Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe creates creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes with rich buttery flavor using simple ingredients like Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, butter, and warm milk. Perfect for holiday dinners, Thanksgiving, or everyday meals, these homemade mashed potatoes are smooth, comforting, and easy to customize with garlic, herbs, or cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup warm milk or cream
- 2 cloves garlic minced (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional Additions
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes if desired and cut them into evenly sized chunks.
- Rinse the potato pieces under cold water.
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water.
- Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Bring the pot to a boil and cook the potatoes for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes thoroughly using a colander.
- Return the drained potatoes to the pot and let them sit for 1–2 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or potato ricer until smooth.
- Add the butter and gradually pour in the warm milk or cream while stirring.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and optional minced garlic.
- Continue mixing until the mashed potatoes are creamy and fluffy.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and top with extra butter or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Start cooking potatoes in cold water to ensure even cooking.
- Avoid overmixing, as this can make the potatoes gluey.
- Always add warm milk or cream for a smoother texture.
- Yukon Gold potatoes produce creamier mashed potatoes, while Russets create a fluffier texture.