Velvety Mashed Potatoes (Printable)
Silky, buttery mashed potatoes with a smooth, creamy texture—ideal comfort food for any meal.
# What You Need:
→ Potatoes
01 - 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
→ Dairy
02 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
04 - 1/4 cup heavy cream, warmed
→ Seasonings
05 - 1 tsp salt, plus more for boiling
06 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
# How-To:
01 - Place the peeled potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water by at least 2 inches.
02 - Bring the water to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes yield easily when pierced with a fork.
03 - Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander, then return them to the warm pot to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
04 - Add the unsalted butter to the hot potatoes and let sit for 1 to 2 minutes until fully melted.
05 - Using a potato masher or potato ricer, mash the potatoes until completely smooth and free of lumps.
06 - Gradually fold in the warmed whole milk and heavy cream, stirring gently until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
07 - Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir gently until fully combined and velvety smooth.
08 - Transfer to a serving bowl and serve immediately. Top with a pat of extra butter or fresh chopped chives if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The secret is warming your dairy before adding it, which keeps the potatoes fluffy instead of gummy and heavy.
- Yukon Golds give you a naturally buttery flavor without needing to overload on actual butter.
02 -
- Overmixing with electric beaters turns mashed potatoes into a sticky paste because it ruptures the starch cells.
- Warming the milk and cream before adding them is the single step that separates restaurant quality from ordinary mashed potatoes.
03 -
- A potato ricer is the best investment you can make for perfect mash, and it costs less than fifteen dollars.
- Never blend mashed potatoes in a food processor unless you want something that resembles wallpaper paste.