Savor the perfection of Mashed Potatoes! These creamy, buttery, flavorful delights are the heart of family dinners and holidays – easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
On Sundays or holidays like Thanksgiving, our family likes to gather for dinner. Each person is given a food assignment so that one person doesn’t have to do all the cooking. Some of the assigned foods might include turkey, dinner rolls, a green bean casserole, and of course, homemade mashed potatoes. But when it comes to the mashed potatoes, the recipe and execution are crucial because they are everyone’s favorite. The mashed potatoes must be creamy, smooth, buttery, with a hint of garlic, and salted to perfection.
Table of Contents
Why We Love These Potatoes
- Mashed potatoes are versatile and they pair well with just about anything!
- The creamy and smooth texture of these potatoes offers a delightful mouthfeel.
- Mashed Potatoes are flavorful. They absorb flavors like butter, garlic, and fresh herbs beautifully.
Recipe Ingredients
- Russet Potatoes: Starchy and fluffy, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
- Milk: Contributes mild sweetness and enhances creaminess.
- Butter: Adds a rich, creamy mouthfeel and subtle sweetness.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Potato Variations
The first, but very important step is to pick out your variety of potatoes! Each will give you different flavors and textures!
- Russet Potato: they are high in starch which is perfect for mashing! They have great texture and absorb the butter and cream the best!
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: they are not as starchy as russet but still have a good texture when mashed and have a natural buttery flavor
- Pro-Tip: Try mixing russet and Yukon golds (50/50) to get the perfect blend of texture and flavor!
- Red Potato: they are waxier in their texture and will take a little more effort to mash, but still yummy, especially with some of their skin left on!
- Sweet Potato: great fluffy texture and a naturally sweet flavor
How to Make Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Place quartered potatoes in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Fill with water just enough so that the potatoes are completely covered. Set over high heat and bring to a boil.
Step 2: Reduce to medium heat, slightly cover, and allow to simmer for 20-25 minutes or until fork-tender.
Step 3: Drain the potatoes really well to ensure no water is left. Transfer the potatoes to the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the whisk attachment, mash the potatoes gently, then place on the stand with the whisk attached.
Step 4: With the mixing speed on low, slowly pour in a splash of milk, then add butter one tablespoon at a time. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Increase the speed to medium and whip for 10 seconds.
Step 5: Top with fresh chives, if desired. Serve immediately with a nice pad of butter or maybe your favorite gravy!
Expert Tips
- Keeping the Potatoes Fresh: To keep cut potatoes fresh for a big meal, chill them in cold water with ice cubes for up to 4 hours. This prevents browning and maintains texture. Ensure the water covers the potatoes by about an inch.
- Reducing Moisture: After draining, return the potatoes to the warm large pot and let them steam for 5 minutes. This step helps evaporate excess moisture, ensuring a better texture for your potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Follow step #1, but for step #2, place the cut-up potatoes in the Instant Pot and cover them with water. Seal and cook on high for 8 minutes. Quick-release, and then follow steps #3 and #4.
Follow step #1 but on step #2 place the cut-up potatoes in a greased slow cooker. Add one cup of water and salt and pepper. Cook on high for 4 hours then turn it down to warm. Then follow step #3 and #4.
Yes, you can absolutely use a potato masher as an alternative to a stand mixer. Simply mash the potatoes with the potato masher until you achieve your desired consistency for the best mashed potatoes.
Of course! I love adding cheddar cheese on top of my mashed potatoes but you can also add parmesan cheese for a stronger taste or even cream cheese to give it a creamier taste!
Storage Info
STORE leftover Mashed Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay good for up to 5 days. To FREEZE, place them in a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
To REHEAT, thaw in the fridge if frozen, then warm them in a microwave or on the stove. If microwaving, stir occasionally to ensure even heating. On the stove, reheat over low heat, adding a bit of milk or butter to maintain creaminess.
You can also check out these 35 ways to use leftover mashed potatoes because leftover mashed potatoes can be used for delicious rolls, pancakes, potato cakes, soups, casseroles, etc.
How to Make Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 russet potatoes - large, peeled and quartered
- 2/3 cup 2% milk - hot*
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter - room temperature
- 1 tsp kosher sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp freshly chopped chives (optional)
Instructions
- Place quartered potatoes in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Fill with water just enough so that the potatoes are completely covered. Set over high heat and bring to a boil.
- Reduce to medium heat, slightly cover, and allow to simmer for 20-25 minutes or until fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes really well to ensure no water is left. Transfer the potatoes to the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the whisk attachment, mash the potatoes gently, then place on the stand with the whisk attached.
- With the mixing speed on low, slowly pour in a splash of milk, then add butter one tablespoon at a time. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Increase the speed to medium and whip for 10 seconds.
- Top with fresh chives, if desired. Serve immediately with a nice pad of butter or maybe your favorite gravy!
So creamy and delicious! Great tutorial and tips.
Mashed potatoes are my absolute favorite side! These are so creamy and delicious!
This is so perfect with Thanksgiving coming up! And thanks for including all the different ways that we can make it too!
I could seriously eat mashed potatoes every day. They are the best!
Mashed potatoes are my favorite!! These look perfectly whipped & so good!