Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes? Seriously! They’re the ultimate comfort food, right? But let me tell you, not all mashed potatoes are created equal. I’ve spent years perfecting what I truly believe is the best mashed potatoes recipe from scratch. And the secret? It’s all about that creamy, fluffy texture!
This isn’t your grandma’s lumpy, gluey mashed potatoes (sorry, Grandma!). We’re talking cloud-like, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. I remember one Thanksgiving, I made these, and my Uncle Joe practically licked the bowl clean! After tons of testing (and taste-testing, of course!), I’ve nailed the technique. Trust me, you’re gonna love this!
Why You’ll Love This Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe From Scratch
Okay, so what’s so great about *this* mashed potato recipe? Well, let me tell ya! You’re gonna absolutely adore these because:
- They’re unbelievably creamy.
- Seriously fluffy – like clouds!
- Packed with flavor (no bland potatoes here!).
- Super easy to make. Even *I* can’t mess them up, haha!
The Creamiest Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe From Scratch
Seriously, the creaminess is outta this world! It’s all thanks to the *generous* amount of butter and milk we use. Don’t skimp! The butter melts into the potatoes, creating this velvety texture that’s just…wow. You’ll be dreaming about these, trust me!
The Fluffiest Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe From Scratch
Fluffy mashed potatoes are the BEST, aren’t they? The trick is to not overmix them! Seriously, don’t! We want light and airy, not gluey. I use a mixer, but just until everything is combined. Stop when it looks good, okay?
Easy Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe From Scratch
Look, I’m no fancy chef. And this recipe is totally doable, even if you’re a beginner! No crazy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Just simple steps that anyone can follow. So don’t be intimidated – you got this!
Ingredients for the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe From Scratch
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for the best mashed potatoes recipe from scratch:
- 4 lbs russet potatoes, peeled (yep, gotta peel ’em!)
- 1 1/4 cups hot milk (whole milk is my fave!)
- 16 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature (that’s 2 sticks, softened)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste (go easy at first, you can always add more!)
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped for garnish (optional, but pretty!)
How to Prepare the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe From Scratch: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get started? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have the best mashed potatoes recipe from scratch on your table in no time!
Preparing the Potatoes for the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe From Scratch
First things first: peel those potatoes! Then, give ’em a good rinse in cold water. I like to cut the big ones in half so they cook evenly. It’s important to get rid of any dirt, ya know?
Cooking the Potatoes for the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe From Scratch
Pop the potatoes in a big pot and cover them with *cold* water. Bring it to a boil and cook until they’re super tender – like, you can easily poke ’em with a knife. Usually takes about 20-25 minutes. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll get waterlogged and sad! For more information on potato cooking times, check out Food Network’s guide.
Creating the Perfect Mash for the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe From Scratch
Drain the potatoes *really* well. Then, I like to give them a quick mash by hand before putting them in my stand mixer. Trust me, it helps! Fit your mixer with the whisk attachment and start on low. Slowly drizzle in the hot milk until you get the texture you want. Next, add the softened butter, a tablespoon at a time, waiting a few seconds between each addition. This is KEY to getting that creamy, fluffy texture! Finally, add the salt – or more, to taste! Just don’t overmix, okay? We want fluffy, not gluey!
Tips for the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe From Scratch
Want to take your mashed potato game to the next level? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my *best* tips for making these absolutely perfect. Seriously, these little tricks make a HUGE difference!
Choosing the Right Potatoes for the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe From Scratch
Okay, listen up: Russet potatoes are your best friend here! They’re starchy and fluffy, which is exactly what we want for the best mashed potatoes recipe from scratch. Don’t even *think* about using waxy potatoes – they’ll turn into a gloppy mess! Learn more about different potato types for mashing.
Avoiding Overmixing in the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe From Scratch
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: DON’T OVERMIX! Overmixing releases too much starch, and you’ll end up with gluey potatoes. Yuck! Mix just until everything is combined, and then STOP! It’s better to have a few tiny lumps than a bowl of glue.
Adding Flavor to Your Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe From Scratch
Want to jazz things up a bit? Try roasting a few cloves of garlic and mashing them in with the potatoes. Or, stir in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. A little bit of cream cheese can also add a tangy twist! Get creative and have fun!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions for the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe From Scratch
Okay, so sometimes you gotta make a few tweaks, right? Don’t worry! Here are some notes on the ingredients and a few substitutions you can make for this best mashed potatoes recipe from scratch if you’re in a pinch. I’m all about making things work!
Butter Substitutions
Alright, so no butter? No problem! You can totally use olive oil for a slightly different (but still delicious!) flavor. Or, if you’re vegan, grab some vegan butter! Just make sure it’s a good quality one, okay?
Milk Substitutions
Out of milk? Bummer! Almond milk or oat milk work great as substitutes. They might change the flavor a little, but they’ll still be creamy and yummy. Just heat them up before adding, just like regular milk!
Serving Suggestions for Your Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe From Scratch
Okay, so you’ve got these amazing mashed potatoes…now what? Well, they go with *everything*! Seriously! I love them with a juicy roast chicken, a hearty meatloaf, or even just some simple grilled sausages. Gravy is a must, of course! And don’t forget a side of green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete meal!
FAQ About the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe From Scratch
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about my best mashed potatoes recipe from scratch. Don’t be shy – mashed potatoes are serious business!
Can I make best mashed potatoes recipe from scratch ahead of time?
Yep, you sure can! Make ’em a day or two ahead, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat them gently. See my reheating tips below!
What is the best way to reheat best mashed potatoes recipe from scratch?
Okay, reheating can be tricky. My top tip? Add a splash of milk or cream while you’re reheating to keep them moist. You can reheat them in the microwave (stirring every minute or so) or in a saucepan over low heat. Just don’t let them dry out!
Can I freeze best mashed potatoes recipe from scratch?
Freezing mashed potatoes is a bit controversial, but it *can* be done! They might not be *quite* as creamy when you thaw them, but they’ll still be tasty. Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Nutritional Information
Okay, just a heads-up: the nutrition info is an estimate! It’ll change depending on the brands you use and how big your servings are. Just sayin’!
Did You Love This Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe From Scratch? Leave a comment and rate the recipe!
So, did you try it? What did you think? Leave a comment below and let me know! And don’t forget to rate the recipe – it helps other people find this amazing best mashed potatoes recipe from scratch!
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Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe: 4 Steps To Delicious
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Whipping
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make the best mashed potatoes from scratch. This recipe delivers creamy, fluffy, and flavorful mashed potatoes every time.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs russet potatoes, peeled
- 1 1/4 cups hot milk
- 16 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Peel potatoes and rinse in cold water. Cut large potatoes in half. Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until easily pierced with a knife (20-25 min). Do not overcook.
- Drain well and transfer to the bowl of your stand mixer. Mash potatoes lightly by hand. Fit mixer with whisk attachment and start on low speed for 30 seconds then increase to medium. Slowly drizzle in hot milk to reach your desired texture.
- Add softened butter 1 Tbsp at a time, waiting a few seconds between each addition. Potatoes will be whipped and fluffy. Finally, add salt, or add to taste.
Notes
- For the smoothest potatoes, remove the little knots from the potatoes with a small spoon or the tip of a potato peeler.
- Use whole milk for the richest flavor.
- Adjust salt to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
