Description
This classic mashed potatoes recipe yields fluffy, creamy, and buttery mashed potatoes that are perfect as a comforting side dish. Made with russet or Yukon gold potatoes, garlic for extra flavor, melted butter, and warm milk or cream, these mashed potatoes are simple to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 pounds potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)
Flavorings
- 3 cloves garlic (optional)
Dairy
- ⅓ cup melted salted butter
- 1 cup milk (or cream)
Seasoning
- salt (to taste)
- black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel and quarter the potatoes then place them in a pot filled with cold salted water. This ensures even cooking and that the potatoes absorb some salt for seasoning.
- Cook Potatoes: Add the cloves of garlic to the pot if using, then bring the water to a boil. Cook the potatoes uncovered for about 15 minutes or until a fork easily pierces them and they are tender. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Warm Milk: Heat the milk or cream on the stovetop or in the microwave until it is warm but not boiling. Warm milk helps achieve a creamier mashed potato texture.
- Mash and Combine: Add the melted butter to the drained potatoes and begin mashing with a potato masher. Gradually pour in the warm milk a little at a time while mashing, to reach your desired creamy consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season the mashed potatoes with salt and black pepper according to your preference. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Fluffy, creamy and buttery, these mashed potatoes are absolutely perfect every time.
- For extra flavor, do not skip the garlic, but it is optional.
- Use warm milk or cream to prevent the mashed potatoes from cooling down and to enhance creaminess.
- Adjust milk quantity to achieve desired consistency—less for thicker mash and more for smoother texture.
- Russet potatoes create fluffier mash while Yukon golds give a creamier texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.5 cup
- Calories: 209 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 74 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 17 mg
