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Perfect Mashed Potatoes Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 138 reviews

This recipe for Perfect Mashed Potatoes offers creamy, fluffy results using starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold. Simple ingredients like butter, milk or cream, and seasoning create a classic, comforting side dish ready in just 30 minutes. Ideal for any meal, these mashed potatoes are smooth, rich, and easy to customize.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 2 pounds starchy potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)

Dairy

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream

Seasoning

  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking. Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add salt to season the cooking water.
  2. Cook Potatoes: Bring the pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, cook the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  3. Drain and Dry: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly. Let them sit in the colander for a few minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate, which helps avoid watery mashed potatoes.
  4. Mash Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot or a warm bowl and mash them using a potato masher or ricer until smooth and lump-free.
  5. Add Butter and Milk: Mix in the softened butter while mashing until it melts completely. Gradually add warm whole milk or heavy cream, continuing to mash until you reach the desired creamy consistency.
  6. Season: Taste the mashed potatoes and season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Using starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold results in fluffier mashed potatoes.
  • Warming the milk or cream before adding helps keep the potatoes hot and absorbs better.
  • For extra rich mashed potatoes, use heavy cream instead of milk.
  • To keep mashed potatoes smooth, avoid overmixing as it can make them gluey.
  • Add garlic or herbs like chives for extra flavor if desired.

Keywords: mashed potatoes, classic side dish, creamy mashed potatoes, easy potato recipe, comfort food, homemade mashed potatoes