Indulge in the comforting goodness of creamy mashed potatoes with this classic recipe. Whether served as a side dish or as part of a holiday feast, mashed potatoes are beloved for their smooth texture and buttery flavor. Follow these simple steps to create perfect mashed potatoes every time.
- Cooking Time
1 hour - Difficulty
Easy - Cost
13$
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup milk or cream, warmed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Variations:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the potatoes while boiling for a fragrant twist.
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese for extra richness and flavor.
- Herb-infused: Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the mashed potatoes for an aromatic touch.
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and Mash:
- Drain the cooked potatoes well and return them to the pot.
- Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the potatoes until smooth and no large chunks remain.
- Add Butter and Milk/Cream:
- Add the cubed butter to the mashed potatoes and stir until melted.
- Gradually pour in the warm milk or cream, stirring continuously, until the desired creamy consistency is achieved.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of butter, milk/cream, salt, and pepper according to your preference.
- Serve:
- Transfer the creamy mashed potatoes to a serving bowl.
- Garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the mashed potatoes hot as a comforting side dish alongside roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or as part of your favorite holiday meal.