Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Buttery, smooth, and incredibly comforting mashed potatoes. The ultimate classic side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any main course.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 lbs Russet potatoes(About 3-4 medium to large potatoes. Russets are preferred for their starchy texture, which yields fluffy mashed potatoes.)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter(Cut into cubes. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness.)
- 1 cup Heavy cream(Warmed slightly. This prevents cooling down the potatoes and helps them incorporate the cream smoothly.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(Or to taste. Kosher salt or sea salt is recommended.)
- 1/4 teaspoon White pepper(Or to taste. White pepper is traditional for mashed potatoes as it doesn't leave visible specks, but black pepper can be substituted.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the potatoes: Peel the Russet potatoes and cut them into uniform 1.5-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Boil the potatoes: Place the potato cubes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about 1 inch. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-high and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, easily pierced with a fork with no resistance. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 3
Drain and dry: Carefully drain the potatoes in a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the hot, empty pot. Place the pot back on the stove over low heat for 1-2 minutes, shaking the pot gently, to allow any residual moisture to evaporate. This step is crucial for fluffy, not watery, mashed potatoes.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 4
Mash and incorporate: Remove the pot from the heat. Add the cubed butter to the hot potatoes and let it melt for a minute. Begin mashing the potatoes with a potato masher or ricer until mostly smooth. Gradually pour in the warmed heavy cream while continuing to mash and stir until the potatoes reach your desired creamy consistency. Be careful not to overmix, which can make them gummy.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Season and serve: Stir in the salt and white pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Warm the cream gently in a separate saucepan or microwave before adding it to the potatoes. This helps maintain the heat and ensures a smoother incorporation.
- ✓Avoid overmixing the potatoes once the cream is added. Overworking the starch can lead to a gummy or gluey texture.
- ✓Russet potatoes are ideal for their high starch content, which results in light and fluffy mashed potatoes. Yukon Golds can be used for a creamier, denser mash.
- ✓For extra flavor, consider adding a clove or two of garlic to the boiling water with the potatoes, or sautéing minced garlic before adding it with the butter and cream.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic, sautéed in a little butter, to the mashed potatoes along with the cream.
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Herbed Mashed Potatoes: Mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped chives, parsley, or dill at the end.