Creamy Mashed Potatoes (Printable)

Velvety smooth potatoes whipped with butter and warm milk for the ultimate comfort side dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Potatoes

01 - 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

→ Dairy

02 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
03 - 1/2 cup whole milk, warm

→ Seasonings

04 - 1 tsp salt, plus more for boiling
05 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional Additions

06 - 2 tbsp heavy cream or sour cream for extra creaminess
07 - Chopped chives or parsley for garnish

# How-To Steps:

01 - Place potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
02 - Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to the pot. Allow excess steam to escape for 2-3 minutes to ensure fluffy texture.
03 - Add butter and warm milk to the potatoes. Mash using a potato masher or ricer until smooth and creamy. For ultra-smooth results, use a potato ricer.
04 - Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, mix in heavy cream or sour cream for extra richness. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These potatoes became my go-to comfort food during college and never failed
  • The foolproof technique means perfectly fluffy results every single time
02 -
  • Never use a blender or food processor, they break down the starch and make potatoes gluey
  • Letting the potatoes dry in the warm pot after draining makes all the difference in texture
03 -
  • Warm your serving bowl with hot water while the potatoes cook so they stay hot longer
  • Butter the potatoes in two stages for the best absorption and flavor
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