Mashed Potatoes

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm plate of Mashed Potatoes. Growing up, my family had a tradition of gathering around the dinner table every Sunday, and I vividly remember the smell of those fluffy, buttery potatoes wafting through the house. My mom had a way of elevating the simplest ingredients into something magical — and mashed potatoes were no exception. Each bite was creamy, rich, and oh-so-satisfying. As I started cooking for my own family, I found that mastering the art of Mashed Potatoes became a rite of passage. It’s not just about boiling and mashing; it’s about the love and care that goes into making something so universally adored.

Key Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes

The ingredients for Mashed Potatoes are simple yet essential. Each plays a crucial role in creating that creamy, dreamy texture we all love. From the starchy potatoes that provide the base to the rich dairy that adds creaminess, these ingredients work together harmoniously.

• 4 pounds russet potatoes: About 8 medium potatoes, these are the classic choice for mashing due to their fluffy texture when cooked.
• 1 cup heavy cream: This adds a luxurious richness to the potatoes, making them incredibly smooth.
• 1 cup whole milk: Balances the thickness of the heavy cream and helps achieve the desired consistency.
• ½ cup unsalted butter: A key ingredient for flavor, it enhances the creaminess and gives the mashed potatoes a velvety texture.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste, helping to elevate all the flavors.
• Chopped fresh parsley or chives: Optional, but a lovely touch for presentation and added freshness.

Cooking Instructions for Mashed Potatoes

Making Mashed Potatoes is a straightforward process, but it’s important to pay attention to detail for the best results. Let’s dive into the steps!

1. Start by peeling and chopping the russet potatoes into 1-inch chunks. This ensures even cooking and a uniform texture. Be sure to use a sharp knife to make this easier.

2. Place the chopped potatoes into a large pot and cover them with 2 inches of water. It’s important that the potatoes are fully submerged to cook evenly.

3. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Once tender, drain the potatoes in a colander and let them sit for 5 minutes. This helps steam off any remaining moisture; excess water can make your mash watery.

5. While the potatoes are steaming, add the heavy cream, whole milk, and butter to a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is warm and the butter has completely melted.

6. Next, return the drained potatoes to the pot (or a large mixing bowl) while ensuring the heat is off. Mash with a potato masher until smooth. Look for a creamy consistency without any lumps.

7. Now, slowly add the warm cream mixture to the mashed potatoes. Stir gently until combined, ensuring you don’t overmix, which could lead to a gummy texture.

8. Season with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This is where you can adjust the seasoning to your preference.

9. For serving, transfer the mashed potatoes to a warm serving dish. You can top them with a dab of butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives for a beautiful presentation.

Helpful Notes about Mashed Potatoes

To ensure your Mashed Potatoes turn out perfect every time, here are some helpful tips to consider.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While not ideal, you can freeze mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to restore their texture.
• Pairing: These mashed potatoes go well with a variety of dishes, such as roasted meats, grilled vegetables, and even as part of a shepherd’s pie.
• Variations: Experiment with flavors by adding roasted garlic, cheese, or herbs to customize your mashed potatoes.
• Consistency tips: Adjust the amount of milk for creamier or thicker potatoes based on your preference!

Best Served With

Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate side dish that complements a wide range of meals. Here are some ideas for serving:

• Roast chicken: The creamy texture pairs beautifully with crispy, golden roast chicken.
• Steak: A hearty steak dinner isn’t complete without a side of rich mashed potatoes.
• Grilled vegetables: The richness of mashed potatoes balances out the charred flavors of grilled veggies.
• Holiday dinners: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, serve mashed potatoes alongside turkey or ham.
• Comfort food cravings: Enjoy mashed potatoes as part of a cozy night in with your favorite meatloaf.
• Meal prep: Make a big batch and store them for quick dinners throughout the week!

FAQ

Conclusion

This Mashed Potatoes recipe truly embodies comfort food at its finest. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, it’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. I encourage you to try making it for your family; it’s not just a side dish but a way to share love and create memories around the table. Enjoy every bite!

Mashed Potatoes

The ultimate comfort food, Mashed Potatoes are creamy, buttery, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts, this easy recipe brings happiness to any table. Make it tonight for a satisfying side dish!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 pounds Russet Potatoes about 8 medium potatoes
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 cup Whole Milk
• ½ cup Unsalted Butter 1 stick
• to taste Kosher Salt
• to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• optional Chopped Fresh Parsley or Chives for serving

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Large Pot
• Saucepan
• Mixing Bowl
• Peeler
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Start by peeling and chopping the russet potatoes into 1-inch chunks. This ensures even cooking and a uniform texture.
2. Place the chopped potatoes into a large pot and cover them with 2 inches of water. It's important that the potatoes are fully submerged to cook evenly.
3. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Once tender, drain the potatoes in a colander and let them sit for 5 minutes. This helps steam off any remaining moisture.
5. While the potatoes are steaming, add the heavy cream, whole milk, and butter to a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is warm and the butter has completely melted.
6. Next, return the drained potatoes to the pot (or a large mixing bowl) while ensuring the heat is off. Mash with a potato masher until smooth.
7. Now, slowly add the warm cream mixture to the mashed potatoes. Stir gently until combined, ensuring you don't overmix.
8. Season with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
9. For serving, transfer the mashed potatoes to a warm serving dish.

Notes

• Tip 1: For dairy-free mashed potatoes, use dairy-free butter, milk, and cream!
• Tip 2: Cut the potatoes as evenly as possible so that all of the chunks cook at the same rate.
• Tip 3: Be sure to let the potatoes fully drain before mashing them.
• Tip 4: For extra smooth potatoes, pass them through a ricer before mashing.
• Tip 5: Avoid overmixing your potatoes; otherwise, they will come out gummy.

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Meet Delilah Moon

We eat with our eyes first, and I strive to capture the energy of our food through photography. I am deeply involved in the cooking process, styling our dishes to show you exactly how appetizing they can be. I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative and confident in your own kitchen.