Image source: annamrestaurant.vn
Hey there, my fellow food enthusiasts! Have you ever wondered what makes the perfect mashed potatoes? Look no further because I'm about to share with you my all-time favorite mashed potatoes recipe. These homemade mashed potatoes are incredibly rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. They're also super easy to make, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
If you're anything like me, you know that Thanksgiving is all about the sides, and mashed potatoes are an absolute must-have on the menu. So, without further ado, let's dive into this classic recipe that will leave you craving more!
The BEST Mashed Potatoes Recipe | 1-Minute Video
Image source: annamrestaurant.vn
But before we get into the nitty-gritty of the recipe, here are a few essential tips to keep in mind when making the best mashed potatoes:
5 Tips For How To Make The Best Mashed Potatoes
-
Use a blend of potatoes: To achieve the perfect texture, I recommend using a 50/50 mixture of starchy Russet potatoes and buttery Yukon golds. This combination gives you the best of both worlds, resulting in irresistibly creamy mashed potatoes.
-
Avoid waterlogging your potatoes: Too much water is the enemy of mashed potatoes. To prevent this, cut your potatoes into evenly sized smaller pieces before boiling. This ensures quick and even cooking. Also, remember not to overboil the potatoes and gently shake off excess moisture after draining.
-
Don't overmix: Stir the liquids into your mashed potatoes until just combined. Overmixing can turn your potatoes gummy, and we certainly don't want that!
-
Season with salt along the way: Season your potatoes with fine sea salt while boiling them and also when adding butter, milk, and cream cheese. Taste as you go and add more salt if needed.
-
Invest in your preferred kind of masher: The texture of your mashed potatoes depends on the type of masher you use. If you like them slightly chunky, go for a masher with wider gaps. For smoother mashed potatoes, opt for a masher with smaller gaps.
Image source: annamrestaurant.vn
Mashed Potato Ingredients
Now, let's gather the ingredients needed to bring these mashed potatoes to life:
- Potatoes: I recommend using a mixture of half Yukon gold potatoes and half Russets for the best flavor and texture.
- Garlic: A few cloves of garlic add a subtle yet delightful undertone to the recipe.
- Butter: For that indulgent buttery flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.
- Milk: Whole cow's milk works best, but you can experiment with alternatives like half and half or plant-based milk.
- Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the mashed potatoes.
- Fine sea salt: Essential for seasoning at various stages of preparation.
- Toppings (optional): Chopped chives or green onions, black pepper, or any other toppings you desire.
Image source: annamrestaurant.vn
How To Make Mashed Potatoes
Making mashed potatoes is as easy as pie. Just follow these simple steps:
-
Cut the potatoes: Peel or leave the skins on, whichever you prefer. Cut the potatoes into evenly-sized chunks and transfer them to a large stockpot of cold water.
-
Boil the potatoes: Add garlic and salt to the water and bring it to a boil. Cook the potatoes for 10-12 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain the water carefully.
-
Prepare your melted butter mixture: While the potatoes are boiling, melt the butter, milk, and sea salt together. Set aside until ready to use.
-
Pan-dry the potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the hot stockpot and shake gently to release excess steam.
-
Mash the potatoes: Use a masher to achieve your desired consistency.
-
Stir everything together: Gradually add the melted butter mixture and cream cheese, folding them in until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
-
Taste and season: Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper, if desired.
-
Serve warm: Garnish with toppings of your choice and enjoy!
Image source: annamrestaurant.vn
Recipe Variations
If you're feeling adventurous, here are a few variations you can try with this mashed potatoes recipe:
- Instant Pot mashed potatoes: Check out my full tutorial on how to make mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot.
- Garlic mashed potatoes: Double or triple the amount of garlic for an extra-garlicky flavor, or roast a head of garlic separately and add it to the mash.
- Loaded mashed potatoes: Jazz up your mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar, crispy bacon, chopped green onions, or sliced jalapeños for a kick.
- Vegan mashed potatoes: Use vegan butter, plain almond milk, and vegan cream cheese (or omit the cream cheese entirely).
- Mashed sweet potatoes: Substitute sweet potatoes for the Russets and Yukon golds.
- Mashed red potatoes: If red potatoes are your preference, this recipe works equally well with them.
- Extra seasonings: Experiment with seasonings like Old Bay, Italian Seasoning, or Everything Bagel Seasoning.
Image source: annamrestaurant.vn
How To Store and Reheat Mashed Potatoes
Good news! You can make ahead mashed potatoes and reheat them without compromising their texture. Here's how:
- Soak the uncooked potatoes for up to 4 hours: If you want to prepare the raw potatoes ahead of time, keep them in a stockpot or bowl of cold water for up to 4 hours. Add a few ice cubes to maintain the water's temperature.
- Make ahead and refrigerate, then rewarm: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a large bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or an airtight lid, leaving some space. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave, Crock-Pot, Instant Pot, or oven.
Other Favorite Potato Recipes
If you're a potato lover like me, be sure to check out these other fantastic potato recipes:
- Scalloped Potatoes
- The Best Baked Potatoes
- Papas con Chile (Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes)
- The Best Potato Soup
So there you have it, folks! The best mashed potatoes recipe you'll ever try. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this creamy, dreamy side dish. Happy mashing!
This recipe uses affiliate links.
Share this Post
