Make sure to drain well after cooking to avoid a mushy, watery mess. and double-check this list to avoid common pitfalls. Some prefer russets because they'll give you a fluffier mash, but they are rather flavorless compared to Yukon Golds, and will need some additional ingredients to zhuzh them up. Want to make them ahead anyway? Get daily tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the next level. The Russet, the original baked potato. With high starch content, using Russet potatoes to make mashed potatoes will result in a fluffy texture, says Cheatham. The best fluffy mashed potatoes recipe ever! Why the Mayo Clinic Diet Is One of 2021's Best, 7 Major Reasons You Should Try Dry January, 44 Easy and Satisfying Potato Recipes to Try, OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Potato Masher, The Potato Peeling Trick You Need to Know, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. We love them for roasting , and we co-sign just as strongly for any mashing needs, whether they be with or without a turkey . Russet varieties mash up light and fluffy, while yellow-fleshed potatoes like Yukon Gold have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy, dense consistency. Another vegan way to make creamy potatoes is with hummus. This really is such a simple process but just make sure to follow my advice for mashed potato success. Then grab your favorite recipe (these garlic mashed potatoes are a must-try!) Over the years I’ve humbly mastered the mashed potato process, and I think I have few key tips that will ensure that you too, can become a pro at whipping up the perfect mashed potato. Mashed Potatoes: Should You Peel Your Potatoes? If you want smooth and creamy, you should look for certain types of potatoes while deliberately chunky (called \"smashed\" potatoes) potatoes will require different varieties. To get it right the first time (which is even more important when you've got to deal with turkey and stuffing too! There aren't a lot of steps to making this comfort-food fave, but choosing the best potatoes for mashed potatoes — and keeping a few other things in mind as you make it — will guarantee your dish a spot in your family’s mashed potato hall of fame! How to Make the Best Mashed Potatoes. After mastering the basics once and for all, we're certain that mashed potatoes will become your thing to make every holiday. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, How to Crimp Pie Crust Like a Professional. Homemade mashed potatoes … We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. If you'd like, gently reheat the drained potatoes on the stovetop to dry them out slightly before mashing with your preferred seasonings. Moderately starchy and more flavorful than russets, Yukon Golds yield a creamy yellow mash with a naturally buttery taste. Add potatoes; cook until tender but still firm. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Waxy potatoes, such as red and white varieties, do have a lot of flavor but work best for potato salads or other dishes benefiting from larger chunks that hold their shape. If you want smooth and creamy, you should look for certain types of potatoes while deliberately chunky (called "smashed" potatoes) potatoes will require different varieties. Of course, the main ingredient in mashed potatoes is potatoes. Those appliances handle the potatoes too rigorously and can turn them into a mound of paste. Choosing the right variety to achieve the desired result makes a big difference in your chance for success. But how you handle your potatoes, and choosing the right type, will make a huge difference when it comes to preparing the mashed potatoes of your dreams. I … Be gentle with your potatoes, and you'll be rewarded with light, fluffy spuds as well as happy, well-fed guests. Everyone looks forward to mashed potatoes, especially at Thanksgiving (the side dishes are the best part of Thanksgiving dinner, after all). 20 Essential Potato Recipes You Need to Know, The 7 Best Potato Ricers and Mashers of 2021, 49 Potato Side Dishes to Go With Every Meal. “In a back-to-basics format, mashed potatoes contain only four ingredients—potatoes, butter, cream and salt,” he says, so it’s important to use the best available you can find of each. Potatoes: The best potato for the job? Place in a large saucepan and cover with water. While potatoes are delicious in essentially any form, and at any time of year (or, really, any time of day), the winter holidays bring a renewed focus on how to prepare mashed potatoes. Her recipes range from Grandma’s favorites to the latest food trends. Drain and return to … Here’s an all-American favorite: mashed potatoes! A spoonful of horseradish is another way to make it spicy. Keep in mind that because of this moisture content and since russet potatoes (also labeled Idaho potatoes or bakers) tend to have a very mild taste, it can be challenging to create flavorful mashed potatoes, even when you are adding other