Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes are one of the best simple Thanksgiving dishes. Made with Yukon Gold potatoes and served warm with butter.
Equipment
- knife
- cutting board
- large stockpot
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
- colander
- small saucepan
- potato masher
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tbsp kosher salt plus more for seasoning
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter cut into 4 pieces
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground, plus more for seasoning
Instructions
- Peel the 3 pounds of Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, then cut them into roughly 1-inch chunks. Place the potato chunks into a large stockpot and cover them with cold water by about 1 inch. Add the 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to the water.
- Bring the water to a full boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook the potatoes until they are very tender and easily pierced with a fork, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
- Carefully pour the cooked potatoes into a large colander to drain. Allow the potatoes to sit in the colander for 3 to 5 minutes to steam dry, which helps prevent watery mashed potatoes and ensures a fluffy texture.
- While the potatoes are draining, combine the 1 cup of whole milk and 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until the butter is completely melted and the milk is warm, but do not allow it to boil.
- Return the drained, steam-dried potatoes to the empty stockpot. Pour the warm milk and butter mixture over the potatoes. Using a sturdy potato masher, mash the potatoes until they are mostly smooth with only a few small lumps remaining, or to your preferred consistency.
- Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Taste the mashed potatoes and add more kosher salt and black pepper as needed until perfectly seasoned. Serve the creamy mashed potatoes immediately while hot.
Notes
Steaming the potatoes after draining helps prevent watery mashed potatoes and ensures a fluffy texture.