Description
Creamy Mashed Potato is a classic comfort side dish made from tender, boiled potatoes mashed with butter and milk for a smooth, velvety texture. This recipe guides you through achieving perfect fluffy mashed potatoes with simple ingredients and easy steps, ideal for serving alongside your favorite main courses.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Potatoes
- 1.5 kg potatoes, peeled and cut into 2.5cm cubes (preferably Sebago, Russet or Maris Piper)
- 1 tbsp salt (for cooking)
Flavourings
- 60 g unsalted butter, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk, preferably warmed
- 1/2 tsp salt
Garnish
- Extra melted butter
- Chives or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Pour in enough water so it covers the potatoes by 10 cm.
- Cook Potatoes: Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a rapid simmer. Cook the potatoes for 15 minutes or until very soft. Test by piercing with a fork; the potatoes should fall apart easily.
- Drain and Evaporate: Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Leave them for 1 minute, shaking the pot occasionally to encourage evaporation of excess water.
- Mash Potatoes: Add the chopped butter, warmed milk, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the potatoes. Mash well using a masher or pulse carefully with a stand or handheld mixer until creamy. Avoid over-processing to prevent gluey texture.
- Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Create pretty swirls on top, drizzle with extra melted butter, and sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley before serving.
- Make Ahead / Keep Warm: For up to 30 minutes, cover tightly with cling wrap and keep in a warm place; stir gently before serving. Up to 2 hours, keep bowl over simmering water without touching. Up to 4 hours, cover surface with baking paper then foil and keep warm in a slow cooker on low setting.
Notes
- Use waxy or starchy potatoes like Sebago, Russet, or Maris Piper for best texture.
- Warm the milk before adding to keep the mash creamy and fluffy.
- Do not overbeat the potatoes with electric mixers to avoid gluey, sticky consistency.
- For day-before preparation, follow special Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes techniques involving storage and reheating.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for color and flavor.
