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5 from 1 vote

The Best Mashed Potatoes

No holiday table is complete without a batch of classic, buttery mashed potatoes, and this recipe is perfectly easy to make and yields a heavenly and fluffy bowl of mashed potatoes.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Servings: 10
Author: Melissa Griffiths

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. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1 of 10 servings | Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 1021mg | Potassium: 976mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 316IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 2mg

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