Description
Creamy, dreamy Mashed Potatoes bring comfort and joy to any dinner table. Rich butter, smooth cream, and perfectly whipped potatoes create a delightful side dish you’ll crave at every meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 45 pounds (20.4 kilograms) potatoes (Russets, Yukon Golds, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) salted butter, softened
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk, warmed
Seasonings and Optional Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt
- 1 tablespoon (14 grams) salt for boiling water
- 46 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, cubed and softened (optional)
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
- Fresh cracked black pepper, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes by thoroughly washing and peeling them, then slice into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking. Select a spacious pot that allows potatoes to move freely during boiling.
- Fill the pot with cold water, covering potatoes by approximately one inch. Sprinkle salt into the water to enhance the potato’s natural flavor and consider adding whole garlic cloves for an aromatic touch.
- Place the pot on high heat and bring water to a rolling boil, then reduce temperature to maintain a gentle simmer. Allow potatoes to cook for 15-20 minutes, periodically testing with a fork for tenderness.
- Once potatoes are soft and easily pierced, carefully drain them in a colander, allowing excess moisture to evaporate completely. Return the potatoes to the warm pot to prevent cooling.
- While potatoes rest, gently warm milk in a separate container, ensuring it reaches a comfortable temperature without boiling. Simultaneously, let butter soften at room temperature.
- Using a potato masher or electric mixer, break down the potatoes into a smooth consistency. Work gently to prevent over-mashing, which can create a gummy texture.
- Gradually incorporate warm milk and softened butter into the potatoes, stirring consistently to achieve a creamy, luxurious blend. If desired, fold in cream cheese for additional richness.
- Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting flavors as needed. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives.
- Serve immediately while potatoes remain warm and maintain their velvety texture, offering a comforting side dish that complements many main courses.
Notes
- Select starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the fluffiest, creamiest texture that absorbs butter and milk perfectly.
- Use cold water when boiling potatoes to ensure even cooking and prevent breaking down of potato starches too quickly.
- Warm milk and softened butter help create smooth, velvety mashed potatoes without lumps or temperature shock.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or use milk alternatives like almond or oat milk to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg