Perfect Mashed Potatoes Recipe
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There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes to complete a comforting meal. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or a holiday feast, this Perfect Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a foolproof way to get smooth, flavorful results every time. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a side dish everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love Perfect Mashed Potatoes
- These mashed potatoes are incredibly creamy and smooth, making them the perfect comfort food for any meal. You’ll love how easy they are to make with just a few simple ingredients!
- Using Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes ensures a fluffy, light texture that never turns gummy or heavy. You’ll enjoy mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth every time.
- The addition of warm milk and butter makes these mashed potatoes extra rich and flavorful. They pair beautifully with any main course, from roasted meats to vegetarian dishes.
- This recipe is foolproof, so even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you’ll still achieve perfect results every time. The key tips, like mashing by hand and warming the milk, are game-changers!
- Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or a big holiday feast. You can easily scale this recipe up or down, depending on your needs.
Have you given up on making mashed potatoes because you just can’t get them right no matter what you do? Do your mashed potatoes always turn out gummy, lumpy, tasteless or just plain not good? Look no further – even you will be able to make perfect mashed potatoes when you follow this foolproof mashed potatoes recipe.
Making perfect mashed potatoes is very easy and doesn’t require many ingredients. There are 3 main tricks to perfect mashed potatoes:
1) Use the right kind of potato – only 2 kinds of potatoes (Russet potatoes and Yukon gold) make good mashed potatoes. Other kinds of potatoes are not good for making mashed potatoes.
2) Use the manual potato masher – electric food processors and mixers make the mashed potatoes turn gummy.
3) Warm the milk before adding to the potatoes – cold milk makes the mashed potato texture worse.
Follow my easy recipe for perfect mashed potatoes, and your mashed potatoes will turn out yummy every time!
Perfect Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Mashed Potatoes Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes – These starchy potatoes give a fluffy, smooth texture that’s perfect for mashing.
- 2/3 cup of milk – Adds creaminess and helps achieve the perfect consistency when warmed before adding to the potatoes.
- 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter – Provides richness and enhances the flavor of the mashed potatoes.
- 1/8 tsp pepper – Adds a hint of spice and balances the richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the potatoes.
See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Perfect Mashed Potatoes
- Potato peeler – To easily peel the potatoes before boiling.
- Knife – For cutting the potatoes into quarters for even cooking.
- Large pot – You’ll need a pot big enough to boil the potatoes.
- Strainer – To drain the water from the cooked potatoes.
- Potato masher – Essential for mashing the potatoes by hand for a smooth texture.
- Measuring cups – To measure the milk and butter accurately.
- Measuring spoons – For measuring salt and pepper precisely.
- Microwave – To warm the milk for a creamier mash.
Instructions How To Make Perfect Mashed Potatoes
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters. Put the potatoes in a pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes and add 2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cook for 25 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes into a strainer, then put them back in a pot. Cut the butter into 4 pieces, and add the butter to the potatoes. Mash the potatoes with the potato masher until all the potatoes are mashed (there are no large chunks) and the butter is incorporated into the potatoes. Sprinkle the potatoes with pepper.
- Warm the milk in a microwave for about 40 seconds or until hot. Add the milk to the potatoes and mash with the potato masher until all the milk is incorporated into the potatoes.
- Taste the potatoes and see if they have enough salt and pepper (they will almost certainly need more salt). If they need more salt and pepper, add it a little bit at a time, mashing with a potato masher to incorporate, until the amount of salt and pepper is just right.
Mashed potatoes taste best when served immediately. Enjoy your perfect mashed potatoes! For more tips on making perfect mashed potatoes, see mashed potato secrets.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these mashed potatoes alongside a juicy roast chicken or turkey for a classic, comforting meal.
- They pair beautifully with rich, savory gravy or a dollop of butter for added flavor.
- For a holiday spread, serve them with cranberry sauce, stuffing, and green beans for a complete feast.
- Add some fresh chives or parsley on top to give the dish a pop of color and freshness.
- These mashed potatoes also work well with roasted vegetables or a hearty beef stew.
Tips For Success
- Use the right potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for mashed potatoes because they have the perfect starchy texture. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, as they won’t give you the same fluffy consistency.
- Cut potatoes evenly: Make sure to cut the potatoes into equal-sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate. This will help avoid having some pieces overcooked while others are undercooked.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes: Cook the potatoes just until they are fork-tender. Overcooking them can cause them to absorb too much water, resulting in watery mashed potatoes.
- Mash by hand: Always use a manual potato masher instead of a food processor or mixer. Using an electric tool can make the potatoes gummy because it overworks the starches.
- Warm the milk: Adding cold milk to hot potatoes can make the texture grainy. Warming the milk before adding it helps maintain a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Add butter first: Mashing the potatoes with butter before adding the milk helps the fat coat the starches, resulting in a creamier texture. This step also enhances the flavor.
- Season carefully: Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. Potatoes can handle a good amount of salt, so make sure to add it gradually until it tastes just right.
Variations And Substitutions
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For an extra burst of flavor, add roasted garlic. Simply roast a head of garlic, squeeze out the soft cloves, and mash them into the potatoes along with the butter. This gives the dish a delicious, rich flavor that complements the creaminess.
