Fluffly Creamy Mashed Potatoes

This easy creamy, fluffy, and rich mashed potatoes recipe goes with everything and is just plain delicious.
Credit: John Kanell - Preppy Kitchen
Kanell, J. (2020, September 26). Mashed potatoes. Preppy Kitchen. https://preppykitchen.com/mashed-potatoes/#recipe


Pro Tips for this Recipe

- Choose potatoes you enjoy. Yukon Gold are creamy but hold their shape more and can get overworked. Russet potatoes will fall apart more readily after boiling giving you fluffy mashed potatoes but may need more cream and butter to get a rich consistency.

- Cut the potatoes into pieces! Less boiling time means your potatoes will be not be waterlogged and overcooked.

- Do not overwork your potatoes. Gluey, gummy mashed potatoes are the result of potatoes which have been overcooked and/or treated roughly causing their cells to rupture and release starch.

- So many delicious things can be added. 1/2 a cup of sour cream or 4 oz of cubed room temperature cream cheese will add tang and a richer texture, while bacon bits, chives, and even crumbled blue cheese will bring lots of flavor.

- Make sure your milk mixture is nice and hot, cold liquids are the enemy of your mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds potatoes Yukon gold and/or Russet
• 4 cloves garlic optional
• ½ cup unsalted butter 60g
• ¾ cup milk or cream
• 1 tsp salt plus more for the water
• pepper to taste

Directions

1. 1. Peel the potatoes if desired then cut each potato down the middle and into 1/2 inch thick slices. Peel the garlic cloves.
3. 2. Transfer potatoes and garlic, if using, into a large pot then fill with water until the potatoes are covered by an inch. Add 2 tsp salt to the water and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook for about 10 minutes or until fork tender.
5. 3. Drain the potatoes and garlic then transfer back to the warm pot. Set heat to low and gently move the potatoes around for a minute to help dry them out a bit. Remove from heat and mash potatoes to the desired consistency.
7. 4. Melt butter and milk with 1/2 tsp salt in the microwave then stir to combine. Pour the milk mixture in while gently mixing the mashed potatoes using a wooden spoon.
9. 5. Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with cracked pepper, minced chives or parsley.