Easy Creamy, No-Fail Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Number of Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup whole milk (or more for desired consistency)

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for boiling)

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• Optional: 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Prepare the potatoes: Peel and cube the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Boil the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Drain the potatoes: Carefully drain the potatoes in a colander and return them to the pot. Allow them to sit for a minute to release steam, which helps prevent watery mashed potatoes.
4. Mash the potatoes: Use a potato masher or ricer to mash the potatoes until smooth. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
5. Add the creamy goodness: Stir in the butter, milk, cream, salt, and pepper. For extra flavor, you can add minced garlic at this stage. Mix gently until all ingredients are combined and the potatoes are creamy.
6. Adjust consistency: If the mashed potatoes are too thick, add more milk, a little at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.
7. Serve warm: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and top with an extra pat of butter or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.

Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes

• Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes give a buttery flavor, while Russets result in ultra-fluffy mashed potatoes.
• Don’t skip the salt: Salting the water helps season the potatoes from the inside out.
• Use warm ingredients: Warm butter, milk, and cream blend more easily with the potatoes and keep them from cooling down.
• Avoid overmixing: Overmixing can cause the starches in the potatoes to break down, resulting in a gluey texture.

Creative Variations

• • Cheesy mashed potatoes: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a rich, cheesy flavor.
  • Herb-infused: Add fresh herbs like chives, rosemary, or parsley for a fragrant twist.
  • Roasted garlic: Mash in a few cloves of roasted garlic for a sweet, mellow garlic taste.

Serving Ideas

Pair your creamy mashed potatoes with these delicious main dishes:

• Roast beef or turkey for a traditional holiday meal.
• Grilled chicken or salmon for a lighter option.
• Meatloaf or pot roast for a hearty family dinner.

FAQs About Mashed Potatoes

Can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk.

How do I prevent lumps?

Use a potato ricer or mash thoroughly while the potatoes are still hot.

What’s the best way to reheat mashed potatoes?

Reheat over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap butter with vegan butter and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.