or restaurant versions of this dish, where preservatives often sneak in through processed butter substitutes or flavored potato products. The technique is what takes these from good to exceptional. Warming the butter and buttermilk together before folding them in keeps the mash silky and cohesive rather than gluey, and drying out the drained potatoes over low heat before mashing makes a real difference in the final texture. The result is a bowl of mashed potatoes that holds a soft, pillowy peak and tastes deeply rich without being heavy. Finished with a scatter of fresh chives, it's the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show at any table.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 3 lb yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 tbsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ tsp white pepper
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water by at least 1 inch. Add 1 tbsp kosher salt and bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer and cook until the potatoes are completely tender and a fork slides through without resistance, 18–22 minutes.
- 2
While the potatoes cook, combine the butter and buttermilk in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm to the touch but not simmering, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!