Description
This recipe for the Best Mashed Potatoes delivers creamy, fluffy, and velvety potatoes made with just a few simple ingredients. Using russet potatoes boiled to perfection and whipped with hot milk and unsalted butter creates a classic side dish perfect for both weekday meals and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 lbs russet potatoes (12 medium), peeled
Wet Ingredients
- 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 preferred, or to taste)
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and rinse them in cold water. If any potatoes are very large, cut them in half. To ensure the smoothest mashed potatoes possible, remove small knots or imperfections using a small spoon or the tip of a potato peeler.
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot (at least 5 quarts) and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then cook the potatoes partially covered for 20-25 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a knife. Avoid overcooking as it can affect texture.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes well and transfer them to the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the whisk attachment, lightly mash the potatoes by hand to break them up. Start the mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium speed. Slowly drizzle in 1 to 1 1/4 cups of hot milk to reach your desired creamy texture.
- Add Butter and Season: With the mixer running, add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, waiting a few seconds between each addition. This process whips the potatoes to a fluffy consistency. Finally, add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste, and mix well. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
- These mashed potatoes require only 4 main ingredients but yield a rich, velvety texture perfect for both everyday meals and holiday dinners.
- Using hot milk helps ensure the potatoes stay warm and absorb the liquid better, contributing to creaminess.
- Room temperature butter whipped into the potatoes adds richness and fluffiness without melting unevenly.
- Removing knots from potatoes helps achieve a smoother texture, especially if you prefer silky mashed potatoes.
- Adjust salt to taste, especially depending on added garnishes or side dishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 319
- 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
