Is there anything more comforting than a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes? Whether you’re pairing them with a roast, fried chicken, or a holiday turkey, mashed potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish. The good news? They’re super simple to make, and with a few key tips, you’ll get perfectly fluffy, smooth, and buttery mashed potatoes every time.
This basic mashed potatoes recipe is easy enough for beginners and a go-to for seasoned cooks who want to nail the classic version. Let’s dive into the steps to make the perfect mashed potatoes!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Basic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients for Basic Mashed Potatoes
One of the best things about mashed potatoes is that they require just a few ingredients—most of which you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best)
- 4 tablespoons of butter (unsalted is preferable)
- 1/2 cup of whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
- Garlic (1-2 cloves for added flavor)
- Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Choose the Right Potatoes
To start, it’s important to use the right type of potato for your mashed potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes are a fantastic choice because they’re naturally creamy and have a buttery flavor. Russet potatoes are also popular because they have a fluffy, starchy texture when mashed.
Pro Tip: If you like a smoother mash, go for Yukon Golds. If you prefer something a bit fluffier, Russets are your best bet.
2. Peel and Cut the Potatoes
Once you’ve chosen your potatoes, peel them. If you prefer a rustic texture, you can leave the skins on for a more “homestyle” feel. Cut the potatoes into even chunks (about 1 ½ to 2-inch pieces) to ensure they cook evenly.
3. Boil the Potatoes
Place your potato chunks into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a good pinch of salt to the water—this is your chance to start seasoning the potatoes from the inside.
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re fork-tender. You’ll know they’re done when a fork easily pierces through a potato chunk without resistance.
4. Drain and Dry the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander. Let them sit for a couple of minutes to steam dry—this ensures your mashed potatoes won’t end up watery.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip this step! Allowing the potatoes to dry will help them absorb the butter and milk better, making your mashed potatoes rich and creamy.
5. Mash the Potatoes
Transfer the potatoes back into the pot or a large mixing bowl. Now it’s time to mash them! You can use a potato masher for a more textured mash or a potato ricer if you want an ultra-smooth consistency.
6. Add Butter and Milk
While the potatoes are still warm, add the butter and milk (or cream). The warmth of the potatoes will melt the butter nicely. Start with ½ cup of milk, and you can always add more if you want creamier potatoes. Mash until smooth, but don’t overdo it—over-mashing can make the potatoes gluey.
Pro Tip: For the ultimate creamy mashed potatoes, warm the milk or cream before adding it to the potatoes. This helps keep everything nice and warm and prevents the potatoes from cooling down too quickly.
7. Season to Taste
This is where you make the potatoes truly shine! Season with salt and pepper to taste. Some people love adding roasted garlic or a sprinkle of herbs like chives or parsley for extra flavor. Mix everything until well combined.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the mashed potatoes into a serving dish and top them with an extra pat of butter (because, why not?). You can also garnish with fresh herbs if you want to fancy them up a bit. Serve warm, and watch them disappear fast!
Tips for the Best Mashed Potatoes
- Don’t over-mash: Overworking the potatoes can cause them to become gummy. Mash them just until they reach the consistency you want.
- Use warm ingredients: Cold milk or butter can shock the potatoes and make them firm up. Keep everything warm for the best texture.
- Season as you go: Salt the water when boiling the potatoes and then adjust the seasoning to taste after mashing.
- Texture control: For super smooth mashed potatoes, pass them through a potato ricer or food mill before adding butter and milk.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic mashed potatoes recipe, feel free to get creative! Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add 1-2 cloves of roasted garlic to the mix for a subtle, rich garlic flavor.
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or your favorite cheese for an extra indulgent twist.
- Herb Mashed Potatoes: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme for a burst of flavor.
- Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes: Substitute regular milk with tangy buttermilk for a slight kick and creamier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can make mashed potatoes up to two days in advance. After preparing, let them cool and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, place them in a pot with a splash of milk or cream and gently heat, stirring often.
2. What’s the best way to mash potatoes—by hand or with a mixer?
For a textured mash, use a potato masher or fork. If you prefer super smooth potatoes, a potato ricer works best. You can also use a hand mixer, but be careful not to overmix as this can lead to gummy potatoes.
3. How do I keep my mashed potatoes warm before serving?
If you need to keep mashed potatoes warm for a while, place the pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, or transfer them to a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting. Just make sure to add a little extra butter or milk if they start to dry out.
4. Can I freeze leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes! Mashed potatoes freeze well. Just let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove with a bit of added milk or butter.
Wrapping It Up
And there you have it—a foolproof, simple recipe for perfect mashed potatoes every time! Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday dinner or just a regular weeknight meal, these creamy, buttery mashed-potatoes are bound to become a family favorite. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this comforting side dish that everyone will love.
So, grab those potatoes and get mashing—you won’t regret it!