Mashed potatoes are a beloved classic side dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. Whether served with roast chicken, grilled steak, or as part of a holiday feast, creamy mashed potatoes never disappoint. In this recipe, I’ll guide you through the steps to create a timeless and delicious batch of creamy mashed potatoes that will become a staple on your table.
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (about 1 kg) russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 to 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream, warmed
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
Bring the pot of water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer until they are fork-tender. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander and return them to the pot.
Using a potato masher or a fork, begin mashing the potatoes until they are broken down into smaller pieces.
Add the softened butter to the potatoes and continue mashing. The heat of the potatoes will help melt the butter.
Gradually pour in the warmed milk or cream, starting with 1/2 cup, and continue mashing until you achieve your desired consistency. Add more milk or cream as needed to reach the desired level of creaminess. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in gluey mashed potatoes.
Season the mashed potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting the amounts to taste. Mix well to incorporate the seasoning.
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for added freshness and visual appeal.
Serve the creamy mashed potatoes immediately while they are still hot and creamy.
Tips
- For extra flavor, you can add minced garlic or grated Parmesan cheese to the mashed potatoes during the mashing process.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can pass the mashed potatoes through a potato ricer or use an electric hand mixer to whip them.
- To keep the mashed potatoes warm, cover the serving bowl with foil or place it in a low-heat oven until ready to serve.
Creamy mashed potatoes are a timeless side dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. By following this simple recipe, you can create creamy and delicious mashed potatoes that will complement a wide range of main courses.
