Description
Creamy, buttery, and perfectly fluffy, The Best Classic Mashed Potato is an easy recipe for holidays, family dinners, comfort food nights, and simple dinner ideas. Made with tender potatoes, warm milk, cream, and melted butter, this cozy side dish is perfect beside roasted chicken, turkey, steak, gravy, vegetables, or any meal that needs a classic homemade touch.
Ingredients
3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more for boiling water
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives, optional for garnish
Instructions
1. Place the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt.
2. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat slightly and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Drain the potatoes well, then return them to the hot pot for 1 to 2 minutes so extra moisture can evaporate.
4. Warm the butter, milk, and heavy cream in a small saucepan until the butter melts. Do not boil.
5. Mash the hot potatoes with a potato masher or ricer until mostly smooth.
6. Slowly add the warm butter mixture while gently mashing and folding until creamy.
7. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if using.
8. Spoon into a serving bowl, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Use warm milk and cream so the potatoes stay soft and creamy instead of turning stiff.
Do not use a blender or food processor because overmixing can make mashed potatoes gluey.
Drain the potatoes well and let them steam dry for a minute before mashing for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: classic mashed potato, mashed potatoes, easy recipe, side dish, holiday side dish, dinner ideas, comfort food, potato recipe