Mashed Potatoes

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of Mashed Potatoes. Growing up, my family always gathered around the table, and the centerpiece was a big bowl of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. Whether it was a holiday feast or just a cozy Sunday dinner, those fluffy potatoes brought everyone together. I often took the role of the official potato masher, eagerly mashing away while the rich aroma filled the kitchen. Each scoop was a reminder of love, warmth, and the joy of sharing a meal with those I cherished. The secret, I discovered over the years, is in the combination of perfectly cooked potatoes, a luscious butter mixture, and a hint of cream cheese for extra creaminess.

Why do I love making Mashed Potatoes so much? For starters, they’re incredibly versatile. You can serve them as a side dish to almost any main course, from savory roasts to vibrant vegetable dishes. They can be dressed up with chives, cheese, or even garlic, making them suitable for any occasion, from a casual dinner to a fancy holiday feast.

Key Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes

The beauty of Mashed Potatoes lies in its simple yet hearty ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating that rich, creamy texture we all crave. The key players here are the potatoes, which are the star of the show, combined with butter and cream to achieve that perfect silky finish.

• 5 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: These potatoes are ideal for mashing due to their starchy content, creating a fluffy texture. They should be peeled and cubed into 1.5-inch pieces for even cooking.
• 4 cloves garlic: Minced garlic adds a fragrant depth of flavor that elevates the overall taste of the mashed potatoes.
• 1/2 cup salted butter: Butter lends richness and creaminess, making each bite utterly delicious.
• 1/2 cup whole milk: Milk helps achieve the desired creamy consistency, making the potatoes smooth and luscious.
• 1 teaspoon fine salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the potatoes, while additional seasoning can be adjusted to taste.
• 8 ounces cream cheese: This ingredient provides a rich and tangy flavor, making the mashed potatoes delightfully creamy.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Sour cream adds a slight tang and creaminess, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Pepper to taste: Freshly cracked pepper adds a hint of spice and balances the flavors.

Instructions for Mashed Potatoes

Making Mashed Potatoes is as comforting as eating them. You’ll find the process is straightforward and rewarding. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready!

1. In a large pot, add the cubed potatoes, garlic, and enough cold water to cover the potatoes with an inch above. This helps the potatoes cook evenly and become tender.
2. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt to the pot, bringing the mixture to a boil. This method enhances the flavor of the potatoes right from the beginning.
3. Boil the potatoes for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. You want them soft enough to mash without effort.
4. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Turn the heat to low and let them sit for 1 to 2 minutes. This step helps evaporate any excess moisture, preventing watery mashed potatoes.
5. While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the butter mixture. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, heat the butter, milk, and remaining salt until warm and the butter is melted but be careful not to overheat it, as you don’t want to scald the milk.
6. Add the cooked potatoes to a large bowl or stand mixer. Alternatively, you can mash them right in the pot.
7. Using a potato masher, potato ricer, or hand mixer, mash the potatoes carefully. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to gummy potatoes.
8. Pour in the warm butter mixture and fold it into the mashed potatoes, creating a creamy texture.
9. Next, fold in the cream cheese and sour cream. This will give your mashed potatoes a rich and tangy flavor.
10. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer thinner potatoes, feel free to add extra milk.
11. Serve warm, with pats of butter on top and chopped chives if desired. This final touch makes them look as good as they taste.

Expert Tips about Mashed Potatoes

Creating the perfect Mashed Potatoes is an art that can always be improved with these expert tips. Here are some valuable insights to make your dish even better.

• Storage: To store leftover Mashed Potatoes, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze Mashed Potatoes for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool them completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Reheating: When reheating frozen mashed potatoes, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then heat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
• Pairing: These Mashed Potatoes pair wonderfully with savory dishes like roast chicken, braised beef, or grilled vegetables.
• Variations: For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding roasted garlic, cheese, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Side Dish Ideas for Mashed Potatoes

When serving Mashed Potatoes, consider these delightful side dish ideas to elevate your meal:

• Roasted Vegetables: Brighten your plate with a variety of roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
• Grilled Chicken: Pair your potatoes with juicy grilled chicken for a satisfying meal that’s great for family dinners.
• Salads: A crisp garden salad provides a refreshing contrast to creamy mashed potatoes.
• Steak: Serve alongside a nice cut of steak for a classic meal that never goes out of style.
• Seasonal Occasions: These Mashed Potatoes are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or comforting weeknight dinners.
• Make Ahead: Prepare in advance and keep warm for easy serving when hosting guests.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Mashed Potatoes are a classic comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any meal. Their creamy texture and rich flavor can easily be tailored to your taste, making them perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try making this dish; it’s sure to become a favorite at your table!

Mashed Potatoes

The ultimate comfort food, Mashed Potatoes are creamy, buttery, and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for any meal, this easy recipe will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Make them tonight for a warm, cozy meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 5 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes Peeled and cubed into 1.5 inch pieces.
• 4 cloves garlic Minced.
• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon fine salt More to taste.
• 8 ounces cream cheese Room temperature.
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• pepper To taste.

Equipment

• Potato Masher

Method

 

1. In a large pot, add the cubed potatoes, garlic, and cold water to cover the potatoes with an inch above.
2. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt to the pot and bring to a boil.
3. Boil the potatoes for 10 to 15 minutes or until fork-tender.
4. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Turn the heat to low and let them sit for 1 to 2 minutes.
5. While they're cooking, prepare the butter mixture by heating the butter, milk, and remaining salt until warm.
6. Add the cooked potatoes to a bowl or mix them right in the pot.
7. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes carefully, avoiding overmixing.
8. Pour in the butter mixture and fold into the potatoes.
9. Fold in the cream cheese and sour cream and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
10. Serve warm with pats of butter and chives if desired.

Notes

• Tip 1: To store leftovers, place Mashed Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Tip 2: You can freeze Mashed Potatoes for up to 2 months. Make sure they cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Tip 3: When reheating frozen mashed potatoes, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then heat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
• Tip 4: These Mashed Potatoes pair wonderfully with savory dishes like roast chicken or grilled vegetables.
• Tip 5: For a twist, try adding roasted garlic, cheese, or fresh herbs.

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Meet Lucy Bennett

I’m passionate about food that brings people together. I love creating recipes that are vibrant, flavorful, and easy to share. I’ve cooked and tested this dish in my own kitchen to make sure it works perfectly for you. Enjoy!