6 Best Mashed Potatoes for BBQ (Pitmaster Recipes)
Quick Answer
The best mashed potatoes for a BBQ spread run richer and smokier than everyday mash so they stand up to smoked meats. Boil a starchy or all-purpose potato (russets or Yukon Golds) until fork-tender, then mash with plenty of butter, warm cream or milk, salt, and roasted or smoked garlic. Popular BBQ twists include smoked garlic mash (smoke the garlic or whole potatoes first for a subtle wood flavor), brown-butter and sage mash for nutty depth, and crispy griddle-smashed potatoes cooked on a flat-top for crunchy edges. Keep them loose and creamy so they pair well with brisket, ribs, or pulled pork.
Mashed potatoes for BBQ: key questions
What potatoes are best for mashed potatoes?
Starchy russets make the fluffiest mash, while Yukon Golds give a naturally buttery, creamy texture. Many cooks blend the two for the best of both.
How do you make smoked mashed potatoes?
Smoke the peeled potatoes (or just the garlic) on the grill at a low temperature before boiling and mashing, or stir in a little smoked butter or smoked salt for a shortcut.
How do you keep mashed potatoes creamy for a crowd?
Warm the butter and cream before mixing, do not overwork the potatoes, and hold them in a slow cooker on low with a little extra butter and milk stirred in to keep them smooth.
6 Best Mashed Potatoes for BBQ – Pitmaster Recipes
Searching for the best mashed potatoes for BBQ? These six mashed potatoes for BBQ were created by legendary pitmasters and are guaranteed to be the star side dish at your next cookout — smoky, spicy, crispy, or loaded, we’ve got you covered.
1. Smoked Garlic • 2. Brown Butter Sage • 3. Crispy Griddle-Smashed • 4. Chile-Oaxaca • 5. Crab Butter • 6. Campfire Bacon Cheddar
1. Travis “Smoke Daddy” Wheeler – Smoked Garlic Mashed Potatoes for BBQ
Real BBQ sides have to stand up to brisket. These hickory-smoked garlic mashed potatoes for BBQ get actual pit time and pair perfectly with smoked brisket.
Smoke Daddy’s Hickory-Smoked Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Serves 8)
Shopping List
- 5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 bulb + 4 cloves garlic
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 3 sticks butter
- Kosher salt & pepper
Instructions
- Smoke garlic at 250°F with hickory 45–60 min.
- Boil, drain, and dry potatoes.
- Mash with warm cream/butter and smoked garlic. Optional brisket fat for extra glory.
2. Earl “The Rib Whisperer” Tatum – Brown Butter Sage Mashed Potatoes for BBQ
Firehouse-approved comfort that belongs next to KC ribs.
Rib Whisperer’s Brown Butter & Sage Mashed Potatoes (Serves 8)
Shopping List
- 5 lbs russet potatoes
- 2 sticks butter
- Fresh sage
- Whole milk
Instructions
- Brown butter with sage.
- Mash potatoes with warm milk and browned butter.
- Garnish with crisp sage.
3. Marla “Griddle Queen” Jenkins – Crispy Griddle-Smashed Potatoes for BBQ
Steakhouse crust in under 30 minutes — killer with smash burgers.
Griddle Queen’s Crispy Smashed Reds (Serves 6–8)
Shopping List
- 3 lbs baby red potatoes
- Duck fat or bacon grease
- Garlic, butter, smoked paprika, chives
Instructions
- Boil until just tender.
- Smash and griddle in hot fat 6–8 min per side.
- Toss with garlic butter and finish with chives.
4. Diego “El Fuego” Morales – Spicy Chile-Oaxaca Mashed Potatoes for BBQ
Roasted Hatch chiles + melty Oaxaca = the boldest mashed potatoes for BBQ you’ll ever make.
El Fuego’s Chile-Oaxaca Mash (Serves 8)
Shopping List
- 5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
- 4–6 roasted Hatch chiles
- 8 oz Oaxaca cheese
- Mexican crema
Instructions
- Roast & peel chiles.
- Mash potatoes with crema, half the cheese, and chiles.
- Top with remaining cheese and broil.
5. Mia “The Coastal Catch” Meyer – Lemon Crab Butter Mashed Potatoes for BBQ
Elegant and light — perfect with cedar-plank salmon.
Coastal Catch Crab Butter Mash (Serves 8)
Shopping List
- 5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 cooked Dungeness crab (or lump crabmeat)
- Lemons, fresh herbs, half-and-half
Instructions
- Infuse butter with crab and lemon zest.
- Mash potatoes with half-and-half and crab butter.
- Finish with fresh herbs.
6. Buck “The Campfire King” McCoy – Bacon Cheddar Campfire Mashed Potatoes for BBQ
Coal-roasted potatoes finished in cast iron with bacon and cheddar — pure campfire perfection.
Campfire King’s Bacon Cheddar Mash (Serves 8)
Shopping List
- 5 lbs russet potatoes
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon
- 8 oz sharp cheddar
- Butter + evaporated milk
Instructions
- Roast whole potatoes in coals 45–60 min.
- Rough-mash in skillet with butter, milk, bacon, and cheese.
- Melt topping under foil.
Which of these mashed potatoes for BBQ are you making first? Tag us @popularbbq when you do!
Resources: USDA Potato Nutrition • ThermoWorks
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Our pitmaster temperature charts
Three quick-reference tools every cook bookmarks — target temps, pull temps, and how long leftovers keep.
| Cut | Pull | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Brisket | 203°F | 12–16h |
| Spare ribs | 195–203°F | ~6h |
| Pork butt | 203°F | 12–14h |
Target temps & times for 17 cuts, sortable by meat, weight and doneness.
View full chart →| Doneness | Target |
|---|---|
| Rare | 125–130°F |
| Medium-rare | 130–135°F |
| Well-done | 160°F+ |
Rare to well-done, burger safety (160°F) and resting times.
View full chart →| Food | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Brisket, ribs | 3–4 days | 2–3 mo |
| Smoked sausage | 1 week | 1–2 mo |
| Potato salad | 3–4 days | no freeze |
How long smoked meats & sides keep — fridge and freezer, USDA-based.
View full chart →
