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The Best Ultra Creamy Classic Mashed Potatoes

A close-up of incredibly creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes piled high in a white serving bowl.
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Follow these steps to make perfectly smooth and creamy mashed potatoes using Yukon Gold potatoes and plenty of butter.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for boiling water
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra tang)

Instructions

  1. Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover the potatoes with cold water by about one inch. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water.
  2. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
  3. Drain the potatoes completely in a colander. Let them sit in the colander for 5 minutes to allow excess steam to evaporate. This step prevents watery potatoes.
  4. Return the drained potatoes to the hot, empty pot. Place the pot over low heat for 1 minute, shaking gently, to dry them further.
  5. While the potatoes dry, heat the milk and butter together in a small saucepan until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm. Do not boil.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a ricer until mostly smooth. Avoid over-mashing, which can make them gluey.
  7. Gradually add the warm milk and butter mixture to the mashed potatoes, mixing gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until you reach your desired consistency.
  8. Stir in the salt, pepper, and sour cream, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For the creamiest texture, use a potato ricer instead of a standard masher.
  • For garlic mashed potatoes, simmer 3 cloves of peeled garlic along with the potatoes, then mash them in with the potatoes.
  • To make these dairy-free, substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk and use vegan butter sticks.
  • For make-ahead preparation, mash the potatoes but hold off on adding the liquid. Reheat the liquid separately and stir it in just before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfleet.com/best-creamy-mashed-potatoes-recipe/