The Comfort Food Combo of Mashed Potatoes and Gravy You Need to Try

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Few dishes scream comfort like mashed potatoes and gravy — warm, creamy, buttery potatoes paired with rich, savory gravy you could pour on just about anything. This combo is a classic for a reason: it’s simple, satisfying, and instantly soothing. Whether you’re serving it with roasted chicken, steak, turkey, or enjoying it on its own, this dish delivers pure cozy goodness in every bite.

This recipe is designed to be easy, foolproof, and incredibly flavorful, giving you restaurant-quality mashed potatoes and silky homemade gravy without stress. Once you try this combo together, you’ll want it on repeat for weeknights, holidays, and every comfort-food craving in between.

2. Ingredients

This comforting duo uses basic ingredients to create next-level flavor and texture.

Ingredients List

Mashed Potatoes:

  • 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup milk or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons sour cream or cream cheese

Gravy:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken, turkey, or beef broth
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: splash of cream or Worcestershire sauce

Optional Add-Ons:

  • Fresh parsley
  • Bacon bits
  • Caramelized onions
  • Roasted garlic

Key Ingredients

  • Yukon Gold Potatoes: Naturally creamy and buttery.
  • Butter: Essential for richness.
  • Broth: The base of a flavorful, savory gravy.
  • Flour + Butter (Roux): Thickens the gravy to a silky perfection.
Key Ingredients

Optional Add-On Variations

  • Add roasted garlic to the potatoes
  • Use buttermilk for extra tang
  • Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to gravy
  • Make it spicy with black pepper or chili flakes

3. Step-By-Step Instructions

This recipe breaks down into two simple steps: making perfect mashed potatoes and whipping up quick, smooth gravy.

Optional Add-On Variations

Mashed Potatoes

Preparation Steps

  1. Peel potatoes (optional) and cut into chunks.
  2. Rinse potatoes under cold water to remove starch.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cooking Steps

  1. Add potatoes to boiling water and cook for 12–15 minutes, until fork-tender.
  2. Drain well and return potatoes to the pot.
  3. Add butter, milk/cream, salt, and pepper.
  4. Mash using a potato masher (avoid overmixing).
  5. Stir in sour cream or cream cheese if using.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

  • Top with chives or bacon bits
  • Add a pat of butter on top
  • Serve hot with homemade gravy
Mashed Potatoes

Gravy

Preparation Steps

  1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour to make a smooth roux.

Cooking Steps

  1. Cook roux for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
  2. Slowly pour in broth, whisking constantly.
  3. Add garlic powder and onion powder.
  4. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, whisking until thickened.
  5. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Optional: add a splash of cream for luxe texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pour over:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Roasted chicken or turkey
  • Meatballs
  • Steamed vegetables
  • Rice or stuffing

This gravy pairs well with everything!

4. Tips, Substitutions & Notes

Pro Tips for Better Results

  • Use warm milk in mashed potatoes for smoother texture.
  • Mash potatoes by hand — electric mixers can make them gluey.
  • Whisk gravy continuously to prevent lumps.
  • If gravy is too thick, add more broth; if too thin, simmer longer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Starting potatoes in boiling water (always start cold for even cooking).
  • Adding too much liquid at once.
  • Burning the roux by using high heat.
  • Not seasoning enough — both potatoes and gravy need salt.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use vegetable broth for vegetarian gravy
  • Swap cream with evaporated milk
  • Replace butter with olive oil (lighter version)
  • Use cornstarch slurry instead of flour for gluten-free gravy

Texture, Flavor, or Health Variations

  • Add parmesan cheese to potatoes
  • Add thyme or rosemary to gravy
  • Use buttermilk for tangy mashed potatoes
  • Add mushrooms to create a mushroom gravy

5. Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration

  • Store mashed potatoes and gravy separately for 3–4 days.
  • Cover tightly to prevent drying out.

Freezing

  • Freeze mashed potatoes for up to 2 months (add extra butter).
  • Freeze gravy for 1–2 months.

Reheating

  • Reheat potatoes with a splash of milk or cream.
  • Warm gravy in a saucepan while whisking.
  • Microwave both in short intervals to avoid drying.

6. Nutrition (Optional)

(Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: ~300–380
  • Carbs: ~35g
  • Fat: ~18g
  • Protein: ~4–6g
  • Fiber: ~3g

7. Conclusion

This delicious combo of Mashed Potatoes and Gravy is everything you want in comfort food — creamy, cozy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With simple ingredients and foolproof steps, you’ll have a comforting dish that everyone will love. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday spread, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.

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