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The BEST Mashed Potatoes

A fluffy and creamy mashed potato recipe that makes for a comforting side dish, perfect for family gatherings and holiday feasts.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 pounds Yukon gold or Russet potatoes Perfect for mashing, yielding a creamy and buttery texture.
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Room-temperature butter enhances creaminess.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Elevates the natural flavors of the potatoes.
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper Adds depth and slight kick.
  • ½ cup whole milk Warmed milk makes the mash irresistibly creamy.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under cool water. You can peel them or leave the skins intact.
  2. Chop the potatoes into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
Cooking
  1. Place the cut potatoes in a pot filled with cold water, adding ½ teaspoon of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat.
  2. Boil the potatoes for about 12-15 minutes, or until very tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them rest for 2-3 minutes to let excess moisture evaporate.
Mashing
  1. Return the drained potatoes to the hot pot. Add the butter pieces and mash until smooth.
  2. Incorporate the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, pepper, and half of the warm milk, stirring well.
  3. Gradually stir in the remaining milk until reaching your preferred creaminess.
Serving
  1. Serve your BEST Mashed Potatoes warm and enjoy this classic dish.

Notes

For extra creaminess, consider adding sour cream or cream cheese. Use a ricer for a smoother texture and don't skip resting the potatoes after boiling to prevent gumminess.