Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—creamy, buttery, and the perfect companion to just about any meal. Whether you’re serving them as a holiday side dish or a weekday dinner staple, this mashed potato recipe will give you perfectly smooth and flavorful results every time. Using a mix of Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes, combined with simple yet delicious ingredients like cream cheese, garlic, and butter, this recipe offers a rich, flavorful experience that will make your meal unforgettable. Let’s dive into how to make the perfect mashed potatoes!

Why You’ll Love This Mashed Potatoes Recipe

This mashed potato recipe is not just any side dish. It’s designed to be:

• Easy to follow: Perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Rich and creamy: The combination of Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes results in the ideal texture—creamy yet slightly fluffy.
• Customizable: With a range of toppings like chives, green onions, or freshly cracked pepper, you can make these potatoes your own.
• Perfect for any meal: Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a casual family supper, these mashed potatoes are always a hit.

Ingredients Overview

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this creamy mashed potatoes recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect consistency and flavor:

• 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and smoothness to the potatoes.
• 5 pounds potatoes (half Yukon Gold, half Russet): Yukon Gold potatoes offer a creamy texture, while Russets bring a light fluffiness.
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced: Adds a subtle flavor without overpowering the potatoes.
• 6 tablespoons butter: For that rich, buttery flavor everyone loves.
• Fine sea salt: Essential for seasoning, added during boiling and later for taste.
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature: Provides extra creaminess and a slight tang.
• Toppings (optional): Freshly-cracked black pepper, chopped fresh chives, or green onions for garnish.

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools:

• A large stockpot for boiling the potatoes.
• A colander for draining.
• A potato masher, ricer, or food mill, depending on your preferred texture.
• A small saucepan to melt the butter and warm the milk.
• A wooden spoon or spatula for folding the ingredients together.

How to Choose the Right Potatoes

Choosing the right potatoes is crucial for achieving the best mashed potato texture. This recipe uses a 50-50 mix of Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes:

• Yukon Gold potatoes: Known for their buttery texture, these are the key to creamy mashed potatoes.
• Russet potatoes: These potatoes are more starchy, helping to give the mash a light, fluffy texture.

By using both, you balance out creaminess and fluffiness for a perfect mash.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mashed Potatoes

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Start by cutting the potatoes into uniform chunks, about 1 inch thick. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer a smoother texture, or leave the skins on for added texture and nutrients.

2. Boil the Potatoes

Place the potato chunks in a large stockpot and fill it with cold water until the potatoes are covered by about an inch of water. Add 1 tablespoon of sea salt and the minced garlic to the water. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-high and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

3. Melt the Butter Mixture

While the potatoes are boiling, heat the butter, milk, and an additional 2 teaspoons of sea salt in a small saucepan over low heat. Allow the butter to melt, but don’t let the mixture boil. This step helps ensure your mashed potatoes will stay smooth and creamy.

4. Pan-Dry the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are done cooking, drain them carefully in a colander. Immediately return the potatoes to the hot stockpot and place the pot over low heat. Gently shake the pot for about a minute to evaporate any excess moisture from the potatoes. This step helps prevent watery mashed potatoes.

5. Mash the Potatoes

Remove the pot from the heat and begin mashing the potatoes. For a smoother texture, use a ricer or food mill. If you like chunkier mashed potatoes, a traditional potato masher will do the job.

6. Combine the Ingredients

Pour half of the melted butter mixture over the mashed potatoes and gently fold it in using a wooden spoon or spatula. Add the remaining butter mixture and fold again. Then, mix in the cream cheese, being careful not to over-mix. Overworking the potatoes can make them gummy, so fold gently.

7. Season and Serve

Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed. Serve the mashed potatoes warm, topped with your choice of garnishes like freshly cracked black pepper, chopped chives, or green onions.

Tips for the Creamiest Mashed Potatoes

Achieving perfectly creamy mashed potatoes is all about technique. Here are a few tips:

• Use warm dairy: Adding warm butter and milk helps to incorporate the ingredients more smoothly into the potatoes.
• Don’t over-mix: Over-mixing the potatoes can release too much starch, resulting in a gummy texture.
• Room-temperature cream cheese: Using softened cream cheese helps it blend seamlessly into the potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though mashed potatoes seem simple, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the potato drying step: Failing to dry the potatoes after boiling can lead to watery mashed potatoes.
• Using cold butter and milk: Cold dairy can cool down the potatoes and create a lumpy texture.
• Over-mashing: Overworking the potatoes will result in a sticky, gluey consistency.

Mashed Potatoes Serving and Presentation Ideas

Presentation is key when serving mashed potatoes. Here are some simple ideas to elevate the look of your dish:

• Top with freshly cracked black pepper for a rustic, flavorful finish.
• Sprinkle with fresh chives or green onions for a burst of color and flavor.
• Serve with a swirl of melted butter on top for an extra indulgent touch.

Creative Variations

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste:

• Garlic lovers: Double the garlic or roast it before adding for a deeper flavor.
• Cheesy mashed potatoes: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan for a richer, cheesy texture.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them for the best results:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Mashed Potatoes Recipe FAQ

Can I freeze mashed potatoes?

Yes! Mashed potatoes freeze well. Make sure they are completely cool before freezing, and store them in an airtight container.

What’s the best way to reheat mashed potatoes?

To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish or reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little milk or butter to restore the creamy texture.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use other varieties like Red Bliss or all Russets. However, the combination of Yukon Gold and Russet in this recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy and fluffy.

Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate mashed potatoes recipe. With its creamy, buttery texture and rich flavor, these mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal or simply looking to elevate your weeknight dinners, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to try out different garnishes and variations to make it your own!

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