- Herb-Infused Mashed Potatoes: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to your mashed potatoes for a fresh and fragrant twist. You can stir them in at the end or garnish the dish with chopped herbs just before serving.
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar, Parmesan, or Gouda for a richer, more indulgent version. The cheese melts into the potatoes, adding both flavor and a creamy texture.
- Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, replace the butter with vegan butter or olive oil and use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk. This keeps the mashed potatoes creamy without using dairy.
- Skin-On Mashed Potatoes: For a more rustic version, leave the potato skins on. It saves time and adds extra texture and nutrients to the dish. Just be sure to scrub the potatoes thoroughly before boiling them.
- Low-Carb Alternative: If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, try making mashed cauliflower. You can use the same steps as the mashed potatoes recipe, just substitute boiled cauliflower for the potatoes. It’s a great alternative that still has a smooth, creamy consistency.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: To store leftover mashed potatoes, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Be sure the potatoes have cooled down to room temperature before sealing them to maintain freshness.
- Reheating on the Stovetop: Place the mashed potatoes in a pot and add a splash of milk or a bit of butter to restore moisture. Heat them over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are warmed through and creamy again.
- Reheating in the Microwave: For a quicker option, transfer the mashed potatoes to a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a little milk or butter as needed to keep them from drying out.
- Freezing: Mashed potatoes can also be frozen. Spoon them into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and follow the stovetop or microwave reheating instructions. You may need to add extra butter or milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make mashed potatoes ahead of time. After preparing them, let the potatoes cool down to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, you can follow the stovetop or microwave methods, adding a bit of milk or butter to restore creaminess. This makes it easy to prepare them in advance for holiday meals or large gatherings.
What’s the best way to keep mashed potatoes warm?
If you’re not serving the mashed potatoes immediately, you can keep them warm by placing them in a heatproof dish and covering it with foil. Set the dish over a pot of simmering water to maintain the warmth without drying them out. Alternatively, use a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting. Stir occasionally to ensure they remain smooth and creamy.
Can I use a mixer or food processor to mash the potatoes?
It’s best to avoid using a mixer or food processor when making mashed potatoes, as these tools can overwork the starches in the potatoes, resulting in a gummy, glue-like texture. A potato masher or ricer is the best tool to achieve a fluffy, smooth consistency without ruining the texture.
How do I fix lumpy mashed potatoes?
If your mashed potatoes are lumpy, you can try gently reheating them and mashing again to smooth them out. Adding a bit more milk or butter while mashing may also help. For extra-stubborn lumps, pass the potatoes through a fine mesh sieve or use a potato ricer to eliminate them.
Can I use other types of potatoes for mashed potatoes?
While Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for the best results, you can use other types like red or new potatoes. However, these varieties are waxier and will yield a different, less fluffy texture. If you prefer a more rustic, chunkier mash, red or new potatoes can work well, especially if you leave the skins on.
Other Easy Potato Recipes
Crispy Skillet Potatoes with Tomatoes | Simple Side Dish: This simple side dish combines crispy potatoes and juicy tomatoes for a flavorful, satisfying addition to any meal.
Fried Potatoes with Eggs – Quick Breakfast Recipe: A hearty and easy breakfast recipe featuring crispy fried potatoes and perfectly cooked eggs for a delicious start to your day.
Air Fryer Potato Slices Recipe: These perfectly seasoned potato slices are crisped to golden perfection in the air fryer, making for a quick and healthy snack or side dish.
Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet Dinner: This one-pan skillet dinner combines savory ground beef with tender potatoes for a satisfying and easy meal any night of the week.
Air Fryer Stuffed Twice Baked Potatoes: These creamy and cheesy twice-baked potatoes are stuffed with savory goodness and crisped up perfectly in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Hasselback Potato Recipe: Air fryer Hasselback potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor in every slice.
Low Carb Cauliflower “Potato” Salad – Keto-Friendly: This keto-friendly cauliflower salad mimics the flavors of classic potato salad with a low-carb twist.
Perfect Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1/2 stick butter 1/4 cup
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1/8 tsp Salt and pepper to taste
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Potato peeler
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Microwave
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters.
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and add enough water to cover them. Add 2 tsp of salt to the water.
- Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the potatoes for about 25 minutes, until tender.
- Drain the potatoes using a strainer, then return them to the pot.
- Add the butter, cut into pieces, to the potatoes and mash using a potato masher until smooth and the butter is fully melted.
- Warm the milk in the microwave for about 40 seconds, then pour it into the mashed potatoes.
- Continue mashing until the milk is fully incorporated and the potatoes are creamy.
- Season with pepper and additional salt if needed. Mash once more to combine.
- Serve the mashed potatoes immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- These mashed potatoes are best served fresh, but you can reheat them gently if needed.
Nutrition
More Side Dish Recipes
- Sauteed Radish Greens with Garlic
- Oven Roasted Eggplant with Sweet Honey Glaze
- Easy Marinated Cucumbers – Crunchy and Healthy Recipe
I love mashed potatoes! I like experimenting with different flavors like adding garlic, herbs, or truffle oil :)