Greek Yogurt Herb Mashed Potatoes

Every summer, those herbs politely ignore me.

By July, the dill is flopping over the edge of the planter, the chives are begging for another haircut, and the parsley has somehow doubled in size overnight. At some point, I stop asking, “What should I make for dinner?” and start asking, “What can I make that uses another handful of herbs?”

That’s exactly how these Greek Yogurt Herb Mashed Potatoes found their way onto our dinner table.

Mashed potatoes have always been one of my favorite comfort food recipes, but fresh herbs take them to another level. Instead of hiding in the background, the dill, parsley, and chives become the stars of the show. Combined with rich butter and plain Greek yogurt, they create a mashed potato recipe that’s fresh, creamy, and just a little lighter than the classic version.

Don’t worry, though. These still taste like the mashed potatoes everyone hopes to find next to the roast at Sunday dinner. They’re just dressed up with ingredients that were growing on my front porch.

Yukon Gold potatoes have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture, so they don’t need much help. The addition of Greek yogurt creates an incredibly creamy consistency while adding a little protein and calcium. Instead of relying entirely on sour cream or heavy cream, plain Greek yogurt gives these potatoes just enough tangy flavor to keep every bite interesting.

The fresh herbs brighten everything up and make this side dish feel just as perfect in the middle of summer as it does on a Thanksgiving or Christmas table.

Ingredients

Yukon Gold potatoes

Plain Greek yogurt

Butter

Milk

Fresh dill

Fresh parsley

Fresh chives

Green onions

Garlic (optional)

Salt

Black pepper

Instructions

1. Wash the Yukon Gold potatoes well. If you like a rustic mashed potato recipe, leave the skins on. For a smoother texture, peel the potatoes before cutting them into evenly sized pieces.
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt before bringing everything to a boil.
3. Cook until the Yukon Gold potatoes are fork-tender. If you prefer, you can also cook them in the Instant Pot until they’re perfectly tender.
4. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the warm pot for one or two minutes. This helps remove excess moisture, resulting in a creamier mash.
5. Add the butter and begin to mash the potatoes while they’re still hot.
6. Stir in the plain Greek yogurt, milk, garlic if using, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
7. Continue to mash until you reach your favorite creamy consistency. If you love extra smooth mashed potatoes, you can use an electric mixer for just a few seconds. Be careful not to overmix, or the potatoes may become gummy.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
9. Spoon the mashed potatoes into a serving bowl. Make a small well in the top of the potatoes and add an extra pat of butter. Sprinkle with additional fresh herbs, cracked pepper, and chopped chives before serving.

Yukon Golds or Russets?

I usually reach for Yukon Gold potatoes because they naturally have a rich flavor and creamy texture. They don’t need as much butter or dairy to become delicious, and they mash beautifully every time.

Russets make wonderfully fluffy mashed potatoes and are another great option if that’s what you already have in the pantry. Either ingredient works well in this recipe.

Tips for the Best Mashed Potatoes

1. Start the potatoes in cold water instead of hot water so they cook evenly.
2. Don’t forget to salt the cooking water. It seasons the potatoes from the inside out.
3. Mash the potatoes while they’re still warm so the butter melts quickly and creates the best creaminess.
4. Stir in the Greek yogurt after the potatoes are mashed. This keeps its tangy flavor fresh and helps create that silky, creamy texture.
5. Fresh herbs make all the difference. Dill, parsley, and chives add a bright garden flavor that dried herbs simply can’t match.

Print

Greek Yogurt Herb Mashed Potatoes

These Greek Yogurt Herb Mashed Potatoes are creamy, flavorful, and made with Yukon Gold potatoes, fresh herbs, butter, and plain Greek yogurt.

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
• 4 tbsp tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup milk or half-and-half
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Wash the Yukon Gold potatoes and cut them into large chunks. Leave the skins on for a rustic look if desired

2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt.

3. Bring to a boil and cook 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very fork-tender.

4. Drain well in a colander

5. Add 3 tablespoons of butter and mash the potatoes.

6. Stir in the Greek yogurt, milk, salt, pepper, dill, chives, green onions, and garlic (if using). Mash until creamy, adding a splash more milk if needed.

7. Transfer to a shallow serving bowl or round serving platter.

8. Create a small well in the center and top with the remaining tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle with extra fresh dill, chives, and sliced green onion before serving.

Storage

Allow the mashed potatoes to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container with a lid.

Store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place the potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round until heated through. If they’ve thickened during storage, stir in a splash of milk and a little butter to bring back their creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute sour cream?

Yes. Sour cream works well, but I love adding Greek yogurt because it’s a healthier alternative that still gives the potatoes wonderful creaminess.

Can I use heavy cream?

You certainly can, but Yukon Gold potatoes are already naturally creamy. I usually find that milk, butter, and Greek yogurt are more than enough.

Should I peel the potatoes?

That’s completely up to you. Leaving the skins on adds a little texture and a homemade feel, while peeling potatoes creates an extra-smooth mash.

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved these Greek Yogurt Herb Mashed Potatoes, here are a few more favorites from this site.

Butter Garlic Broccoli 

Crispy Potato Salad 

Slow Cooker Ranch Carrots 

Roasted Broccoli Salad 

These mashed potatoes have earned a permanent place in our recipe collection because they fit just about every occasion.  I can’t wait for you to try them!  If you did try this recipe, I would love to hear how it turned out for you!