Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Perfect Mashed Potatoes

6 servings
This is how to make my family’s favorite homemade mashed potatoes. The recipe is flexible and can be adjusted based on the ingredients you have on hand. You’ll add about 1 cup of liquid to the potatoes. I love equal parts milk and chicken broth, but use what you have. For extra creamy mashed potatoes, add an extra splash of cream.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes

    red potatoes, or white potatoes, 900g

  • Salt
  • 1 cup whole milk or broth

    try homemade chicken broth, 235ml

  • 3 tablespoons butter or olive oil

    40g

  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • Splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream

    optional

Directions

  1. 1

    Scrub and dice the potatoes, keeping them a similar size. We often leave the skin on the potatoes, but it is completely up to you.

  2. 2

    Add the potatoes to a large saucepan, add a tablespoon of salt, and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a low simmer.

  3. 3

    Cook until the potatoes fall apart when pierced with a fork, 15 to 20 minutes.

  4. 4

    While the potatoes cook, heat the milk, broth, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until warm and the butter melts.

  5. 5

    Drain the potatoes, return them to the pot, and cover them with a clean dishtowel. Leave them for about 5 minutes to absorb excess steam that can make mashed potatoes watery.

  6. 6

    Pour in the warm butter mixture, and then mash the potatoes until creamy. The potatoes seem thin at first, but they absorb the liquid after a minute or two. Stir in the pepper and splash of cream (optional).

  7. 7

    Taste for seasoning and adjust with additional salt and pepper. Let stand for 5 minutes so the potatoes thicken, then serve.

Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Perfect Mashed Potatoes

35 min6 servings

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About this Recipe

Dreaming of the ultimate side dish that makes any meal feel special? Our family's favorite Perfect Mashed Potatoes recipe is here to elevate your plate, delivering that creamy, comforting texture you crave with ease.

What makes these mashed potatoes truly perfect is their incredible adaptability and rich, satisfying flavor. We lean on a versatile liquid base, combining whole milk and homemade chicken broth for an unmatched depth, but the recipe is designed to work with what you have. This flexibility ensures you'll achieve delicious results every time, whether you're using butter or olive oil for richness.

Expect a supremely creamy and fluffy texture that's deeply comforting, making every bite a pure delight. These mashed potatoes strike a beautiful balance, being both savory and subtly rich, with a delicate hint of freshly ground black pepper. They're straightforward to prepare, coming together in about 35 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a homemade classic without a fuss.

Customization & Variations

  • Potato Choice: While Yukon Gold potatoes are a favorite for their naturally creamy texture, red potatoes or white potatoes work beautifully too, offering a slightly different character.
  • Liquid Swaps: Feel free to adjust the liquid. If you don't have chicken broth, all milk or a vegetable broth can be used. For an extra luxurious finish, don't shy away from that optional splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream.
  • Fat Alternatives: Butter adds classic richness, but a good quality olive oil can impart a lovely, mellow flavor for a different touch.

These Perfect Mashed Potatoes are an ideal companion for any family dinner, holiday feast, or simply when you need a little extra comfort on your plate. They're a crowd-pleaser that complements everything from roasted meats to hearty stews.

Frequently Asked Questions