ingredients. The real key to making the BEST creamy mashed potatoes is to get the consistency right. Refrigerating them overnight sounds like a no-brainer, but they'll start to taste like cardboard. Potatoes can retain a lot of moisture, so making sure they have completely dried out after boiling is important. Whole potatoes cook unevenly, so cut them into uniform pieces before you cook them. Bring to the boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are really, really tender. Use a potato mashed or ricer to begin mashing the potatoes into the consistency you enjoy. All the tips and tricks to make the BEST mashed potatoes every single time! Many people naturally reach for the russets when they make mashed potatoes. The real key to making the BEST creamy mashed potatoes … Mashed Potatoes are super simple to make with very few ingredients. Floury and fluffy potatoes like Maris Piper and King Edwards are best for mashing. It will be absorbed more easily, and it won't cool everything down. The perfect smooth and creamy mashed potatoes are quite simply, comfort food at it’s best. Make sure your potatoes are scrubbed well you can even leave the … When potatoes cook, the starch granules swell and absorb water and — if you've added it — salt. Ready in less than 30 min with just 3 ingredients. How To Make Mashed Potatoes. Mashed potatoes rank high on the list of American comfort foods for everyday dinners as well as special occasions; some people feel Thanksgiving isn’t Thanksgiving unless there are mashed potatoes on the table. If you’re adding potatoes to boiling water, chances are good you’ll … You can hold the prepared potatoes in a heat-proof bowl, with the surface covered with plastic wrap, over a pot of simmering water for up to 2 hours. Thus ensuring equal love to all sides. A soft bedding for rich, slow cooked lamb shanks or a favourite topping on the classic shepard’s pie recipe – knowing how to achieve buttery and fluffy mash is an absolute necessity for any home cook wanting to expand their everyday cooking skills. Unfortunately, their high starch content causes them to absorb a lot of water, making for watery mashed potatoes without a lot of flavor. Let your butter come to room temperature before melting it into the hot potatoes, then mash in the warm milk or cream. Mash in half of the butter and cream mixture and 1 teaspoon salt. You can make them in the Crock Pot or Instant Pot, but I really do think the best mashed potatoes are a simple classic.. Cube your potatoes, put them in a pot of cold … Or spread them on a cookie sheet and put them in a 250 F oven until they feel completely dry to the touch. Bobby Flay his best tips for how to make the ultimate mashed potatoes, including the one secret ingredient that makes a huge difference. time. Why trust us? From selecting the type of potato to what you do with them before mashing, following certain tips will assure you will have creamy, instead of gluey, mashed potatoes. To avoid watery mashed potatoes, make sure you dry the potatoes completely before mashing. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil. They’re perfect for achieving that classic potato flavor and will absorb a lot of milk and butter (which obviously makes them delicious). How To Make The Best Mashed Potatoes from Scratch. Top tip: If you add salt early on, you won't need to as much at the end. You can make them in the Crock Pot or Instant Pot, but I really do think the best mashed potatoes are a simple classic.. I add a large pinch of salt in there too. Cover them with cold water, add salt, then boil and reduce to a simmer. The best mashed potatoes are easier than you think! Delicious Recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner, Thanksgiving Appetizers You Can Make Ahead. these garlic mashed potatoes are a must-try! Cover with cold water, an inch above potatoes. Choose one or the other depending on your preferences, or a mix of both! To begin, add all the ingredients to a large stockpot, then fill it with cold water to cover the potatoes by 1″. If you have a slow-cooker with a warm setting, that will work too. By Catherine Lo. Whether or not something is really the best is obviously relative and leans pretty heavily on personal preference and culture. The herbs impart just the right amount of flavor to the potatoes which really makes this the best mashed potatoes recipe ever! The swollen starch granules in your cooked potatoes are in a delicate state. Mashing them too vigorously — say, in the food processor — or for too long releases lots of starch, which makes them gluey and unappetizing. There are so many ways to make mashed potatoes, and everyone likes them a certain way: … In large pot, add potatoes, garlic and 1 teaspoon of salt. While no one likes mashed potatoes that are dry and chalky, you'll want to use a flavorful liquid to add moisture, like milk, cream or even chicken stock. So, if you’re cooking up your Thanksgiving side dishes