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National Mashed Potato Day

Treat yourself to a delicious National Mashed Potato Day feast - get creative with your toppings and sides for the ultimate comfort meal!

Sunday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEOctober 18

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYSide Dishes

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get your spoons ready and prepare to celebrate National Mashed Potato Day on Oct. 18! This day has been around since the mid-1970s as a way to recognize this delicious side dish. But did you know that mashed potatoes have been around for centuries? In fact, some historians say that mashed potatoes were being served in Europe as early as the 1600s! So why not join in the festivities and whip up some creamy, buttery mashed potatoes this October? It's a great way to bring friends and family together and enjoy the classic comfort food.

TIMELINE

National Mashed Potato Day Timeline

Mashed Potato Origin

Europeans begin making mashed potatoes, a dish that eventually becomes a staple in many households worldwide.

Potato Popularization

As the potato crop spread throughout the continents, mashed potatoes became more common and were prepared in a multitude of ways according to regional tastes.

Invention of Instant Mashed Potatoes

Dehydrated "instant" mashed potatoes were invented, providing a quick and convenient way to prepare the dish.

Start of National Mashed Potato Day

The day dedicated to celebrating mashed potatoes is first established in the United States.

Creative Mashed Potatoes

The trend of adding different ingredients such as cheese, garlic and herbs to mashed potatoes takes off, allowing for a plethora of variations on the original dish.

Global Celebration

National Mashed Potato Day is celebrated widely, with numerous restaurants and households around the world putting their spin on this classic side dish.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Mashed Potato Day

Make your own mashed potatoes

Making mashed potatoes is easy and delicious. Boil your potatoes, mash them with a masher or an electric mixer, add butter and milk, and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Go out for mashed potatoes

Head to a local restaurant that serves up comforting mashed potatoes. Or, try a new place you haven't been to before that specializes in mashed potatoes.

BAKE

Bake mashed potato cakes

Mix leftover mashed potatoes with eggs, cheese, and any other desired ingredients and bake in the oven for a tasty change from traditional mashed potatoes.

THROW

Throw a mashed potato party

Invite your friends over and have everyone bring their favorite mashed potato dish. Have a competition to see who can make the best dish!

MAKE

Make sweet potato mash

Mix sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a delicious sweet mash that's sure to please.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Mashed Potato Day

Mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish

Mashed potatoes pair perfectly with almost any entree - from steak and chicken to fish and veggies. They also make a great last minute side dish that everyone will love. Add some butter and salt, and you have yourself a classic accompaniment that never fails to please!

Mashed potatoes are comforting

Nothing says "comfort food" quite like mashed potatoes. Whether you're sharing a meal with family and friends, or just cuddling up with a good book on the couch, mashed potatoes can make any occasion feel special! Plus, they're easy to make and always turn out delicious!

Mashed potatoes are easy to customize

If you want to get creative in the kitchen, mashed potatoes are the perfect canvas. You can add all kinds of herbs, cheese and sauces for an added flavor boost. You can also mix in vegetables like carrots, corn or peas if you want to take your mashed potato game to the next level.

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