Perfect Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Perfect mashed potatoes are creamy, smooth, and full of comforting flavor. This simple recipe uses basic ingredients to create a classic side dish that complements any meal.

Ingredients

• 3.3 lbs floury potatoes, cut into even chunks
• ½ cup skim milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp crème fraîche or sour cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil. Add the potatoes and boil for about 15 minutes or until tender.
2. Step 2: Transfer the potatoes to a colander and drain well. Return them to the pan and set over very low heat for 2 minutes to dry completely.
3. Step 3: Heat the milk and butter together in a small pan until the butter melts.
4. Step 4: Pour the warm milk and butter over the potatoes. Remove from heat, then mash the potatoes using a hand mixer or a potato masher.
5. Step 5: Stir in the crème fraîche or sour cream and beat with a wooden spoon until smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use floury potatoes like Russets for the fluffiest texture.
• For richer mashed potatoes, substitute skim milk with whole milk or cream.
• Add roasted garlic or fresh herbs like chives to enhance flavor.
• Avoid over-mixing to prevent gluey mashed potatoes.

Storage

Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for mashed potatoes?

While floury potatoes are best for fluffy mashed potatoes, you can use waxy potatoes, but they might result in a denser texture.

How do I make mashed potatoes ahead of time?

You can prepare mashed potatoes a day in advance and keep them chilled. Reheat slowly and stir in additional milk or butter to refresh the texture before serving.

Perfect Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 76 reviews

• Author: Ethan
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This recipe for perfect mashed potatoes yields creamy, fluffy potatoes with a rich texture from the addition of crème fraîche or sour cream. The mashed potatoes are cooked gently to retain their delicate flavor and achieve a smooth, buttery finish, ideal as a comforting side dish for any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 3.3 lbs floury potatoes, cut into even chunks

Dairy

• ½ cup skim milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp crème fraîche or sour cream

Seasoning

• Salt, a pinch
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the peeled and evenly chopped potatoes and boil for about 15 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Drain and dry: Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander, then return them to the saucepan. Place the pan over very low heat and cook for 2 minutes to evaporate any residual water and dry out the potatoes completely. This step helps prevent watery mashed potatoes.
3. Heat milk and butter: While the potatoes are drying, gently heat the skim milk and butter together in a small pan until the butter melts and the mixture is warm.
4. Mash the potatoes: Pour the warm milk and butter mixture over the potatoes. Remove the pan from heat and mash the potatoes using a hand mixer or potato masher until smooth and lump-free.
5. Add crème fraîche and season: Stir in the crème fraîche or sour cream with a wooden spoon until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm: Serve the mashed potatoes immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Using floury potatoes like Russets or Maris Piper gives the best fluffy texture.
• Drying the potatoes before mashing helps avoid watery mash.
• You can substitute crème fraîche with sour cream or full-fat yogurt for a similar creamy texture.
• For extra flavor, consider adding roasted garlic or fresh herbs like chives or parsley.
• Use a potato masher or hand mixer, but avoid over-mixing which can make potatoes gluey.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: British

Keywords: mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, perfect mashed potatoes, easy side dish, potato recipe, stovetop mashed potatoes