The Best Potatoes for Mashing: Waxy or Starchy?

If you’re wondering what are the best potatoes for mashed potatoes, you’re not alone! Potatoes vary by texture, flavor, moisture level, and starch level which can all lead to very different types of mashed potatoes!

In my opinion, the best potatoes for making mashed potatoes are Yukon gold potatoes or half Yukon gold and half Russet potatoes.

Why are Yukon gold potatoes the best?

Yukon gold potatoes have a wonderful creamy, buttery texture without being too waxy which make them great for mashed potatoes. They give you denser mashed potatoes compared to russet potatoes, which I prefer but there are others that want fluffier mashed potatoes.

If you prefer the fluffier, lighter texture of russet potatoes but still crave creamy mashed potatoes, I recommend using half Yukon gold and half russet potatoes for the best of both worlds.

Russet potatoes are starchy potatoes which have a lighter, fluffier texture. It’s important not to over mash russet potatoes otherwise, they can get gummy or pasty due to their high starch levels.

A potato ricer (affiliate link) is the perfect tool for mashing high starch potatoes like Russets.

Check out our mashed potato recipes using Yukon gold and Russet potatoes:

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Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Garlic Butter

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Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

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Creamy Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes with Chives

Read on if you’re interested in the different types of potatoes and why some are great for mashing and others not so much.

Waxy Potatoes

Waxy potatoes are lower in starch but have a higher moisture content. This means that they produce creamier but denser and firmer mashed potatoes.

Common varieties of waxy potatoes include Red Bliss, New Potatoes, and fingerlings. They have very thin, smooth skin that have a subtle sheen to them in contrast to the rough skin of starchy potatoes.

You’ll know you’re dealing with waxy potatoes if they hold their shape when cooked. They don’t break apart easily so they’re great for soup, stew, and casseroles.

Starchy Potatoes

In contrast, starchy potatoes have high starch and low moisture content. When cooked they break apart easily and have an airy, fluffy texture. The most common variety of starchy potato is the russet potato.

Due to their high starch level, they can release quite a bit of starch when overworked. One way to reduce this is to soak peeled and cubed starchy potatoes in cold water. You can also use a potato ricer which keeps their airy texture while breaking them down.