How to Make the Best Mashed Potatoes
Here’s how to easily make the BEST mashed potatoes ever. They’re delicious, so full of flavor and super light and fluffy. Just a few small but important details will take this classic side dish from good to amazing!
Ingredients
- 4 lbs Yukon gold or yellow potatoes , peeled and chopped into 1 inch pieces
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt , or to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add chopped potatoes to a large pot of salted cold water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat slightly and simmer for about 20 minutes until potatoes are just fork tender. Drain potatoes.
- (Optional step) Spread potatoes into an even layer on a sheet pan. Toast in a 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Dry potatoes will absorb the milk and cream better, resulting in super smooth potatoes.
- Just before you're ready to mash the potatoes, warm butter and cream/milk in a saucepan until butter is melted.
- Return potatoes to the pot and add half of butter mixture, salt and pepper. Use a potato masher to mash until mostly smooth. Add remaining butter mixture and mix till smooth. (For the lightest potatoes, do this final mixing with an electric mixer for about 30-60 seconds.) Be careful not to over work the potatoes, or they'll become gummy and thick.
- Serve immediately or keep warm in a slow cooker for up to 4 hours.
Notes
- Peel potatoes if you want, or you can leave them on.
- Yukon golds will produce the best flavor and texture, but you can use russets or red potatoes if you really want to. (Russet potatoes will need to peeled.)
- To make more than 4 hours in advance: Place prepared mashed potatoes in a greased casserole dish and top with an additional 2 tablespoons of cubed butter. Cover with foil and store in the fridge for up to several days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes. Stir until smooth and serve.
- Optional garnishes: Pats of butter, chopped chives or other herbs, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Nutrition
Calories: 252kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 428mg | Potassium: 977mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 404IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 7mg