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Best Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, fluffy homemade mashed potatoes with butter and warm cream. The perfect comfort food side dish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ​ ​ ​ ​
  • 2 lbs Russet Potatoes about 4 large
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter 1 stick, softened
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup Whole Milk or Heavy Cream warmed
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt plus more for water
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground
  • 2 cloves Garlic roasted or minced (optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot ​

Method
 

  1. Bring water to a boil: Fill a large pot with cold salted water and bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Choose and prep: Scrub 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peel, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks. Place in cold salted water.
  3. Cook until fork-tender: Boil, then simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Drain well, let steam 1 to 2 minutes.
  4. Warm your dairy: Warm 1/2 cup milk or cream in a saucepan over low heat.
  5. Mash and blend: Return potatoes to pot, add butter, mash. Gradually add warm cream, stirring gently. Season with salt and pepper.

Notes

Use Russet or Yukon Gold for the fluffiest texture.
Warm your dairy before adding to prevent lumps.
Do not overmix, as this makes the potatoes gluey.