Our Favorite Homemade Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Think of this as an everyday recipe – one that you can adapt based on what you have in the fridge. Nothing is overly decadent, although, you could easily turn them into something that is. We call for 1 cup of liquid to be added to the potatoes. At home, we usually use equal parts milk to chicken stock. You could use all milk or all chicken stock. Or, replace some milk with heavy cream for extra decadent potatoes. A tablespoon or two of cream cheese wouldnt hurt, either. The trick to great mashed potatoes is seasoning up front. Adding a hearty amount of salt to the water seasons the potatoes while they cook – we use at least 1 tablespoon. This is similar to salting pasta water.
Think of this as an everyday recipe – one that you can adapt based on what you have in the fridge. Nothing is overly decadent, although, you could easily turn them into something that is. We call for 1 cup of liquid to be added to the potatoes. At home, we usually use equal parts milk to chicken stock. You could use all milk or all chicken stock. Or, replace some milk with heavy cream for extra decadent potatoes. A tablespoon or two of cream cheese wouldnt hurt, either. The trick to great mashed potatoes is seasoning up front. Adding a hearty amount of salt to the water seasons the potatoes while they cook – we use at least 1 tablespoon. This is similar to salting pasta water.
- Carbohydrate 8.85662268526191 g
- Cholesterol 19.2515625099219 mg
- Fat 7.3122251937863 g
- Fiber 2.58213461318883 g
- Protein 2.65346167010688 g
- Saturated Fat 4.47804758261482 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (199g)
- Sodium 255.205479286572 mg
- Sugar 6.27448807207308 g
- Trans Fat 0.617548279322668 g
- Calories 105 calories
Step-by-step
- Scrub then dice potatoes, making sure they are similar in size. (We often leave the skin on the potatoes, but it is completely up to you).
- Drop potatoes in a large saucepan, add a tablespoon of salt and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat then reduce to a low simmer.
- Cook until the potatoes fall apart when pierced with a fork, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Heat the milk or chicken stock, and the butter until warm and the butter has melted.
- Drain then return the potatoes to the saucepan and cover with a clean dishtowel.
- Leave them for about 5 minutes to absorb excess steam that can make mashed potatoes watery.
- Pour in the warm butter mixture then mash the potatoes until creamy. (Don’t worry if the potatoes seem a bit thin at first, they absorb the liquid after a minute or two).
- Stir in the pepper and splash of cream (if using).
- Taste for seasoning and adjust with additional salt and pepper.
- Let stand for 5 minutes so that the potatoes thicken, and then serve.
Our Favorite Homemade Mashed Potatoes: A Simple Comfort Food
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and of course, delicious. That's why I rely on recipes that are both versatile and satisfying, and my go-to comfort food is undeniably mashed potatoes. This isn't some fancy, gourmet dish; it's the kind of mashed potatoes that bring back memories of family dinners and cozy nights in. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. It’s a blank canvas, really, allowing you to tailor it to your taste and what you have on hand.
I often find myself grabbing this recipe on a hectic weeknight. It's a lifesaver when I need a quick and satisfying side dish to complement any main course, from roasted chicken to simple grilled salmon. The secret? Generous seasoning from the start. Salting the potatoes while they boil infuses flavor throughout, resulting in perfectly seasoned potatoes every single time. No more bland, boring mashed potatoes here! I've experimented with various additions over the years – sometimes I'll add a splash of heavy cream for extra richness, other times I simply stick to milk and chicken broth for a lighter option. The flexibility is what keeps me coming back to this recipe again and again. I love that I can easily make it my own depending on my mood and the ingredients I have on hand.
The process is surprisingly straightforward. Simply boil the potatoes until they're tender enough to easily mash. While the potatoes are cooking, I usually take a moment to prepare the milk or cream mixture and get everything ready. This allows for a seamless transition between stages, ultimately cutting down on the overall cooking time. Once the potatoes are cooked, draining them and letting them sit for a few minutes helps to reduce excess moisture, leading to creamier mashed potatoes. The final touch is simply adding the warm milk/cream mixture and mashing until smooth and creamy. I love to add a touch of freshly ground black pepper for a subtle kick.
This simple recipe has become a staple in my home, a testament to its ease, versatility, and undeniable deliciousness. It's the kind of recipe that even novice cooks can master, ensuring a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. The best part? The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for busy schedules. I often make a double batch on Sunday so I have some ready-made side dish throughout the week. And honestly, what's better than that? So grab your potatoes, and let's get mashing!
Beyond its ease and adaptability, what I appreciate most about this recipe is the ability to introduce variations. Sometimes I’ll add roasted garlic for a deeper, more savory flavor. Other times, a dash of chives or parsley brightens up the dish beautifully. The possibilities are truly endless. It's a testament to how a simple recipe can become a source of creativity in the kitchen. I encourage you to experiment and find your own perfect combination of flavors. After all, the best recipes are often the ones we personalize.
So next time you are looking for a simple, yet undeniably satisfying side dish, reach for this mashed potato recipe. It’s a recipe that’s versatile, flexible, and always a crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion. Trust me, it’s as comforting and easy as it sounds. Enjoy!