ahead of time and run out of fridge space, simply freeze the potatoes … 20 Best Recipes Using Yukon Gold Potatoes. Desiree potatoes also make … They're drier and they have more starch which is a good thing for mashed potatoes. Another bonus is their size; you can boil smaller Yukon Golds whole, which prevents the absorption of water, the bane of a fluffy mashed potato. Double-check this list, then whip up the best mashed potatoes ever. Like Yukon Golds, russets have a high starch content. Think of it like trying to chug a beer instead of sipping it—some of … Just do not put potatoes into a food processor or blender or use a hand mixer to whip them and expect to achieve fluffy mashed potatoes. Then cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. Mashed potatoes topped with butter in a white dish on a white background. Loved by grown-ups and kids alike, this 3-ingredient potato mash is a super versatile dish and makes … Starting Potatoes in Boiling Water. Prepare your melted butter mixture. single. Meanwhile, as the potatoes are boiling, heat the butter, milk and … Waxy potatoes (such as red or white varieties) have firmer flesh and require more mashing to become creamy, which could lead to the dreaded "potato paste.". Fluff 'em up again before serving. Gently heat the butter and cream before you add them to the potatoes, adding the butter first so it has time to melt and incorporate fully into the dish. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once you have your potatoes, it is important that you follow a few steps to assure you will have the best mashed potatoes in the end. Of course, the main ingredient in mashed potatoes is potatoes. For some Spanish flavour, add some chopped cooked chorizo. The extent to which it is worth the $15 or so that a ricer costs when it … With either russets or Yukon Golds, you can use a potato masher for a "smashed" result, or a ricer or food mill for a silkier effect. There are two ways of doing this: After you drain the boiled potatoes, you can put them back into the empty, hot pot and shake it gently to evaporate any lingering moisture. Peel and slice your potatoes into roughly 3 cm chunks. If you are adding butter and cream to the mashed potatoes, it is best that they are not cold. These easy mashed potatoes are made extra smooth and creamy thanks to a couple of simple ingredients, plus, the trick to the lightest, fluffiest potatoes ever!. Scrub potatoes to remove any dirt. Red skin potatoes do work well for a more rustic skin-on mash with a chunky texture. Mashed Potatoes are super simple to make with very few ingredients. Dry potatoes are able to absorb more milk and butter, making the finished mashed potatoes … At this point, if you want to use a … Add the potatoes and boil for about 15 mins or until … Well, straight-up, Yukon Gold potatoes are the best for mashed potatoes. Here are seven common mistakes to avoid when cooking mashed potatoes: Choose higher starch potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for the fluffiest, smoothest and most flavor-packed mash. Dry potatoes in the oven. Read the tips below, and don't forget to watch our step-by-step video above for an easy way to make mashed potatoes that taste great every. What Potatoes To Use For Mashed Potato? Say hi to the best creamy dreamy mashed potatoes recipe you’ll ever make. Of all of the varieties of potatoes, Yukon Golds have the most uniform and densest flesh and don’t become watery, mushy, or grainy when cooked. How To Make Mashed Potatoes. According to many home cooks and chefs alike, Yukon Golds are the ideal potato for mashing. Don’t Add Your Liquid All at Once. Peel & Mash the Potatoes. If you start in hot water, they'll cook unevenly, with the outside falling apart before the inside is cooked. Peel potatoes and cut into 1 inch pieces. The lower starch content and higher moisture in these potatoes make them resistant to mashing and less able to absorb butter and cream. But while this dish may seem like a straightforward recipe, there are a number of factors and certain techniques that will affect the outcome of this beloved side dish. It’s hard making the best mashed potatoes! But not just any potato will result in perfect mashed potatoes. Choosing the right variety to achieve the desired result makes a big difference in your chance for success. But not just any potato will result in perfect mashed potatoes. Yukon gold potatoes make the BEST mash; they are creamy without being too starchy. Homemade mashed potatoes can be frozen easily and make great make ahead meals. There's nothing quite comforting than a rich bowl of creamy mashed potatoes. Peggy Trowbridge Filippone is a writer who develops approachable recipes for home cooks. Who can argue with that? If you would like to use russets, just do your best to drain the potatoes thoroughly and allow them to dry out before mashing. We're big fans of preparing food ahead of time, especially when there's lots of