Description
These creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food made with Yukon gold or Russet potatoes, butter, and warm milk. Perfectly seasoned and smooth, they make an ideal side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon gold or Russet potatoes (about 8 medium Yukon gold or 4 medium Russet)
Dairy & Seasoning
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature, cut into 4 pieces, plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided, plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- ½ cup whole milk (warmed, plus more as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under cool running water. You may peel them if you prefer a smoother texture, or leave the skins on for added flavor and nutrients.
- Cut and soak: Chop the potatoes into 1-inch pieces and place them in a pot filled with cold water. Add ½ teaspoon salt to the water to season the potatoes as they cook.
- Boil potatoes: Place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a boil. Cook the potatoes uncovered for 12-15 minutes until they are very tender when pierced with a fork but still holding their shape.
- Drain the potatoes: Pour the potatoes into a colander to drain all the water completely.
- Evaporate excess moisture: Return the drained potatoes to the hot pot and leave them for 2-3 minutes. The residual heat will help evaporate any remaining moisture for fluffier mashed potatoes.
- Mash with butter: Add the pieces of butter to the potatoes and mash everything together using a potato masher until smooth and buttery.
- Season and add milk: Add the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, pepper, and half of the warm milk. Stir to combine. Then gradually add the rest of the milk, stirring until you reach your preferred creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
Notes
- Use warm milk to help the potatoes absorb the liquid better for creamier mashed potatoes.
- For extra rich flavor, you can add a splash of cream or sour cream instead of milk.
- If you prefer chunkier mashed potatoes, mash less or use a fork instead of a masher.
- Adding garlic powder or roasted garlic can enhance the flavor.
- Butter and milk quantities can be adjusted to taste and desired creaminess.
