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Looking for the ultimate comfort food that everyone will rave about? Look no further than this Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe! Creamy, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, these mashed potatoes are a must-have for any occasion.
After years of perfecting this recipe, I can confidently say that these are the best mashed potatoes you’ll ever taste. Made with the perfect combination of Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, garlic, butter, milk, and seasonings, these potatoes are a true crowd-pleaser.
The secret lies in the details – from starting with cold water to warm your milk, to not overmixing, each step is crucial in creating the perfect mashed potatoes. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, these mashed potatoes will steal the show every time.
Quick Benefits
- Creamy and rich: Achieve a velvety texture with the perfect combination of butter, milk, and optional sour cream.
- Flavorful and aromatic: Infuse subtle garlic notes throughout the potatoes for an extra depth of taste.
- Foolproof technique: Follow key steps like starting with cold water and proper mixing to ensure consistently fluffy, never mushy mashed potatoes.
- Versatile and reheatable: Enjoy as a perfect side for any meal and rejoice in how beautifully they reheat, retaining their creamy texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A Must-Try Recipe Recipe
- Creamy and fluffy texture: Mastered technique creates incredibly creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes every time.
- Rich and flavorful: Roasted garlic and real butter make these mashed potatoes super rich and flavorful.
- Perfect comfort food: Pure comfort in a bowl, these mashed potatoes are rich, creamy, and perfectly seasoned.
- Make-ahead option: Great make-ahead side dish that reheats well, perfect for busy days or special occasions.
- Versatile: Perfect alongside any main dish, these mashed potatoes are a crowd-pleaser for holidays and everyday meals.
- Expert tips: Starting with cold water, using a mix of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes, infusing garlic flavor, and adding sour cream last ensure the best results.
- Residual heat method: Utilizing residual heat from the pot evaporates excess moisture, preventing watery mashed potatoes.
Ingredients for Ultimate Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A Must-Try Recipe
- Fresh ground black pepper.
- Chopped fresh chives for garnish.
- 3 pounds potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and chunked.
- 3 garlic cloves.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for serving.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, plus more for cooking water.
- 1 cup whole milk.
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup sour cream (optional).
Pro Tips for Ultimate Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A Must-Try Recipe
To achieve the best creamy mashed potatoes, opt for a combination of Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes for a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Start by cooking the potatoes in cold water to ensure even cooking, and add garlic cloves to infuse a subtle flavor. Once cooked, warm the milk before adding it to the potatoes for extra richness. When incorporating the sour cream, do so gently after mashing to maintain a light and fluffy texture. Finally, allow the residual heat from the pot to evaporate any excess moisture, preventing watery mashed potatoes.
For a next-level mashed potato experience, consider adding a generous pat of butter on top before serving. This will melt into pools of deliciousness, enhancing the overall flavor and creaminess. Leftover mashed potatoes can be easily reheated by adding a splash of warm milk to restore the perfect creamy consistency. With these tips and tricks, you’ll create a delightful side dish that will impress your guests and have them coming back for more.
How to Make Ultimate Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A Must-Try Recipe
Step 1: Step 01
In a large pot, add potatoes and garlic, cover with water by 1 inch, add salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.
Step 2: Step 02
After draining, return the potatoes to the pot.
Step 3: Step 03
Mash potatoes and garlic, then mix with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until desired consistency is reached.
Step 4: Step 04
If using, gently fold in sour cream. Season to taste, then serve topped with butter and chives.
Storage Tips
Once you’ve whipped up a batch of these scrumptious mashed potatoes, storing any leftovers properly will ensure they stay just as flavorful and creamy. To store the finished dish, allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, simply add a splash of warm milk to bring back the creamy texture, and they’ll taste just as delicious as when you first made them.
For longer storage, you can freeze the mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 1-2 months. To reheat frozen mashed potatoes, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then gently reheat them in a pot on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a bit of extra butter or milk as needed can help restore the creamy consistency. Enjoy the convenience of having these delectable mashed potatoes on hand for a quick and tasty side dish whenever you need them.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or olive oil. This swap will still provide richness to the mashed potatoes while catering to dietary restrictions.
If you prefer a tangy element but don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute. It will add a similar creamy texture and a hint of tanginess to the mashed potatoes, enhancing their flavor profile.
To add an extra layer of flavor, you can roast the garlic beforehand to intensify its taste. Simply drizzle whole garlic cloves with olive oil, wrap them in foil, and bake until soft. Then, mash the roasted garlic into the potatoes for a deeper, slightly sweet garlic flavor.
Serving Suggestions
For a fun twist on serving these creamy mashed potatoes, try creating a mashed potato bar for your next gathering. Set out bowls of toppings like crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, chopped scallions, and caramelized onions for guests to customize their mashed potato creations. It’s a fun and interactive way to elevate a classic comfort food dish!
Another creative serving suggestion is to use these mashed potatoes as a delicious filling for homemade shepherd’s pie. Layer the creamy mashed potatoes on top of a savory meat and vegetable filling in a baking dish, then bake until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy. The combination of flavors and textures will make this shepherd’s pie a crowd-pleasing favorite at any dinner table.
FAQs for Ultimate Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A Must-Try Recipe
Can I use a mix of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, using a mix of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes combines the fluffy texture of russets with the buttery flavor of Yukons, resulting in a delicious combination.
Why is it important to add sour cream last when making mashed potatoes?
Adding sour cream last and folding it in after mashing helps keep the potatoes light while still adding richness to the dish.
How do I prevent my mashed potatoes from becoming watery?
The residual heat from the pot helps evaporate excess moisture, preventing the mashed potatoes from becoming watery. It’s essential to let them sit and absorb any remaining liquid before serving.
Why should I start cooking the potatoes in cold water?
Starting with cold water ensures the potatoes cook evenly from the inside out, preventing a mushy exterior and hard interior texture in the final mashed potatoes.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe as much as I do. There’s something truly special about the comfort and joy that a perfectly creamy bowl of mashed potatoes can bring to any meal. Remember, the key to making the best mashed potatoes lies in the small details and the love you put into your cooking.
Whether you’re serving these mashed potatoes at a holiday gathering or just as a comforting side dish for a weeknight dinner, they are sure to impress and satisfy. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps carefully, and prepare to delight your taste buds with the creamiest, most flavorful mashed potatoes you’ve ever had. Here’s to making every meal memorable with this Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe!
Ultimate Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A Must-Try Recipe
“Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with roasted garlic, seasoned to perfection, and topped with chives – the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.”
Prep Time15 Minutes
Cook Time30 Minutes
Total Time45 Minutes
CuisineAmerican
Skill LevelEasy
Servings8 Servings (8 servings)
Ingredients
- Fresh ground black pepper.
- Chopped fresh chives for garnish.
- 3 pounds potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and chunked.
- 3 garlic cloves.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for serving.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, plus more for cooking water.
- 1 cup whole milk.
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup sour cream (optional).
Instructions
-
Step 01: In a large pot, add potatoes and garlic, cover with water by 1 inch, add salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.
-
Step 02: After draining, return the potatoes to the pot.
-
Step 03: Mash potatoes and garlic, then mix with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until desired consistency is reached.
-
Step 04: If using, gently fold in sour cream. Season to taste, then serve topped with butter and chives.