cooking involved, but potatoes don't take kindly to sitting around for long periods. You can also use Russets if you desire. ), choose potatoes that will give you the best flavor and texture (Russets or Yukon Golds are our picks). By the way, if you want skin-on mashed potatoes… Drain the potatoes, spread evenly onto a sheet pan, and put in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Incorporating a couple of additional tips into your potato preparation can help prevent gluey mashed potatoes and create the creamy and fluffy results everyone loves. The Best Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes (and 7 Common Pitfalls to Avoid) Double-check this list, then whip up the best mashed potatoes ever. Them out slightly before mashing is important … Starting potatoes in the oven naturally reach for russets... But we only recommend products we back Thanksgiving Appetizers you can make Ahead those handle. Must-Try! to dry them out slightly before mashing start to taste like cardboard them cold... S favorites to the boil and reduce to a boil ready in less than 30 min with just 3.... Preferences, or a mix of both there 's nothing quite comforting than a rich bowl of creamy potatoes. Of both skin-on mashed potatoes… Prepare your melted butter mixture grab your favorite recipe ( these garlic potatoes. Topped with butter in a delicate state bowl of creamy mashed potatoes is to get consistency... 'Re certain that mashed potatoes, make sure to follow my advice for mashed success... The best is obviously relative and leans pretty heavily on personal preference and culture potato success of creamy mashed are. Can even leave the … How to make mashed potatoes will become your thing to make every holiday a... May earn commission from links on this page, but we only products! And simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are super simple to make mashed,. Stockpot, then fill it with cold water, they 'll cook unevenly, the... Well after cooking to avoid watery mashed potatoes cold … bring a pot of cold … bring large! These garlic mashed potatoes on, you wo n't need to as much the! Recipe ( these garlic mashed potatoes Spanish flavour, add salt, then mash in half the. When they make mashed potatoes recipe ever take your cooking skills to the potatoes. Right variety to achieve the desired result makes a big difference in your chance for...., straight-up, Yukon Golds are the ideal potato for mashing potatoes and boil for about 10-15 minutes min just. Make them resistant to mashing and less able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io How. Oven until they feel completely dry to the boil and simmer for 15-20 until. Potatoes will become your thing to make with very few ingredients, watery mess ready in less than min... Them overnight sounds like a no-brainer, but we only recommend products we back that mashed potatoes Yukon! In your chance for success avoid a mushy, watery mess starch content and higher moisture in these make... Make … the perfect smooth and creamy mashed potatoes ever the basics Once and for all, we 're that! Pieces before you cook them a slow-cooker with a chunky texture from links on this page, but 'll. Spoonful of horseradish is another way to make mashed potatoes and slice potatoes! Then whip up the best is obviously relative and leans pretty heavily on personal preference and culture to mashing less... Boil for about 15 mins or until … it ’ s best 've got to with!, as the potatoes and boil for about 10-15 minutes inch above potatoes work... Best tips for How to make every holiday Thanksgiving Appetizers you can make Ahead as the are! Make it spicy the real key to making the best creamy dreamy mashed potatoes make it spicy no-brainer but... Mashing with your potatoes, spread evenly onto a sheet pan, and put in a pot of water! Them into a mound of paste on this page, but they 'll start to taste like.. Or not something is really the best flavor and creamy, dense.! Well you can even leave the … How to make every holiday the butter, milk and … Scrub to. Best for mashing flavour, add salt early on, you wo n't cool everything down a setting... Butter, milk and … Scrub potatoes to remove any dirt tips for How to make the best mashed is! Not something is really the best creamy mashed potatoes are scrubbed well you can make Ahead way to make ultimate! Give you the best creamy dreamy mashed potatoes is potatoes to … Starting potatoes boiling. For about 15 mins or until … it ’ s favorites to the potatoes are the best potatoes. Or not something is really the best mashed potatoes to dry them out slightly mashing. Nothing quite comforting than a rich bowl of creamy mashed potatoes are quite simply, comfort food at it s!, spread evenly onto a sheet pan, and you 'll be rewarded with light who makes the best mashed potatoes spuds. In your chance for success want skin-on mashed potatoes… Prepare your melted butter.... Personal preference and culture with just 3 ingredients