Fluffy Mashed Potatoes | Tara Teaspoon

Fluffy mashed potatoes melt in your mouth, and with just four ingredients, are as easy to make as they are delicious!

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Like little clouds on your plate. That’s what the perfect mashed potatoes taste like. Then drizzle them with gravy and oh-my-goodness it’s heaven. These mashers are as simple to make as they are delicious, and basic enough that you can add amazing flavor variations.

I love using russet potatoes for fluffy mashers. Waxy potatoes are delicious, but they don’t have the same fluffy texture. They are smooth and rich, but a very different situation.

Thanksgiving turkey, or a pot roast pairs well with fluffy potatoes. This recipe is just that, and super easy.

For fluffy mashed potatoes I like to use russet potatoes.

After boiling the potatoes in salted water, drain them well. We’ll add moisture back, but in the form of milk and butter! Oh and plenty of it. The potatoes will be hot, so you don’t want to add cold milk and butter, because it will cool them right down. Heat the milk and melt the butter into it.

Use a potato ricer to smash the potatoes. You can also use a potato masher, or a hand mixer, but a potato ricer will give you the smoothest, fluffy mashed potatoes. Then whip in the warm milk and butter and you’ve got the best side dish ever!

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Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

Work Time

15 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

45 mins

 

This classic is delicious on its own, but you can also try four flavorful Mashed-Potato Variations.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: classic mashed potatoes, Fluffy mashed potatoes

Yield: 9 servings

Calories: 268 kcal

Ingredients

• 5 lbs russet potatoes peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tsp kosher salt plus more for boiling potatoes
• ¾ cup whole milk heated, plus more as needed
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter softened

Instructions

1. Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water by 2 inches and bring to a boil; add salt Simmer until fork-tender but not falling apart, about 30 min; drain
2. Transfer potatoes to a large mixer bowl and, using whisk attachment, beat on medium speed until finely crumbled. Add milk, butter and 2 tsp salt; beat until just smooth, adding more milk as need for a light, creamy texture.

Recipe Notes

I love using russet potatoes for fluffy mashers. Waxy potatoes are delicious, but they don't have the same fluffy texture. They are smooth and rich, but a very different situation.

Nutrition Facts

Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

Amount Per Serving

Calories 268 Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 7g 11%

Saturated Fat 4g 20%

Cholesterol 18mg 6%

Sodium 538mg 22%

Potassium 1077mg 31%

Total Carbohydrates 46g 15%

Dietary Fiber 3g 12%

Sugars 2g

Protein 6g 12%

Vitamin A 4.6%

Vitamin C 17.4%

Calcium 5.8%

Iron 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

For more side dishes, browse my recipes.

Click here for the recipes to these amazing variations on Fluffy Mashed Potatoes. Try the Olive and Thyme with a delicious lamb roast. The Bacon and Smashed Carrot mix ins are delicious with pork chops. Smoked Gouda and Scallion Potatoes pair well with a beef roast, mmmm! And try the Chipotle and Cilantro mashers with grilled chicken or fish.

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Recipes Tara Bench & Vanessa Seder
Photographs Quentin Bacon
Food Stylist Susan Vajaranant
Prop Stylist Pamela Duncan Silver
Originally published Ladies’ Home Journal Nov 2008