The Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This classic mashed potatoes recipe delivers creamy, buttery, and perfectly seasoned mashed potatoes. Using russet or Yukon gold potatoes, this dish is easy to prepare and makes a perfect side for any meal. With optional garlic infusion and warm milk for richness, these mashed potatoes are smooth, comforting, and crowd-pleasing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 pounds potatoes (russet or Yukon gold), peeled and quartered
Flavorings
- 3 cloves garlic (optional)
- ⅓ cup melted salted butter
- 1 cup milk or cream, warmed
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel and quarter the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Place them in a large pot filled with cold salted water to start cooking evenly from the inside out.
- Cook the potatoes: Add the optional garlic cloves to the pot. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce slightly and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender when pierced.
- Drain the potatoes: Once tender, drain the potatoes and garlic cloves thoroughly in a colander to remove all excess water, which helps achieve a fluffy texture.
- Warm the milk: While the potatoes drain, gently heat the milk or cream on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm but not boiling. Warm milk blends better into the mash.
- Mash the potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot or a mixing bowl. Add the melted butter and begin mashing with a potato masher. Gradually pour in the warm milk a little at a time while mashing, until you reach your preferred creamy consistency.
- Season the mash: Add salt and black pepper to taste, mixing well to combine. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra creamy mashed potatoes, use Yukon gold potatoes.
- Use warm milk or cream to avoid cooling the potatoes and to help maintain a smooth texture.
- Garlic cloves are optional but add subtle flavor; you can remove them after cooking if preferred.
- Do not overwork the potatoes to avoid a gluey texture; mash gently for fluffiness.
- For richer mashed potatoes, substitute milk with heavy cream.
Keywords: mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, easy side dish, garlic mashed potatoes, buttery mashed potatoes
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