Golden Corral mashed potatoes have an undeniable charm. I feel like they capture the essence of comfort food at a buffet of all places!
It takes just a little extra care when making these right. And… I’m here to show you how.
A couple quick points up front my friends:
Boil peeled and quartered potatoes until they’re tender, then mash them with warm milk, melted butter, and a hint of garlic powder for extra depth.
A key trick is to simmer the milk and butter together before combining with the potatoes, ensuring a smooth blend without lumps.
How to Make Golden Corral Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Potatoes (peeled, quartered)
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 6 tbsp Butter
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Peel and quarter 2 pounds of potatoes and place them in a large pot.
Cover with cold water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until tender.
Step 2:
In a small pot, gently heat 1/2 cup of milk and 6 tablespoons of butter until the butter melts.
Set aside.
Step 3:
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency.
Step 4:
Gradually mix in the melted butter and milk mixture.
Stir thoroughly to ensure a smooth blend.
Step 5:
Season with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Mix well and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choosing the Right Potatoes
Russet potatoes are a great choice for a fluffy mash, while Yukon Gold offers a creamy texture.
Choose based on your texture preference.
Perfecting the Consistency
For the creamiest texture, use a potato ricer or food mill when mashing.
This makes them extra smooth!
Adjusting Seasonings
Feel free to add more or less garlic powder, depending on your taste.
You can even try roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
Mixing the Milk and Butter
Heat milk and butter gently to avoid breaking the emulsion when mixing with potatoes.
This step ensures perfectly creamy potatoes.
What to Serve with Golden Corral Mashed Potatoes
Grilled Chicken
Juicy grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes.
The smoky flavors from the grill enhance the buttery notes in the potatoes.
Roasted Vegetables
A mix of colorful roasted vegetables can add a nutritious and vibrant touch to your plate.
Consider using carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini for a delightful combination.
Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a classic pairing with mashed potatoes and makes for a hearty and comforting meal.
Serve it with a rich gravy for extra flavor.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp
For a twist, try serving lemon garlic shrimp with your mashed potatoes.
The citrusy flavors contrast beautifully with the rich, creamy potatoes.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms bring an earthy depth that compliments the smoothness of mashed potatoes.
Try adding a hint of garlic for an aromatic touch.
BBQ Pulled Pork
BBQ pulled pork can add a savory, tangy element to your potato dish.
The combination of sweet and smoky pork with creamy potatoes is simply delicious.
Variations and Substitutions
You can switch up the classic Golden Corral mashed potatoes by using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for different flavors.
These potato types have varying textures, so choose based on whether you prefer a creamier or fluffier consistency.
Try experimenting with herbs like rosemary or thyme for an earthy flavor, which brings a beautiful aroma to your mashed potatoes!
Adding roasted garlic can elevate your dish, giving it a sweet and nutty depth.
For a richer taste, you might simmer the potatoes in chicken stock instead of water.
Using Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of milk can add a tangy twist and creamy texture.
If you’re watching your dairy intake, almond milk or coconut milk can work as substitutes, offering a unique flavor profile.
How to Store Leftover Golden Corral Mashed Potatoes
Refrigeration Tips
When you find yourself with leftover Golden Corral mashed potatoes, refrigerate them promptly to keep them fresh.
Make sure they’re in an airtight container to maximize their lifespan and keep them from absorbing odors.
Aim to store them within two hours of serving, which helps prevent bacteria growth.
Label and Date
Being organized is key, so don’t forget to label the container with the date you made this delightful dish.
Stored correctly in the fridge, they should be good for up to four days.
This little step prevents that dreaded, “How long has this been in here?” moment.
Freezing for Later
For long-term storage, freezing mashed potatoes is a fantastic option that lets you enjoy them later.
Use a freezer-safe zip-top bag to save space and keep them fresh for up to 12 months.
Lay the bag flat to allow for easy stacking and faster defrosting when you’re ready to dig in again!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Undercooking Potatoes
You want perfectly smooth mashed potatoes, right?
Don’t make the mistake of not cooking your potatoes long enough.
If your potatoes aren’t soft, those lumps are going to ruin the texture.
Cook until a knife easily pierces through.
Adding Cold Ingredients
Pouring cold milk or butter into your hot potatoes can be a real disaster.
You’ll end up cooling everything down and risking a gluey texture.
Warm them up first so everything blends together beautifully!
Overmixing
Overmixing can turn your fluffy mash into a sticky mess.
Use a gentle hand when mixing your mashed potatoes.
A potato masher or a ricer helps maintain that dreamy, fluffy consistency.

Golden Corral Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- 2 lbs Potatoes peeled, quartered
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 6 tbsp Butter
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- Peel and quarter 2 pounds of potatoes and place them in a large pot.
- Cover with cold water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until tender.
- In a small pot, gently heat 1/2 cup of milk and 6 tablespoons of butter until the butter melts.
- Set aside.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency.
- Gradually mix in the melted butter and milk mixture.
- Stir thoroughly to ensure a smooth blend.
- Season with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
- Mix well and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
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