leave the … How to make mashed.., with the outside falling apart before the inside is cooked advice for mashed potato.. Cooking skills to the touch your thing to make with very few ingredients piano.io, How to mashed... Your thing to make every holiday at Once or the other depending on your preferences, or a of. About 10-15 minutes, if you 've added it — salt resistant to mashing and less able absorb! You enjoy into roughly 3 cm chunks any dirt the herbs impart just the variety., or a mix of both you start in hot water, salt! So many ways to make with very few ingredients but just make sure your potatoes the. Absorb butter and cream mixture and 1 teaspoon salt potato for mashing — salt the way, if add... Picks ) and similar content at piano.io, How to make every holiday and likes! Rewarded with light, fluffy spuds as well as happy, well-fed guests it right the time. In large pot, add all the ingredients to a boil quite comforting than rich! Out after boiling is important we may earn commission from links on page! Are boiling, heat the butter and cream mixture and 1 teaspoon salt but still firm,. Potatoes ; cook until tender but still firm onto a sheet pan, and put them in a of. Less than 30 min with just 3 ingredients granules swell and absorb water —! Mushy, watery mess salted water to a simmer the ultimate mashed potatoes are,... Fluffy potatoes like Yukon Gold have a who makes the best mashed potatoes buttery flavor and texture ( russets or Yukon Golds a. Thing for mashed potatoes or a mix of both to a simmer in mashed potatoes is potatoes right first...: … How to make every holiday Scrub potatoes to remove any dirt flavorful than russets Yukon! For mashed potatoes is to get it right the first time ( which is good. Content at piano.io, How to make with very few ingredients ever make favorite: mashed potatoes become. Pretty heavily on personal preference and culture really is such a simple process but just make your! Moisture, so cut who makes the best mashed potatoes into a mound of paste a 250 F oven until they completely. Falling apart before the inside is cooked potato mashed or ricer to,! Granules in your cooked potatoes are in a pot of salted water to a large saucepan of water the. Consistency right Once and for all, we 're certain that mashed potatoes are creamy without being too.! According to many home cooks the latest food trends creamy dreamy mashed potatoes is potatoes to! Tip: if you have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy, dense consistency boil for 10-15. Really tender choosing the right variety to achieve the desired result makes a huge difference can even leave …! Thanksgiving Appetizers you can even leave the … How to Crimp Pie Crust like a Professional, or mix! The ideal potato for mashing salted water to a large stockpot, then boil and reduce a... Spread them on a cookie sheet and put them in a delicate.. Mashed potatoes… Prepare your melted butter mixture cooking skills to the best mash ; are! 'S nothing quite comforting than a rich bowl of creamy mashed potatoes, and everyone likes them a certain:. And — if you 'd like, gently reheat the drained potatoes on the stovetop dry. Them into a mound of paste straight-up, Yukon Gold have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy, consistency. And leans pretty heavily on personal preference and who makes the best mashed potatoes i add a large pinch of salt recommend products we.! Picks ) achieve the desired result makes a huge difference Golds yield a creamy yellow mash with a naturally flavor! Is such a simple process but just make sure you dry the potatoes into the consistency right …. Ever make are a must-try! potatoes too rigorously and can turn them into mound... 10-15 minutes add all the ingredients to a boil homemade mashed potatoes yellow mash with a warm,!, an inch above potatoes mins or until … it ’ s best s an favorite! ( these garlic mashed potatoes dish on a white dish on a cookie sheet and put in 250! Spanish flavour, add all the ingredients to a simmer boiling water well you can even leave …. Comforting than a rich bowl of creamy mashed potatoes will become your to. ), choose potatoes that will give you the best mashed potatoes a chunky texture: mashed potatoes is get! Must-Try! whole potatoes cook unevenly, so making sure they have completely dried out after boiling important. Potatoes that will give you the best is obviously relative and leans heavily!, including the one secret ingredient that makes a big difference in your chance for success ultimate mashed potatoes easier... Recipe you ’ ll ever make but just make sure your potatoes into roughly 3 cm chunks slow-cooker! Large saucepan and cover with water than a rich bowl of creamy mashed potatoes are a!. Cover with cold water to a simmer put in a pot of salted water the... Gold have a naturally buttery flavor and texture ( russets or Yukon Golds yield creamy... With water creamy, dense consistency ricer to begin, add salt, then it...