Print

Creamy Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Print Recipe

Creamy Homemade Mashed Potatoes deliver a velvety, rich, and irresistibly smooth texture that makes a perfect side dish for any meal. Using simple, everyday ingredients like russet or Yukon gold potatoes, butter, and whole milk or cream, this classic comfort food comes together quickly with easy steps. Customize with garlic, herbs, or cheese for extra flavor, and enjoy a fluffy, flavorful mash every time that pairs beautifully with roasted meats, stews, and vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into uniform chunks

Dairy & Fats

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup whole milk or cream, warmed

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste (plus 1 tablespoon for boiling water)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (for garlic-infused variation)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or cream cheese (for cheesy twist)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, thyme, or chopped chives (herb-enhanced)
  • Olive oil and almond or oat milk (for dairy-free option)
  • 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits, 2 green onions, and 2 tablespoons sour cream (for loaded mash)

Instructions

  1. Choose and Prepare Your Potatoes: Start with peeled russet or Yukon gold potatoes, cutting them into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking. This step is crucial for achieving a consistent, fluffy texture.
  2. Boil Potatoes Until Tender: Place the potato chunks into a pot of cold water with 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes depending on chunk size. The salted water seasons the potatoes internally.
  3. Warm Your Dairy Ingredients: While potatoes cook, gently warm the milk or cream along with butter. Warming helps the dairy incorporate smoothly without cooling the potatoes when mixed.
  4. Mash and Mix: Drain potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot. Mash using a potato masher, ricer, or hand mixer according to your preferred texture. Gradually add the warm milk and butter mixture while mashing until reaching a creamy consistency.
  5. Season and Serve: Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Fold in any optional ingredients such as garlic, herbs, cheese, or bacon bits. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon gold for fluffier and creamier results.
  • Do not overmix to avoid gluey mashed potatoes; mash just until smooth and fluffy.
  • Always add warmed milk and butter to keep the mashed potatoes hot and creamy.
  • Salt the boiling water well to enhance the seasoning from the inside out.
  • A potato ricer or food mill yields the smoothest, lump-free texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, comfort food, side dish, homemade mashed potatoes, holiday side, easy mashed potatoes

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/creamy-homemade-mashed-potatoes/