Best Mashed Potatoes
These creamy mashed potatoes are shockingly good! It only takes 4 ingredients to make these velvety and holiday-worthy mashed potatoes in just 3 steps. They are perfect for a weekday meal, but also just fancy enough for a holiday table.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs russet potatoes, (12 medium) peeled
- 1 1/4 cups hot milk, (use 1 to 1/4 cups) we used whole milk
- 16 Tbsp unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature (not melted)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste (we used sea salt)
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Peel potatoes and rinse in cold water (cut potatoes in half if very large). If you want the smoothest potatoes possible, remove the little knots from the potatoes with a small spoon or the tip of a potato peeler. Place potatoes in a large pot (5 Qt+) and cover potatoes with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook partially covered until easily pierced with a knife (boil 20-25 min depending on the size of your potatoes; mine took 22 min). Do not overcook.
- Drain well and transfer to the bowl of your stand mixer.* Grab the whisk attachment and mash potatoes lightly by hand to break them up. Fit mixer with whisk attachment and start on low speed for 30 seconds then increase to medium and slowly drizzle in 1 to 1 1/4 cups of the HOT milk to reach your desired texture.
- With the mixer on, add softened butter 1 Tbsp at a time, waiting a few seconds between each addition. Potatoes will be whipped and fluffy. Finally, add 1 1/2 tsp salt, or add to taste.
Notes
*No Stand Mixer? You can also use an electric hand mixer, a potato ricer, or mash by hand with a potato masher.
To keep mashed potatoes warm: cover the mashed potatoes and place them into a warm oven (200°F) or transfer them into a slow cooker on the low or warm setting. Plate or serve out of the slow cooker when ready to serve. Storing leftovers:
To keep mashed potatoes warm: cover the mashed potatoes and place them into a warm oven (200°F) or transfer them into a slow cooker on the low or warm setting. Plate or serve out of the slow cooker when ready to serve. Storing leftovers:
- To Refrigerate: Cool and pack in a heat-safe, airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Pack cooled potatoes in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
- To Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight. Then reheat on the stove, in a 350°F oven, or in the microwave. Stir in a splash of milk and a bit of butter to restore their silky texture and avoid overmixing.
Nutrition Facts
Best Mashed Potatoes
Amount per Serving
Calories
319
% Daily Value*
Fat
19
g
29
%
Saturated Fat
12
g
75
%
Trans Fat
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
5
g
Cholesterol
51
mg
17
%
Sodium
374
mg
16
%
Potassium
806
mg
23
%
Carbohydrates
34
g
11
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
3
g
3
%
Protein
5
g
10
%
Vitamin A
625
IU
13
%
Vitamin C
11
mg
13
%
Calcium
65
mg
7
%
Iron
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
