Classic Homemade Mashed Potatoes
on Nov 07, 2019, Updated Jun 21, 2024
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No holiday table is complete without a batch of classic, buttery homemade mashed potatoes, and this recipe is perfectly easy to make and yields a heavenly and fluffy bowl of mashed potatoes.
We’re talking about the good stuff today! Mashed potatoes. Is there a better comfort food? I don’t think so… You can’t go wrong with potatoes and butter, right? And I’ll tell you, your holiday celebration needs these potatoes! I know you’ll fall in love with this recipe as much as we have!
I must say, russets are my favorite potato variety for mashed potatoes. They’re forgiving and create the fluffiest end result. When it comes to the great mashing debate, I’m firmly on team potato masher, and occasionally, I’ll use a hand mixer to break down some of the chunks. You can use whatever method you desire to get the texture you like in mashed potatoes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Using russet potatoes, butter, and a few other simple ingredients, you can make the best homemade mashed potatoes for your holiday table or any other occasion.
- They’re so fluffy and buttery, and make the perfect vessel for gravy to sit inside.
- Potatoes are one of the best comfort foods out there, and this simple recipe makes a buttery and extra-fluffy batch that you will love.
Recipe Ingredients
- Potatoes – I prefer russet but Yukon gold also work well
- Butter
- Milk – whole milk will give the creamiest result
- Salt
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Mashed Potatoes
- Peel and chop potatoes.
- Boil until tender, then drain.
- Add melted butter, warmed milk, and salt.
- Mash or beat until smooth and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
If you don’t have a potato masher, a fork is a good substitute. It will create a slightly lumpy consistency. You can also use a hand mixer if you don’t like lumps.
I prefer russet potatoes, but Yukon golds also create smooth, fluffy, and flavorful mashed potatoes. Avoid using waxy potatoes, like red or white varieties, because they create a more pasty mashed potato texture.
It depends on the size of your potatoes. Generally, 7 to 8 russet medium russet potatoes equals 5 pounds, but I’d recommend weighing them on the scale in your store’s produce section.
Expert Tips
- If you’d like to thicken your mashed potatoes, you can heat them over the stove, stirring constantly, for 3 to 10 minutes to evaporate excess moisture. Remove them from heat once they’ve reached the desired consistency.
- Many question how to mash your potatoes. I’m on the team potato masher and occasionally I’ll get out a hand mixer. I don’t think you need a ricer or any special equipment.
- Be sure not to over-mix the potatoes, or else they might get a gluey consistency.
More Side Dishes to Consider
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The Best Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup milk, warmed
- Butter, salt, and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water by 2 inches, and bring to a boil.
- Add 2 teaspoons salt, and stir to combine.
- Simmer until fork-tender but not falling apart, about 30 minutes.
- Drain and return the potatoes to the pot. Allow the potatoes to steam, lid off, for 3 to 4 minutes (letting them release more steam after draining helps them to be fluffier).
- Add the milk, butter, and 2 teaspoons salt. Use a potato masher to mash well. You can also beat them with a hand mixer if you prefer—just don't over beat them.
- Serve hot with additional salt, pepper, and butter to taste.
Notes
- Russets are the best kind when it comes to extra-fluffy mashed potatoes.
- There’s some hot debate on HOW to mash your potatoes. I’m on team potato masher and occasionally I’ll get out a hand mixer. I don’t think you need a ricer or any special equipment—they’ll be just delicious without the extra step.
- I love how simple this recipe is. All you do is peel and cube some russet potatoes, boil them, and mash them with milk, butter, and salt to get some seriously dreamy mashed potatoes.
- One way to thicken the mashed potatoes is heat them over the stove, stirring constantly, for 3 to 10 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
These are the simplest, most perfect potatoes. Although I didn’t add all of the milk.