Description
Creamy Buttery Mashed Potato is a rich, fluffy, and comforting homemade side dish made with tender potatoes, unsalted butter, and warm milk. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy mashed potato recipe serves six and pairs beautifully with Christmas dinner, roast beef, turkey, chicken, and savory gravy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes.
- Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover them by approximately 4 inches.
- Add 1 tablespoon salt and bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat slightly and simmer for approximately 15 minutes, until the potatoes become very tender and break apart easily when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander, then return them to the warm saucepan.
- Add 60 g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, 1/2 cup warm milk, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Mash gently with a handheld potato masher until the butter melts and the potatoes become smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Avoid excessive mixing to prevent a sticky texture.
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and create gentle swirls with the back of a spoon.
- Drizzle with extra melted butter, sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Potato choice: Russet, Sebago, or Maris Piper potatoes work well because their starchy texture creates fluffy mashed potatoes.
Warm milk: Warm the milk before adding it to the potatoes so it blends smoothly.
Avoid overmixing: Use a handheld potato masher or potato ricer instead of an electric mixer to prevent gluey potatoes.
Drain thoroughly: Remove excess cooking water before adding butter and milk.
Extra richness: Replace the milk with heavy cream for a richer holiday side dish.
Garlic variation: Gently cook 1 to 2 minced garlic cloves in the butter before adding it to the potatoes.
Cream cheese variation: Add a spoonful of softened cream cheese or sour cream for a tangy, creamy finish.
Loaded variation: Top with crispy bacon and sliced green onions.
Make ahead: Peel and cut the potatoes ahead of time, then keep them submerged in cold water in the refrigerator until cooking.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours and use within 3 to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently with a splash of warm milk or a little butter until the potatoes reach 165°F (74°C).
Serving suggestion: Pair with roast turkey, roast beef, holiday ham, chicken, or savory gravy.
Nutrition: Values are estimates per serving and may vary with ingredient choices.