Creamy Homemade Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Homemade Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food with a rich, smooth, and velvety texture. Made from starchy Yukon Gold potatoes combined with butter and warm cream or milk, this classic side dish delivers a perfectly fluffy and indulgent taste that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Easy to prepare and customizable to suit any dietary need or flavor preference, this recipe is perfect for holiday feasts or weeknight dinners alike.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and Mashing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, warmed
- 3/4 cup Whole Milk or Heavy Cream, warmed
- 1 teaspoon Salt, plus extra for boiling water
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 2 cloves Garlic (optional, peeled and whole or minced)
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the Yukon Gold potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks of about two inches each to ensure even cooking.
- Boil Until Tender: Place the potato chunks into a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water, bring to a boil, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain and Steam Dry: Drain the potatoes thoroughly, return them to the hot pot over low heat, and stir gently for 1 to 2 minutes to evaporate any excess moisture and prevent watery mashed potatoes.
- Mash the Potatoes: Use a potato masher, ricer, or food mill to mash the potatoes until smooth, being careful not to overwork them to avoid a gluey texture. Aim for a light and airy consistency.
- Incorporate Butter and Cream: Warm the butter and milk or cream before gradually stirring them into the mashed potatoes. This helps achieve the desired velvety richness and smoothness.
- Season and Serve: Generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately while hot for the best comforting experience.
Notes
- Choose starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet for the best texture.
- Warm the milk or cream before adding to maintain fluffiness and absorption.
- Avoid overmixing the potatoes to prevent a gluey texture.
- Add butter before dairy for richer flavor and creamier consistency.
- Salt both the cooking water and the mashed potatoes well to maximize flavor.
- Optional garlic can be added for a gentle aromatic warmth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, homemade mashed potatoes, comfort food, potato side dish