Description
These are the creamiest, fluffiest mashed potatoes you’ll ever make! With a balance of butter, warm milk, and an option to add cream cheese, these mashed potatoes have an incredibly rich texture that makes them a perfect addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family dinner. They’re also great for making ahead or freezing, so you can enjoy them whenever you want a comforting, delicious side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4-5 pounds potatoes (Russets, Yukon Golds, or a mix)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt + 1 tablespoon for boiling water
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
- Fresh cracked black pepper, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes in half or quarters, depending on size. Add them to a large pot with cold water about an inch above the potatoes, and add 1 tablespoon salt. For extra flavor, add garlic if desired.
- Boil the Potatoes: Bring water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes well.
- Warm the Milk: While the potatoes are draining, warm the milk in the microwave for about 1 minute.
- Mash the Potatoes: Return potatoes to the pot and mash with a potato masher or mixer until broken up (don’t over-mash to avoid gumminess).
- Add Milk and Butter: Slowly mix in the warm milk and softened butter, a little at a time. Add cream cheese if desired, mixing until creamy.
- Season and Serve: Adjust salt to taste, then garnish with parsley or chives and black pepper. Serve warm.
Notes
- Rich Texture: For even creamier potatoes, replace whole milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.
- Make Ahead: To make in advance, complete up to the milk step, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat and mix in butter.
- Freezing Tips: Freeze fully prepared potatoes by flattening them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight before reheating at 350°F.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: side-dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 250lcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg