Mark your calendars, potato lovers — National Mashed Potato Day is coming up on October 18, and it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in this beloved comfort food. Whether you prefer them smooth or with a bit of texture, this “holiday” is a great opportunity to celebrate everything we adore about mashed potatoes.
Mashed potatoes are a timeless side dish that pairs well with just about anything, but on October 18, they get to be the star of the show! Here are a few fun ideas to help you celebrate National Mashed Potato Day in style.
4 Tasty Ways To Celebrate National Mashed Potato Day
- Try A New Recipe: Broaden your mashed potato horizons with a new recipe, like the Best Instant Mashed Potatoes, Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, or Crockpot Mashed Potatoes. Add roasted garlic, cream cheese, or some crispy bacon for extra flavor, or implement the secret to making great mashed potatoes!
- Set Up A Mashed Potato Bar: Set out a variety of toppings like cheese, sour cream, chives, gravy, and a protein like beef or chicken, and let your family build their perfect bowl of mashed potatoes. It’s a fun way to enjoy the holiday together (and an easy dinner to boot!)
- Mashed Potato Cook-Off: Get the whole family involved in a mashed potato cook-off! Have everyone create their best version of mashed potatoes and vote to see who takes the crown.
- Comfort Food Movie Night: Nothing pairs better with mashed potatoes than a cozy night in. Make your favorite recipe, cuddle up on the couch, and enjoy a movie that makes you feel warm and fuzzy.
While you’re digging in, enjoy a few fun facts about mashed potatoes with your meal:
- One of the earliest known recipes for mashed potatoes appeared in the 1747 cookbook The Art of Cookery by Hannah Glasse.
- Idaho, known as the potato capital of the U.S., produces over 13 billion pounds of potatoes each year.
- Mashed potatoes are a popular Thanksgiving side dish across the U.S., with Americans consuming an estimated 50 million pounds of mashed potatoes during the holiday.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, let National Mashed Potato Day remind you to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. Grab a fork and dig into the creamy goodness of one of the world’s most comforting foods!
What do you like to eat alongside mashed potatoes?