Adding the right amount of salt and pepper is essential for any dish, but mashed potatoes are often tragically overlooked in the seasoning department.
Garten recommends adding another 2 teaspoons of salt and pepper to the mash, and I agree wholeheartedly.
The result is a rich, tangy, and flavorful side dish you don’t need to wait for a holiday to make. In my opinion, the buttermilk stole the show: I’ve found that potatoes can be a bit “blah” when not properly seasoned, and this recipe had a slightly acidic quality that I loved.
I’ll be bringing these potatoes to Thanksgiving dinner this year, and every holiday party for the foreseeable future.
This story was originally published on November 20, 2025, and most recently updated on October 22, 2026.
