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Creamy Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Homemade Mashed Potatoes
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This recipe guides you to make rich, velvety, and truly comforting creamy homemade mashed potatoes with a smooth, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for holidays or everyday meals, these mashed potatoes provide a flavorful and versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled or unpeeled
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Add-ins

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (chives, parsley, rosemary, thyme), chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or cream cheese) (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil and plant-based milk (for dairy-free version)
  • 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Choose and Prep Your Potatoes: Start with whole, evenly sized Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Peel them if you prefer a smoother texture or leave the skins on for a rustic touch. Cut the potatoes into equal chunks, about 2 inches, so they cook evenly and quickly.
  2. Boil Until Tender: Place potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water, adding a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. Drain and Dry: Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Return them to the warm pot and let them sit for a minute or two to steam off excess moisture to prevent watery mashed potatoes.
  4. Mash and Mix: Use a potato masher or ricer to break down the potatoes gently. Warm the butter with the cream or milk, then gradually add this mixture while stirring until creamy and smooth. Avoid over-mixing to keep the texture light and fluffy.
  5. Season and Taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper, then taste and adjust as needed. Gently fold in optional ingredients such as garlic or fresh herbs to keep flavors fresh and bold.

Notes

  • Use warm dairy (butter and cream) to keep potatoes hot and help create a smoother blend.
  • Do not overmix the potatoes to avoid a gluey texture.
  • Allow potatoes to steam dry after draining to better absorb butter and cream.
  • Mash potatoes while hot for maximum creaminess.
  • Choose starchy potatoes like Russets for optimal fluffiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, homemade mashed potatoes, comfort food, side dish, easy mashed potatoes, holiday side dish

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