Introduction
Who doesn’t love a good bowl of mashed potatoes? Creamy, buttery, and flavorful, they’re the ultimate comfort food and a classic side dish for many meals, especially Thanksgiving. However, making mashed potatoes that are truly perfect can be a challenge for many home cooks. Have you ever ended up with lumpy, gluey, or bland mashed potatoes? Or perhaps you’re looking for ways to jazz up your mashed potato game and try new variations. Whatever the case may be, this article is here to help you solve any mashed potato problem and achieve mashed potato success.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to making the perfect mashed potatoes, along with pro tips to ensure that your mashed potatoes are creamy and flavorful. We’ll also share some creative mashed potato recipes that will elevate your comfort food game and impress your guests. Whether you prefer classic mashed potatoes or healthy alternatives, we’ve got you covered. Finally, we’ll offer some do’s and don’ts for making mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving and tips on how to make mashed potatoes ahead of time for meal prep. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Before we dive into the tips and recipes, let’s start with the basics of how to make mashed potatoes from scratch. Here’s a step-by-step guide that will guarantee creamy and delicious mashed potatoes every time:
Choosing the right type of potatoes
The first and most crucial step to making mashed potatoes is choosing the right type of potatoes. While you can technically use any potato variety, some work better than others for mashing. The ideal potatoes for mashed potatoes are starchy and dry, such as russets, Yukon Golds, or yellow potatoes. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes or fingerlings, as they will result in gluey mashed potatoes. You’ll need about 1 pound of potatoes per 2-3 servings.
Preparing and cooking the potatoes
Once you’ve chosen your potatoes, it’s time to peel and cut them into small chunks. The smaller the chunks, the faster and more evenly they will cook. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add 1-2 teaspoons of salt to the water to enhance the flavor. Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become waterlogged and mushy.
Mashing the potatoes
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and let them sit for a minute or two to dry out. Return the potatoes to the pot, turn off the heat, and grab a masher. Mash the potatoes with the masher until they are mostly smooth with a few chunks. Avoid using a blender, food processor, or immersion blender, as they will break down the starches and make the mashed potatoes gummy. You can also use a ricer, which will produce even smoother and fluffier mashed potatoes.
Adding butter, milk, and seasonings
The last and most delicious step is adding the butter, milk, and seasonings to the mashed potatoes. Start by melting 4-6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat and pouring it over the mashed potatoes. Then, add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of warm milk to the potatoes and stir gently. The amount of milk you need will depend on the desired consistency of your mashed potatoes. If you like them creamier, add more milk. Finally, season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, fresh herbs, or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Finishing touches
Once you’ve added the butter, milk, and seasonings, your mashed potatoes are ready to serve! However, if you’re feeling fancy or want to impress your guests, here are a few finishing touches that will take your mashed potatoes to the next level:
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or chives
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top
- Sprinkle with crispy bacon bits or grated cheese
- Drizzle with truffle oil or melted garlic butter
10 Pro Tips for Creamy and Flavorful Mashed Potatoes
Now that you know the basic steps for making mashed potatoes, let’s take it up a notch with these pro tips that will make your mashed potatoes even creamier and more flavorful:
Using the right type of potatoes
As we mentioned before, choosing the right type of potatoes is crucial for making mashed potatoes. If you want your mashed potatoes to be extra creamy, use Yukon Gold potatoes, which have a naturally buttery texture and flavor. If you want them to be fluffier, use russet potatoes and a ricer. You can also experiment with other potato varieties such as fingerling, purple, or sweet potatoes for different colors and flavors.
Adding the right amount of butter and milk
The amount of butter and milk you add to your mashed potatoes will affect their creaminess and richness. As a general rule, use 4-6 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 to 3/4 cup of milk per 1 pound of potatoes. However, you can adjust these amounts to your liking or dietary needs. If you want your mashed potatoes to be healthier, use low-fat milk or skip the butter altogether and add olive oil or Greek yogurt instead.
Using a ricer instead of a masher
If you want your mashed potatoes to be even smoother, invest in a ricer. A ricer is a kitchen tool that resembles a giant garlic press and is specifically designed for mashing potatoes. It works by pushing the potatoes through small holes, which results in fluffy and lump-free mashed potatoes. While a ricer can be more expensive than a masher, it’s worth it if you’re a mashed potato enthusiast.
