Best Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds organic yukon gold potatoes
medium and similar size
- 1½ cups kosher salt
divided, Diamond Crystal
- ⅓ cup water
- avocado oil
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 head garlic
¼ top removed
- 8 sprigs fresh thyme
- 7 whole black peppercorn
- 1 - 1¾ teaspoons kosher salt
Diamond Crystal
- ½ cup salted butter
melted, kept warm
- 1½ tablespoons chives
chopped
- 1½ tablespoons salted butter
melted
- black pepper
freshly cracked
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F.
- 2
Place 1½ cups kosher salt and ⅓ cup water in a bowl and mix until salt resembles wet sand texture. Pour salt into baking sheet, spreading evenly.
- 3
Use a fork to poke holes around the sides and top of clean potatoes. Rub avocado oil, all over potatoes then use the remaining kosher salt to cover the potatoes. Nestle potatoes on top of salt in the baking sheet, then push the salt towards the base of the potato to keep it in place. Make sure there is space between each potato and they are not touching.
- 4
Bake for 60-70 minutes or until potatoes are very tender, checking doneness at the 60-minute mark. Try the toothpick test, Insert a toothpick, if it feels tender upon inserting and comes out clean, potatoes are ready. While the potatoes bake, make the garlic-thyme infused cream.
- 5
About 30 minutes before potatoes are finished cooking, add whole milk, cream, garlic (cut side faced down), thyme, and black peppercorns to a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Drop the heat to low, cover the saucepan and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and leave covered; mixture will continue to steep. (Just before adding the milk mixture to the potatoes, make sure the mixture is warm, reheat if needed.)
- 6
It's important to do the next step quickly and while potatoes are hot. Doing this with cold potatoes will potentially result in gummy mash. Where over mitts to protect your hands while handling hot potatoes.Once potatoes are cooked, wear oven mitts and wipe the skin of any salt. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out potatoes into a ricer. Be sure to scoop out as much potato from the skin. You can either eat the skins or discard.Rice potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Pour half of the warm, melted butter into the potatoes and mix with a spatula until incorporated. Repeat until all of the butter is added.
- 7
Strain the milk mixture into a fine mesh sieve and into a measuring cup. Pour half of the cream mixture and start with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Mix until liquid is fully incorporated and smooth before adding more. Repeat with with remaining cream. Adjust seasoning with salt, if necessary.
- 8
Transfer mashed potatoes to a bowl and garnish with chives, more melted butter and a few grinds of black pepper. Enjoy.
- 9
Potatoes can be made 1 day ahead. Allow potatoes to come to room temperature, cover and chill. Reheat over medium heat and add more milk to thin out, if needed.
Best Mashed Potatoes
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About this Recipe
Craving that ultimate side dish – rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful? These Best Mashed Potatoes are a true family favorite, destined to become the star of your holiday table or any special meal, infused with an irresistible garlicky aroma.
What truly sets this recipe apart is the thoughtful layering of flavors and textures. By combining wholesome organic Yukon Gold potatoes with generous amounts of whole milk, heavy cream, and not one, but two additions of rich salted butter, you achieve an unparalleled velvety smoothness. The secret lies in gently infusing fresh garlic, thyme, and whole black peppercorns, building a depth of flavor that elevates this classic beyond expectation.
Prepare for a spoonful of pure comfort. You’ll be treated to a lusciously smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth, with a rich, buttery finish. Each bite offers a delicate, savory whisper of roasted garlic and an earthy undertone from the fresh thyme, balanced by a hint of peppery warmth. This isn't just any mashed potato; it's an indulgent experience that feels both homey and sophisticated, promising to delight everyone at your table.
Customization & Serving Suggestions
While these potatoes are perfect as written, you can easily make them your own. For an extra touch of richness, consider folding in some cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream at the end. You could also experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary or sage, or stir in some grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, umami kick. For a subtle heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes could be added.
These rich, garlicky mashed potatoes are the quintessential accompaniment to any hearty main course, from a succulent roasted turkey to a perfectly seared steak. Serve them alongside your favorite holiday roasts or as a luxurious side for a comforting weeknight dinner, garnished with extra fresh chives and a crack of black pepper.