Description
This recipe for Best Mashed Potatoes offers a creamy, fluffy, and velvety texture with just four simple ingredients. Perfectly suited for both weekday dinners and special holiday meals, these mashed potatoes are made by boiling russet potatoes until tender, then whipping them with hot milk and butter for the ultimate smooth and rich side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 lbs russet potatoes (about 12 medium), peeled
Dairy
- 1 to 1 1/4 cups hot whole milk
- 16 Tbsp unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature (not melted)
Seasoning
- 1 1/2 tsp salt (sea salt recommended, or to taste)
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare and Boil Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and rinse them thoroughly in cold water. If your potatoes are very large, cut them in half. For the smoothest mash, remove any small knots with a spoon or peeler tip. Place the potatoes in a large pot (5-quart or larger) and cover completely with cold water. Bring the pot to a boil and cook partially covered until the potatoes are easily pierced with a knife, about 20-25 minutes depending on size. Avoid overcooking to prevent waterlogging.
- Drain and Start Mashing: Drain the potatoes well and transfer them to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. First, mash the potatoes lightly by hand with the whisk to break them up. Then start the mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, gradually increasing to medium speed while slowly drizzling in 1 to 1 1/4 cups of the hot milk until the desired creamy texture is reached.
- Whip in Butter and Season: With the mixer running, add the softened butter 1 tablespoon at a time, pausing briefly after each addition. Continue whipping the potatoes to achieve a light and fluffy consistency. Finally, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, adjusting to taste. Optionally garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley or chives before serving.
Notes
- Only four simple ingredients are needed to create velvety, creamy mashed potatoes.
- Using room temperature butter (not melted) ensures better incorporation and fluffier potatoes.
- Removing knots from potatoes improves smoothness.
- These mashed potatoes are versatile enough for everyday meals or elegant holiday dinners.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 319 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 374 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 51 mg