Seasoning the mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes don’t have to be bland! You can elevate their flavor with various seasonings and spices that complement your meal. Some classic mashed potato seasonings include garlic, onion, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. You can also add more adventurous flavors such as horseradish, Dijon mustard, or wasabi. Just be careful not to overpower the potatoes with too much seasoning.
Incorporating other flavor enhancers
Aside from seasonings, there are other ingredients you can add to your mashed potatoes to enhance their flavor and texture. Here are a few examples:
- Caramelized onions or shallots
- Roasted garlic or garlic confit
- Sour cream, Greek yogurt, or cream cheese
- Bacon crumbles or pancetta bits
- Grated cheese or cheese curds
- Truffle oil or truffle salt
Just make sure to adjust the amount of butter, milk, or seasoning accordingly if you’re adding other ingredients that are already rich or flavorful.
5 Creative Mashed Potato Recipes to Elevate Your Comfort Food Game
If you’re tired of the classic mashed potatoes and want to try new variations, here are five creative mashed potato recipes that will make your taste buds dance:
Loaded mashed potato casserole
If you love loaded baked potatoes, you’ll love this loaded mashed potato casserole. Essentially, it’s like a giant bowl of mashed potatoes with all the toppings baked on top. Start by making a batch of mashed potatoes as usual. Then, spread the mashed potatoes in a baking dish and top with shredded cheese, bacon bits, chopped chives, and sour cream dollops. Bake in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garlic mashed potatoes
Garlic lovers, rejoice! This garlic mashed potato recipe will satisfy your garlic cravings without overpowering the potatoes. Start by roasting a head of garlic in the oven until it’s soft and caramelized. Then, squeeze the garlic cloves into the mashed potatoes along with 4-6 tablespoons of butter, 1/2 cup of warm milk, and salt and pepper to taste. Mash or rice the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Top with chopped parsley or thyme for color.
Mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar and pecans
If you prefer sweet over savory, this mashed sweet potato recipe is for you. It’s like a sweet potato casserole in mashed potato form. Start by peeling and boiling 2-3 sweet potatoes until they’re soft and tender. Mash the sweet potatoes with 4-6 tablespoons of butter, 1/2 cup of warm milk, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans and transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with extra pecans, brown sugar, and marshmallows if desired. Bake in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Mashed cauliflower and potatoes with roasted garlic
If you’re watching your carb intake or want to sneak in some veggies, this mashed cauliflower and potato recipe is a game-changer. It’s creamy, fluffy, and garlicky, and you won’t even notice the cauliflower. Start by boiling equal parts of cauliflower florets and potato chunks until they’re soft and tender. Roast a head of garlic in the oven until it’s caramelized and fragrant. Mash the cooked cauliflower and potatoes with the roasted garlic, 4-6 tablespoons of butter, 1/2 cup of warm milk, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with a sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions.
Mashed avocado and sweet potato
If you’re looking for a healthier mashed potato alternative that’s still creamy and delicious, this mashed avocado and sweet potato recipe is a winner. Start by boiling 2-3 sweet potatoes until they’re soft and tender. In a separate bowl, mash one ripe avocado until it’s smooth and creamy. Mash the cooked sweet potatoes with the mashed avocado, 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, the juice of one lime, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with tortilla chips or as a side dish to a Mexican-themed meal.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Making Mashed Potatoes for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is the ultimate mashed potato holiday, and no Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes. However, making mashed potatoes for a big crowd can be stressful and challenging. Here are some do’s and don’ts to ensure that your Thanksgiving mashed potatoes are a success:
Prepping ahead of time
If possible, prep your mashed potatoes ahead of time so you won’t have to stress about making them on the day of Thanksgiving. You can peel and cut the potatoes the day before and store them in the fridge in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning. You can also make the mashed potatoes a day or two ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just make sure to reheat them properly on Thanksgiving day.
Using the right amount of ingredients
It’s easy to underestimate or overestimate the amount of mashed potatoes you’ll need for Thanksgiving, especially if you’re cooking for a large crowd. As a general rule, plan to make about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of mashed potatoes per person. If you’re serving other starchy sides such as bread, stuffing, or casseroles, you can adjust the amount accordingly. It’s always better to make more mashed potatoes than less, as they’re a popular leftover item.
Avoiding common mistakes
There are a few common mistakes that people make when making mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving.
