Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
This classic is delicious on its own, but you can also try four flavorful Mashed-Potato Variations.
Servings: 9 servings
Calories: 268kcal
Ingredients
- 5 pounds russet potatoes peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt plus more for boiling potatoes
- ¾ cup whole milk heated, plus more as needed
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted with milk
Instructions
- Peel, cut and rinse potatoes. Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water by 2 inches, add extra salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart, about 30 minutes; drain.
- While potatoes cook, heat milk and butter together until butter is melted; set aside.
- Transfer potatoes to a large mixer bowl or mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or a whisk attachment, beat on medium speed until finely crumbled. Add heated milk and butter, and 2 teaspoons salt; beat until just smooth, adding more milk as need for a light, creamy texture.
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
- Start the potatoes in cold water. Be sure to start cooking the potatoes from cold water and bring up to a boil. This is a professional cooking method to make sure the potatoes cook evenly and don't overcook.
- Boil in salted water. Just like pasta, boil the potatoes in salted water, this helps season the potatoes while they cook!
- Heat the milk and butter. Be sure to warm the milk and butter before stirring into the hot potatoes, this ensures a fluffy and creamy texture.
- Drain the potatoes well. After boiling the potatoes, be sure to drain them well, this helps keep excess water out of the potatoes that could make them thin or runny.
- Use a hand mixer. No ricer or potato masher needed here, use a hand mixer for perfect results every time.
Nutrition
Calories: 268kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 538mg | Potassium: 1077mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 230IU | Vitamin C: 14.4mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 2.2mg
