Creamy Mashed potatoes are an easy side dish that can be paired with any entree to make the perfect meal. This dish can be eaten during a quick weeknight dinner or it can be used as a side dish during those big holiday meals (of course you may have to double the recipe then). This creamy mashed potatoes recipe is the mashed potato recipe that I use most often. With only a few simple ingredients, I am certain this recipe will yield some pretty tasty, rich and creamy mashed potatoes.
Let’s get into it.
What tools do i need
You will need the following items to successfully make this dish:
- Heavy pot – this is what you will boil your potatoes in
- Potato Masher – to mash your pototoes
- Colander/strainer – to drain water from potatoes
- Hand blender – can whip by hand as well with a whisk or fork
What ingredients to I need
You will only need a few simple ingredients. You will need the following items for this recipe. However, you can add variations as you please. More on that later….
- Potatoes
- Butter
- Salt & Pepper
- Milk
What is the best type of potato to use for mashed potatoes?
To make creamy mashed potatoes, it’s best to use a starchy potato like russet potatoes or yukon gold potatoes. Russet potatoes are high in starch and will create a more fluffy and lighter mashed potato. Wheras, the yukon gold potoatoes will create a more dense mashed potato. Both will yeild pretty tasty creamy mashed potatoes, so it is really a preference.
Steps to make creamy mashed potatoes
- Peel and cut the potatoes into about 1 inch pieces. Make sure the pieces are cut evenly so that they cook evenly.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork tender. Adding salt to the water will give that in depth seasoning to the potatos. Be sure not to overcook the potatoes.
- Drain water and add back to the hot pot. The hot pot will get rid of some of the moisture from the potatos.
- Add butter and mash with a potato masher.
- Add in milk (or cream) and whip until smooth and creamy. Just try not to overmix.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Variations to add to Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Make yours loaded! Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, bacon bits and chives.
- Cream cheese. Adds a little tanginess and a little more creaminess.
- Garlic.
- Garnish with parsley.
- Top with gravy. That’s real comfort food right there.
- Make it a meal and add some cut up chicken, vegetables and gravy.
Serve as a side with these main dishes
Try this as a side to this delicious Blackened Salmon recipe.
This will also pair well with this simple Easy Baked Chicken Breasts recipe.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 6-7 medium sized russet potatoes
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 4 tbsp butter unsalted
- 1/2 cup milk
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel skin from potatoes and cut into approximately 1 inch pieces. Make sure pieces are even so that they cook evenly.
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender.
- Add potatoes to pot and fill pot with enough water so that it covers at least 1 inch above the potatoes. Add in 1 tbsp kosher salt to the water.
- Bring to a boil and let potatoes boil uncovered for about 15 minutes or until tender.
- Drain water from potatoes. Add potatoes back to the pot along with the butter. Mash the potatoes and butter with a potato masher until all of the pieces are smashed.
- Add in milk and blend with a handheld blender on low speed until the mashed potatoes are smooth.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Optional: Garnish with 1 tbsp melted butter and parsley.