Introduction

Few dishes evoke comfort and holiday nostalgia quite like creamy mashed potatoes paired with rich turkey gravy. This classic recipe transforms simple potatoes into a velvety, buttery side dish that perfectly complements roasted turkey, poultry, or even a hearty vegetarian main. The silky mashed potatoes absorb the flavorful turkey gravy, creating a luxurious mouthfeel and comforting taste in every bite.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this dish is a centerpiece of warmth and satisfaction. With this recipe, the potatoes are creamy, fluffy, and seasoned to perfection, while the homemade turkey gravy is savory, slightly thick, and deeply flavorful.

💛 Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because:

The mashed potatoes are ultra-creamy without being heavy.
The turkey gravy adds deep, savory flavor that elevates the dish instantly.
It’s perfectly balanced — not too salty, buttery, or thick.
Both components are easy to make from scratch and adaptable to personal tastes.
It’s a crowd-pleaser — everyone loves it, and it pairs well with many dishes.

Why It’s a Must-Try

It’s classic comfort food at its best.
The combination of creamy potatoes and rich gravy is irresistible.
Perfect for holiday meals or everyday dinners.
Can be made ahead and reheated, making it great for entertaining.
A versatile side dish that complements a wide variety of mains.

Preparation and Cooking Details

Feature	Detail
Preparation Time	15 minutes
Cooking Time	25–30 minutes
Total Time	40–45 minutes
Servings	6 servings
Calories	~350 calories per serving

Course & Cuisine

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food

Ingredients

For Mashed Potatoes:

2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: 2–3 cloves garlic, peeled (for garlic mashed potatoes)

For Turkey Gravy:

2 cups turkey drippings (or chicken broth if drippings unavailable)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: ½ tsp fresh thyme or sage, chopped

Cooking Directions

Mashed Potatoes:

Boil Potatoes: Place potato chunks (and garlic cloves if using) in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook 15–20 minutes until tender.
Drain and Mash: Drain potatoes and garlic. Return to pot or large bowl and mash using a potato masher or ricer.
Add Butter and Cream: Stir in butter and gradually add cream until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper.

Turkey Gravy:

Make Roux: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook 1–2 minutes until golden.
Add Drippings/Broth: Slowly whisk in turkey drippings or broth until smooth.
Simmer and Season: Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs.

Serve:

Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates or a serving bowl and pour warm turkey gravy over the top.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

Peel and cut potatoes into even chunks. Gather drippings or broth for gravy.

Step 2: Boil Potatoes

Cover with cold water, add salt, and boil until fork-tender.

Step 3: Mash Potatoes

Drain, then mash with butter and cream to achieve a creamy texture.

Step 4: Prepare Gravy

Make roux with butter and flour, whisk in drippings, and simmer until thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Place mashed potatoes on serving dish and generously pour turkey gravy over them.

How to Serve

Serve alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or other main courses.
Top with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnish.
Pair with green beans, stuffing, and cranberry sauce for a classic holiday meal.

Recipe Tips

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier texture; Russet potatoes are fluffier.
Don’t overmix — overworking can make potatoes gluey.
Warm your cream and butter before adding for silkier mashed potatoes.
Strain drippings before making gravy to remove solids.
Adjust thickness of gravy by adding more broth or simmering longer.

Variations

Variation	How to Adjust
Garlic Mashed Potatoes	Add roasted or boiled garlic to potatoes before mashing.
Herbed Gravy	Add fresh thyme, sage, or rosemary to the gravy for extra flavor.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes	Stir in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or cream cheese.
Vegan Option	Use plant-based butter and almond or oat cream, and vegetable broth for gravy.
Loaded Mashed Potatoes	Add sour cream, bacon bits, and chives for indulgent side.

Freezing & Storage

Method	Time	Notes
Refrigerator	3–4 days	Store mashed potatoes and gravy separately in airtight containers.
Freezer	1–2 months	Freeze mashed potatoes without gravy; freeze gravy in separate container.
Reheating	Oven 350°F (175°C) or stovetop	Add splash of cream/broth when reheating to restore

Special Equipment Needed

Large pot for boiling potatoes
Potato masher or ricer
Medium saucepan for gravy
Whisk
Serving bowl or platter

FAQ

Q1: Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes, reheat gently and add a bit of cream or milk for smooth texture.

Q2: Can I make gravy ahead?
Absolutely! Store in fridge and reheat while stirring.

Q3: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, but fresh potatoes are creamier and more flavorful.

Q4: How do I avoid lumpy gravy?
Whisk constantly while adding liquid to the roux, or strain at the end.

Q5: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk or cream.

Conclusion

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Turkey Gravy is a comforting, crowd-pleasing classic that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. The velvety potatoes paired with rich, savory turkey gravy are a perfect combination that elevates holiday dinners and weeknight meals alike. With simple ingredients and step-by-step preparation, this dish is delicious, versatile, and irresistible — a must-have recipe in your cooking repertoire.