Description
These Best Mashed Potatoes offer a creamy, velvety texture made with simple ingredients like russet potatoes, whole milk, and unsalted butter. Perfectly whipped using a stand mixer, they are ideal as a comforting weekday side or elegant enough for holiday meals, delivering a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of fresh herbs for garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 lbs russet potatoes (12 medium), peeled
- 1 to 1 1/4 cups hot whole milk
- 16 Tbsp (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature (not melted)
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and rinse them under cold water. If they are very large, cut them in half. For the smoothest texture, remove any small knots from the potatoes using a small spoon or the tip of a peeler.
- Cook Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot (5 Qt or larger) and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil, then cook partially covered until the potatoes are easily pierced with a knife, about 20-25 minutes depending on size (approximately 22 minutes for medium potatoes). Be careful not to overcook.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes well and transfer them to the bowl of a stand mixer. Use the whisk attachment and lightly mash the potatoes by hand to break them up. Begin mixing on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium speed while slowly drizzling in 1 to 1 1/4 cups of hot milk until you reach your desired creamy texture.
- Add Butter and Season: Keep the mixer running and add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, pausing briefly between additions. Continue whipping the potatoes until fluffy. Finally, add 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt (or to taste) and mix to combine thoroughly.
- Serve: Transfer mashed potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Only four main ingredients are needed to create creamy, restaurant-quality mashed potatoes.
- Using hot milk and softened butter ensures the potatoes stay fluffy and creamy without getting cold spots or lumps.
- Removing potato knots improves smoothness for an ultra-creamy finish.
- This recipe works well for both everyday meals and special holiday occasions.
- Adjust salt to taste; sea salt adds a nice flavor without overpowering the potatoes.
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
